In SketchUp, the Fredo Scale plugin is an essential tool that allows users to scale objects in a non-uniform manner. This means you can stretch or compress objects in different directions to achieve the desired shape or proportion.
Installing Fredo Scale Plugin
Before we dive into using the Fredo Scale plugin, let’s first make sure it’s installed correctly.
- Open SketchUp and navigate to the “Window” tab in the menu bar.
- Select “Extension Warehouse” from the dropdown menu.
- In the Extension Warehouse window, search for “Fredo Scale” in the search bar.
- Once you find it, click on the “Install” button next to the plugin name.
- Wait for SketchUp to download and install the plugin. You will see a confirmation message when it’s successfully installed.
Using Fredo Scale
Now that we have Fredo Scale installed, let’s explore how to use this powerful tool:
Selecting Objects
To start using Fredo Scale, you need to select the object(s) you want to scale. You can select multiple objects by holding down the Shift key while clicking on them.
Activating Fredo Scale Tool
Once you have your desired object(s) selected, activate the Fredo Scale tool by clicking on its icon in the toolbar or by navigating to “Extensions” > “Fredo6 Collection” > “FredoScale” in SketchUp’s menu bar.
Scaling Options
The Fredo Scale dialog box will appear with various scaling options:
- Scale Type: Choose between “Uniform Scale” or “Non-Uniform Scale.” Uniform scale scales the object proportionally in all directions, while non-uniform scale allows you to scale each axis independently.
- Scale Handles: Click and drag any of the scaling handles to resize the object. The handles are color-coded for each axis (red for X-axis, green for Y-axis, and blue for Z-axis).
- Numerical Input: You can also directly enter numerical values to specify the scaling factor for each axis.
Precision Scaling
If you require precise scaling, you can enable the “Precision Scaling” option in the Fredo Scale dialog box. This allows you to input specific scaling values and even apply mathematical expressions to achieve accurate results.
Note: It’s worth mentioning that Fredo Scale works not only with individual objects but also with groups and components. This makes it incredibly versatile and useful in various design scenarios.
Conclusion
The Fredo Scale plugin is an invaluable tool in SketchUp that empowers users to scale objects with flexibility and precision. Whether you need to stretch a shape or compress it in a specific direction, Fredo Scale provides the means to achieve your desired result. By exploring its various options and features, you can unlock endless possibilities for creating unique designs.
So go ahead, experiment with Fredo Scale, and take your SketchUp projects to new heights!