How Do You Get the Follow Me Tool in Sketchup?

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SketchUp is a powerful tool for creating 3D models, and the Follow Me tool is one of its most useful features. With the Follow Me tool, you can easily create complex shapes and extrusions by simply dragging a profile along a path. In this tutorial, we will explore how to access and use the Follow Me tool in SketchUp.

Accessing the Follow Me Tool

To access the Follow Me tool in SketchUp, follow these simple steps:

  1. Step 1: Open SketchUp on your computer and create a new project or open an existing one.
  2. Step 2: Select the path along which you want to extrude your profile. This can be any closed loop or curve.
  3. Step 3: Choose the Pencil Tool from the toolbar or press the ‘P’ key on your keyboard to activate it.
  4. Step 4: Draw your profile shape using the Pencil Tool. This shape will be extruded along the selected path.

Using the Follow Me Tool

Now that you have accessed the Follow Me tool, let’s explore how to use it effectively:

  1. Step 1: Select the profile shape you created using either the Select Tool or by double-clicking on it with the Pencil Tool active.
  2. Step 2: Click on the Edit menu at the top of SketchUp’s interface.
    • Note: You can also right-click on your selected shape to access the same menu.
  3. Step 3: From the Edit menu, scroll down and hover over the Follow Me option.
  4. Step 4: A submenu will appear with additional options. Select Follow Me from this submenu.

Tips for Using the Follow Me Tool

To get the best results when using the Follow Me tool, keep these tips in mind:

  • TIP 1: Ensure that your profile shape is a closed loop. Open paths will not work with the Follow Me tool.
  • TIP 2: Avoid complex or self-intersecting profiles, as they may result in unexpected or undesirable extrusions.
  • TIP 3: Experiment with different path shapes and profiles to unleash your creativity and explore unique designs.

In Conclusion

The Follow Me tool in SketchUp is a powerful feature that enables you to easily create complex shapes and extrusions. By following a few simple steps, you can access and utilize this tool effectively.

Remember to keep your profile shape closed and experiment with different combinations of paths and profiles to achieve stunning results. With practice, you’ll be able to master this tool and unlock even more possibilities in your SketchUp projects.

I hope this tutorial has been helpful in explaining how to get the Follow Me tool in SketchUp! Happy modeling!