Sketchup For 3D Design, Part 3

Directions: Choose one of the classroom 3D objects. Measure all sides with a ruler. Re-create this object in Sketchup, with correct dimensions and dimension lines. Export your file as a 2d Graphic. Put it in your network folder! Send the file to your teacher as he/she directs.

Entering Exact Dimensions DRAW a basic shape but do no click the end it. Instead, type the exact dimensions into the DIMENSIONS box in the lower right. The format is 3 12/16”, 1 4/16”

Just ZOOM in, PAN, and ROTATE until you have a good top view! And I be the dimensions you told it to be. Measure it to find out!

Drawing the Basic Shape in 2D Don’t worry about exact dimensions at this point but add dimension lines to see how close you are!

Use the MOVE tool to move that line until the dimension is correct. I needed 9/16”, shown below.

Next I needed a height of this part of 9/16”.

This side is also 9/16” wide.

Sometimes getting the DIMENSION tool to work requires you to draw a line to measure first. You will delete the line afterwards…

Here I’ve deleted the line, but the dimension line remains. Even though the dimension is wrong.

I moved the line but could not get 6/16” Only 5/16”! Hmmm…

Then it hit me! 3/8” is the same as 6/16”. Sketchup was just reducing the fraction. Duh!

Continue working around until you have dimensions for every side. Check and double check!

Sometimes it helps to ORBIT around so you can see if the lines are straight or not.

With the PUSH-PULL tool, highlight an area you do not need, right click, and choose ERASE!

The last thing you check is that you have deleted all temporary lines and edges you will not need.

To make it 3D, just use the PUSH-PULL tool and pull it upwards until the correct dimension is in the measurement box in the lower right!

But the rule of thumb is the double check measurements, so use the DIMENSION tool to add a dimension line for the object’s height.

To find the exact middle of this “face”, we can draw two lines that intersect. Sketchup gives you a blue dot AND the word “Midpoint” pops up when you are in the exact middle of a line.

Simply click the circle tool right at the intersection of these two lines and type in the RADIUS of the circle. WARNING! The “radius” is from the middle of the circle outward, not all the way across (the diameter)! Divide the diameter in half and you’ll have the correct radius.

I deleted the little lines inside the circle to make it ONE shape instead of four pie shapes.

Hold down the mouse button and push the hole downward until you see a different color/texture appear and the words “On Face”. Then let go of the mouse.

Use should see the background (green) inside the hold if you did it correctly.

This takes some practice, but often, you push the hole too far and you create a tube out the bottom.

ORBIT around your object until you get a good 3D view will all dimensions visible.

EXPORT your 2D drawing and insert it into a new Word document, add your name and period, PRINT it out and turn it in!