Where Is Ellipse Tool in SketchUp?

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In SketchUp, the Ellipse tool is an essential tool for creating curved shapes and designs. It allows you to easily create ellipses and circles in your 3D models.

However, finding the Ellipse tool in SketchUp may not be immediately obvious to new users. In this tutorial, we will explore where to find the Ellipse tool and how to use it effectively.

Locating the Ellipse Tool

The Ellipse tool can be found in the toolbar on the left side of the SketchUp interface. By default, it is grouped together with other drawing tools such as the Line, Rectangle, and Polygon tools.

To locate the Ellipse tool:

  1. Click on the ‘Rectangle’ icon in the toolbar.
  2. A dropdown menu will appear with various shape options.
  3. Click on the ‘Ellipse’ option to select it.

Once you have selected the Ellipse tool, your cursor will change into a crosshair. You are now ready to start creating ellipses and circles in your SketchUp model.

Using the Ellipse Tool

To create an ellipse or circle using the Ellipse tool:

  1. Click at a starting point on your model where you want one of the foci of your ellipse or circle to be located.
  2. Move your cursor away from the starting point and click again to set the diameter or major axis length of your ellipse or circle.
  3. If you want a perfect circle instead of an ellipse, hold down the Shift key while dragging your cursor away from the starting point. This constrains SketchUp to create a circle with equal width and height.

After you have created an ellipse or circle, you can modify its properties by selecting it and using the Scale tool, Rotate tool, or other manipulation tools available in SketchUp.

Tips for Using the Ellipse Tool

Here are some tips to help you use the Ellipse tool more effectively:

  • Snapping: SketchUp has a snapping feature that allows you to snap your ellipse or circle to specific points in your model. To enable snapping, go to View > Snapping and select the desired snapping options.
  • Center Point: By default, SketchUp creates ellipses and circles with their center point at the starting point.

    If you want to change the center point after creating an ellipse or circle, simply click on it with the Select tool and move it to a new location.

  • Use Guides: Guides can be helpful when creating precise ellipses or circles. You can create guides by clicking on the ruler at the top or left side of your SketchUp interface and dragging them into position.

The Ellipse tool in SketchUp is a powerful tool for adding curves and rounded shapes to your 3D models. By familiarizing yourself with its location and functionality, you can enhance your modeling capabilities and create more complex designs.

Now that you know where to find the Ellipse tool in SketchUp, experiment with different shapes and sizes to unleash your creativity!