Creating an orthographic view in SketchUp is an essential skill that every designer should have. Whether you are working on architectural plans, product designs, or even 3D printing models, being able to present your design in a clear and accurate way is crucial. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of creating an orthographic view in SketchUp with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
What is an Orthographic View?
An orthographic view, also known as a plan view or a projection drawing, is a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object. It shows the object from a top-down perspective, eliminating any perspective distortion. This type of view provides accurate measurements and proportions of the object, making it ideal for technical drawings and presentations.
Step 1: Prepare Your Model
Before creating an orthographic view, it’s important to make sure your model is properly set up. Here are a few things to consider:
- Organize your model: Group similar components together and assign appropriate layers to different parts of the model. This will make it easier to hide or show specific elements later on.
- Set up scenes: Create scenes for different views or angles that you want to include in your orthographic view.
- Clean up your model: Remove any unnecessary elements like hidden geometry or stray lines that might affect the clarity of your orthographic view.
Step 2: Set Up Your Camera
In order to create an accurate orthographic view, you need to set up your camera correctly. Follow these steps:
- Select the camera: Go to the “Camera” menu and choose “Parallel Projection” from the drop-down menu. This will switch your camera from a perspective view to an orthographic view.
- Adjust the camera angle: Use the Orbit tool to position your camera in a way that shows the desired view of your model.
Step 3: Create Your Orthographic View
Now that your model and camera are properly set up, it’s time to create the orthographic view. Here’s how:
- Select the desired scene: Go to the “Scenes” menu and choose the scene you want to include in your orthographic view.
- Hide unnecessary elements: Use the “Hide” option in the “Edit” menu to hide any elements that you don’t want to include in your orthographic view. This could be anything from furniture pieces to background elements.
- Capture the view: Go to the “File” menu and choose “Export > 2D Graphic”. Select your desired image format (such as PNG or JPEG) and save it to your computer.
Tips for Creating an Effective Orthographic View
To make your orthographic view more visually engaging and informative, consider these tips:
- Add dimensions: Use SketchUp’s dimensioning tools to add measurements and annotations to your orthographic view. This will provide additional context and make it easier for others to understand your design.
- Create exploded views: If you are working on a complex assembly or product, consider creating exploded views that show how different components fit together.
This can be done by selectively hiding or moving parts of your model.
- Use different line weights: Experiment with different line weights to differentiate between different elements of your model. Thicker lines can be used for major structural components, while thinner lines can represent smaller details.
Conclusion
Creating an orthographic view in SketchUp is a valuable skill that allows you to present your designs accurately and professionally. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial and incorporating the suggested tips, you can create visually engaging orthographic views that effectively communicate your design intent. So go ahead and give it a try!