Are you looking to add some rounded edges to your designs in Sketchup? In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to easily round a shape in Sketchup using a simple tool. So let’s get started!
The Follow Me Tool
If you’re familiar with Sketchup, you probably already know about the Follow Me tool. This powerful tool allows you to extrude a profile along a path, creating all sorts of interesting shapes.
But did you know that you can also use the Follow Me tool to round the edges of a shape? Let’s see how.
Step 1: Create Your Shape
First, create the shape that you want to round. You can use any of the drawing tools in Sketchup – the Line tool, Rectangle tool, Circle tool, or any other shape creation option. For this tutorial, let’s say we want to round the corners of a rectangle.
Step 2: Select the Follow Me Tool
Once you have your shape ready, select the Follow Me tool from the toolbar. It looks like an arrow following a curved path.
Step 3: Choose Your Profile
Next, select the face or profile that you want to use for rounding. In our case, we will select one of the corners of our rectangle as our profile.
Step 4: Extrude Along Path
To start rounding your shape, click on the face or edge where you want to start rounding and then drag along the path that you want to follow. As you drag, Sketchup will automatically round your shape based on your selected profile.
Note: You may need to adjust your view or zoom in/out as needed for better control over the rounding process.
Step 5: Fine-tune the Shape
After applying the Follow Me tool, you may notice that your rounded shape is not perfect. Don’t worry – you can easily fine-tune it. Simply use the Eraser tool to remove any unwanted edges or lines and the Push/Pull tool to adjust the thickness or depth of your shape.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you round shapes in Sketchup:
- Group Your Shape: Before using the Follow Me tool, it’s a good idea to group your shape. This will prevent any unwanted modifications to other parts of your model.
- Experiment with Different Profiles: Try using different profiles for different effects.
You can create custom profiles by drawing them separately and then selecting them during the rounding process.
- Combine Multiple Profiles: If you want more complex roundings, you can combine multiple profiles by selecting them in order during the Follow Me process.
- Use Guides: Sketchup’s guide tools can be very helpful when trying to create precise roundings. Use guides to align your profile and path for accurate results.
Congratulations! You have learned how to round a shape in Sketchup using the Follow Me tool. With this technique, you can now add smooth and rounded edges to any design, giving it a polished and professional look.
Keep practicing and exploring different possibilities with Sketchup’s powerful tools. Happy designing!