In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a circular ramp in Sketchup. A circular ramp can be a great addition to your architectural and interior design projects, as it provides a smooth transition between different levels or spaces. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Create a New Sketchup Project
Before we begin, make sure you have Sketchup installed on your computer. Open the software and create a new project by selecting “File” > “New”.
Step 2: Set Up the Circular Ramp
To create a circular ramp, we will use the “Follow Me” tool in Sketchup. First, draw a circle on the ground plane using the “Circle” tool. You can specify the radius of the circle by typing in the desired value.
Next, select the “Arc” tool and draw an arc inside the circle. This arc will determine the width of our ramp.
Make sure to position it parallel to one of the axes (either x or y).
Now, select both the circle and arc by clicking on them while holding down the Shift key. Right-click on one of them and select “Intersect Faces” > “With Selection”. This will create intersection lines between the circle and arc.
Step 3: Create the Ramp Profile
Select only the intersection lines that represent one-quarter of your circular ramp. Delete everything else to keep your workspace clean.
Now, draw a straight line from one end of the intersection line to another end using the “Line” tool. This line will serve as our ramp profile.
Step 4: Use Follow Me Tool
Select both ends of your ramp profile line by clicking on them while holding down Shift. Then, select the “Follow Me” tool from the toolbar.
Click on the circular ramp surface and Sketchup will generate a 3D ramp based on the profile line you drew.
Congratulations! You have created a circular ramp in Sketchup.
Step 5: Customize Your Ramp
Now that your circular ramp is ready, you can further customize it by adding materials, textures, or additional details. Use the “Paint Bucket” tool to apply different materials to different parts of your ramp.
You can also use other Sketchup tools like “Push/Pull” or “Offset” to modify your ramp’s shape or add railing along its edges.
Tips:
- Make sure to draw your circular ramp on a flat surface in Sketchup. If needed, create a flat plane using the “Rectangle” tool before drawing the circle.
- If you want to create a spiral ramp instead of a quarter-circle one, draw multiple arcs inside the circle and follow the same steps accordingly.
That’s it! Now you know how to create a circular ramp in Sketchup. Have fun exploring different design possibilities with this versatile feature!