In this tutorial, we will explore how to use a tape measure tool in Sketchup. The tape measure tool is a handy feature that allows you to accurately measure distances between two points in your Sketchup model. Whether you are designing a house, creating a furniture piece, or working on any other 3D project, the tape measure tool can help you ensure precise measurements.
Step 1: Selecting the Tape Measure Tool
To begin using the tape measure tool, first make sure you have Sketchup open and your model loaded. Then, locate the toolbar on the left side of your screen and look for the icon that resembles a measuring tape. Click on it to activate the tape measure tool.
Step 2: Measuring Distances
Once you have selected the tape measure tool, move your cursor to the starting point where you want to measure from. Click once to set the starting point.
Then, move your cursor to the end point and click again to set the end point. Sketchup will automatically display the distance between these two points in a text box near your cursor.
Note: It’s important to remember that while using the tape measure tool, Sketchup will snap to existing geometry such as edges and endpoints, making it easier for you to accurately select your desired points.
Using Guidelines
If you want to create guidelines based on your measurements, simply double-click anywhere on an existing edge after measuring its length with the tape measure tool. This will create a guideline parallel or perpendicular to that edge at the measured distance.
Entering Precise Measurements
If you have specific measurements in mind and want to enter them directly instead of using visual references, type in your desired measurement followed by an apostrophe (‘) for feet or a double quotation mark (“) for inches. For example, if you want to measure 5 feet, simply type “5′”. Sketchup will automatically convert this input into the appropriate units.
Step 3: Deleting Measurements
If you want to remove a measurement you have made using the tape measure tool, simply right-click on it and select “Delete Guide” from the context menu that appears.
Step 4: Locking Measurements
If you have measurements that you want to remain fixed even if you make changes to your model, you can lock them in place. To do this, right-click on a measurement and select “Lock” from the context menu. This ensures that the measurement will not change even if you modify other parts of your model.
Conclusion
The tape measure tool in Sketchup is a powerful feature that allows you to accurately measure distances and create guidelines in your models. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can make precise measurements and ensure accurate dimensions in your designs. So go ahead and start using the tape measure tool to take your Sketchup projects to new levels of precision!