What Are the Shortcut Keys for SketchUp?

Are you tired of spending extra time navigating through SketchUp’s menus to find the tools you need? Look no further!

In this article, we will explore the world of shortcut keys in SketchUp. These handy keyboard shortcuts can significantly improve your productivity and efficiency when working on your 3D models.

Why Use Shortcut Keys?

Before we delve into the specific shortcut keys, let’s take a moment to understand why using them is beneficial. Shortcut keys are an essential part of any software application, including SketchUp. They allow you to perform tasks quickly without having to search through menus or click multiple buttons.

Keyboard shortcuts save time: By memorizing and using keyboard shortcuts, you can reduce the number of mouse movements and clicks required to perform actions in SketchUp. This efficiency can significantly speed up your workflow.

Improved accuracy: When using shortcut keys, you have more control over the software, which can lead to increased accuracy and precision in your modeling tasks.

Better ergonomics: Constantly reaching for the mouse can strain your hand and wrist over time. By utilizing keyboard shortcuts, you can reduce this strain and maintain a more comfortable working position.

The Essential Shortcut Keys

In SketchUp, there are numerous shortcut keys available for various functions. Here are some of the most commonly used ones:

Navigation Shortcuts

  • Pan: Hold down the Shift key + Middle Mouse Button
  • Orbit: Press and hold the Scroll Wheel
  • Zoom:
    • Zoom In: Scroll Wheel Up
    • Zoom Out: Scroll Wheel Down

Tool Shortcuts

  • Select: Press the Spacebar
  • Move: Press the M key
  • Rotate:
    • Default Rotate: Press the R key
    • Arc Rotate: Hold down the Arc Rotate Toggle Key (Q)
  • Pencil (Line) Tool: Press the L key
  • Erase:
    • Erase All Connected: Hold down the Ctr