In SketchUp, the birds eye view is a powerful tool that allows you to see your model from a top-down perspective, giving you a comprehensive overview of your design. This view is particularly useful when working on architectural or urban planning projects, as it helps you understand the spatial relationships and layout of your design. In this tutorial, we will explore different ways to achieve a birds eye view in SketchUp.
Method 1: Using the Orbit Tool
If you want a quick and easy way to get a birds eye view in SketchUp, the Orbit tool is your best friend. To access this tool, simply click on the Orbit icon in the toolbar or press the “O” key on your keyboard.
Once activated, click and drag anywhere in the drawing area to orbit around your model.
To achieve a birds eye view, drag upwards until you are satisfied with the perspective. You can also use the scroll wheel on your mouse to zoom in and out for more control.
Method 2: Setting Up Scenes
If you frequently need to switch between different views in SketchUp, setting up scenes can save you time and effort. Scenes allow you to save specific camera positions and settings so that you can easily return to them later.
To create a new scene, go to View > Animation > Add Scene or use the “Shift + S” keyboard shortcut. In the Scenes dialog box that appears, give your scene a descriptive name and make sure “Camera Location” is checked.
Once you have set up scenes for specific views, including your preferred birds eye view, you can switch between them by selecting the desired scene from the Scenes dialog box or by using the “Shift + Tab” keyboard shortcut.
Method 3: Using Advanced Camera Tools
If you need more advanced camera control and flexibility, consider using the Advanced Camera Tools extension in SketchUp. This extension provides a range of camera options and features that are not available in the default SketchUp tools.
To install the Advanced Camera Tools extension, go to Window > Extension Warehouse and search for “Advanced Camera Tools.”
Click on the “Install” button and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Once installed, you can access the Advanced Camera Tools by going to View > Toolbars > Advanced Camera Tools. This will add a new toolbar to your interface with various camera-related tools.
Using these tools, you can precisely position and adjust your camera to achieve the perfect birds eye view. You can also save and load camera positions for future use.
Conclusion
The birds eye view is an essential tool in SketchUp that allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of your design from a top-down perspective. Whether you prefer using the Orbit tool, setting up scenes, or taking advantage of advanced camera tools, SketchUp offers multiple options to achieve this view.
Experiment with these methods and find what works best for your workflow. Happy modeling!