In this tutorial, we will explore how to create a polyline in Sketchup. A polyline is a series of connected straight line segments that can be used to create complex shapes or paths. With Sketchup’s intuitive interface and powerful tools, creating polylines is a breeze.
Step 1: Drawing the first line segment
To start creating a polyline, you need to draw the first line segment. Select the Line tool from the toolbar or press the “L” key on your keyboard.
Click once to set the starting point of your line segment and click again to set its endpoint. You can use the arrow keys to lock the direction of your line segment.
Step 2: Adding additional line segments
After drawing the first line segment, you can add more segments to complete your polyline. To do this, select the Line tool again and click on the endpoint of your last segment. Continue clicking on different points in your model to create additional line segments.
Step 3: Closing the polyline
If you want to create a closed shape with your polyline, you need to connect its last endpoint with its first one. To do this, move your cursor over the first endpoint until you see a small green circle indicating that it’s ready for snapping. Click on it to close your polyline.
Step 4: Editing and refining your polyline
Once you have created your polyline, you can edit and refine it as needed. To edit individual segments, double-click on them with the Select tool or use other Sketchup editing tools such as Move and Rotate to modify their position or orientation.
Pro Tip:
If you want more control over how curves are represented in your polylines, consider using the Arc tool instead of the Line tool. With the Arc tool, you can create curved line segments that add a more organic feel to your designs.
Conclusion
Creating polylines in Sketchup is a straightforward process that allows you to build complex shapes and paths. By following these steps and experimenting with Sketchup’s editing tools, you can unleash your creativity and achieve stunning results in your 3D models.