The Scale Tool is one of the most powerful and versatile tools in SketchUp. It allows you to resize, stretch, or distort your 3D models with precision and ease. Whether you need to make a small adjustment or completely transform the size and shape of your design, the Scale Tool is an essential feature that can save you time and effort.
Using the Scale Tool
To access the Scale Tool in SketchUp, you can either select it from the toolbar or use the keyboard shortcut “S”. Once activated, you will notice a series of control points surrounding your selected object.
Pro tip: Before using the Scale Tool, it’s always a good idea to make a copy of your original object. This way, if you’re not satisfied with the changes, you can easily revert back to your initial design.
Scaling Uniformly
If you want to scale your object uniformly in all directions, simply click on one of the corner control points while holding down the Shift key. Then drag the cursor towards or away from the center of your object to increase or decrease its size proportionally.
Note: The center of scaling is determined by a point called the “origin.” By default, SketchUp sets this point at the center of your object. However, you can move it by clicking on an alternative point or using additional modifiers such as Alt.
Scaling Non-Uniformly
If you want to scale your object non-uniformly in specific directions, click on one of the edge control points without pressing any modifier keys. Then drag the cursor towards or away from the center along that particular axis to stretch or compress that side independently.
Pro tip: To scale along multiple axes simultaneously, you can click on a corner control point while holding down the Ctrl key. This allows you to resize the object freely without maintaining its original proportions.
Scaling by a Specific Factor
If you need to scale your object by a specific factor, type in the desired scaling factor directly on your keyboard after activating the Scale Tool. Simply enter a value greater than 1 to increase the size or a value between 0 and 1 to decrease it.
Additional Settings and Options
The Scale Tool offers several additional settings and options that can further enhance your modeling experience:
- Copy: By pressing the Ctrl key while scaling, SketchUp automatically creates a copy of your object instead of modifying the original.
- Numeric Input: If you prefer precise measurements, you can enter numerical values directly into SketchUp’s VCB (Value Control Box) while using the Scale Tool.
- Gizmo Display: You can choose whether to display or hide the gizmo, which is an on-screen manipulator that helps visualize and control scaling operations.
The Scale Tool in SketchUp is undoubtedly an indispensable feature for any 3D modeler. With its flexibility and various options, it allows you to transform your designs with precision while maintaining full control over their proportions. Experiment with different scaling techniques and settings to unlock endless possibilities for your projects!