How Do You Hollow an Object in Sketchup?

Sketchup is a powerful 3D modeling software that allows you to create and manipulate objects in a virtual environment. One of the common tasks you may come across while using Sketchup is hollowing out an object.

This process involves creating a cavity or empty space inside an existing solid object. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to hollow an object in Sketchup.

Method 1: Using the Solid Tools

The easiest way to hollow out an object in Sketchup is by using the Solid Tools. These tools allow you to perform boolean operations like union, subtract, and intersect on solid objects. Here’s how you can use them:

  1. Select the object you want to hollow out.
  2. Go to the Tools menu and choose Solid Tools.
  3. Select the Subtract tool from the Solid Tools toolbar.
  4. Select the object that will be used as the cutting shape.
  5. Click on the inside of the object you want to hollow out.
  6. The selected object will be subtracted from the original shape, leaving a hollowed-out cavity.

Method 2: Using Follow Me Tool

If your object has a simple shape, you can use the Follow Me tool to create a hollowed-out version. Follow these steps:

  1. Create a closed loop or outline that represents the cross-section of your desired cavity.
    • You can use any drawing tool like Line or Arc to create this outline.
  2. Select the Follow Me tool from the Tools menu or toolbar.
  3. Click on the outline you created in step 1.
  4. Hover over the face or surface of the object you want to hollow out.
  5. Click once to start the Follow Me operation.
  6. The tool will automatically extrude the outline along the path and create a hollowed-out version of your object.

Method 3: Using Intersect Faces

If your object consists of multiple intersecting shapes, you can use the Intersect Faces tool to create a hollowed-out version. Follow these steps:

  1. Select all the intersecting shapes that form your object.
    • You can use the Select Tool or hold down Shift while selecting multiple objects.
  2. Right-click on the selection and choose Intersect Faces > With Selection.
    • This will create additional edges and faces where the selected shapes intersect.
  3. Select all of these new faces by using either the Select Tool or holding down Shift while selecting multiple faces.
    • You should now have only the inner faces selected, which represent your desired cavity.

Congratulations! You have successfully hollowed out an object in Sketchup using various methods.

Whether you used Solid Tools, Follow Me, or Intersect Faces, each method offers a unique approach to achieve a hollowed-out result. Practice these techniques to gain confidence and explore the endless possibilities of 3D modeling in Sketchup.