Sketchup For 3D Design Part 2: 3D Text

Use the 3D Text tool again and type your name. Place it on the ground. You should always place object where the three axes intersection, so place your mouse where the blue, green, and red lines intersect and click to place the text.

Use the ORBIT and mouse wheel to zoom in to get the best view.

3D text is different than most objects because you cannot do much with it. Click the SCALE tool, select your text, and then drag one or more of the green dots up, down, in, or out to see what it can do!

Click the PAINT BUCKET tool and chose “Colors-Named” from the drop down box. Choose a color and “fill” your name with a color. Try several!

Finally, explore the other colors and textures available in Sketchup Finally, explore the other colors and textures available in Sketchup. Try a bunch of these out until you find one you like best.

Think 3D Text is Too Boring or Easy?

Start a new FILE and delete the figure.

Use the FREEHAND tool to hand draw (write) your name Use the FREEHAND tool to hand draw (write) your name. Then go back to the PAINT BUCKET (fill) tool and you can now add multiple colors and/or textures to different sides of your name!

When finished, you have the option to save this as a sketchup file (for current or older versions) to work on later. Save this file as “3dname” to your network folder.

But if you are finished with the file, you can also EXPORT it (File -> EXPORT) as a 2D Graphic and save in a variety of image formats. Export this graphic to your network folder as 3dname and leave it as a .JPEG file.

Open Word and insert the 2D image you just saved. Use word art or a text box to add your name and period to the document. Save the document as “2dname” to your network folder.

With a special “extension” installed, Sketchup will export files as an “STL”. This format can be printed on 3D printers! If you don’t have the “Export STL” extension, as shown, let your instructor know!

Use the RECTANGLE tool to draw a square OR rectangle on the ground. QUESTION: How do you change the size of the object after you’ve already placed it? Which tool do you use?

Highlight just one end of your shape and then “move” it (push or pull) The MOVE tool

Highlight the entire TOP of the object and move it Highlight the entire TOP of the object and move it. Where can you move it?

Putting the object BACK where it started is not always easy just by moving it. This object LOOKS pretty close to being lined back up at the axes of the three lines….but…

If you zoom in, you can clearly see that the object is still floating and not back at the intersection of the axes.

Right click on the object and select “Align Axes”

NOW the object is back where it should be!

Select the PUSH-PULL tool, select the TOP of the object you drew, and pull it UP. Then push it down. This is what makes the object 3D.

NEXT, add a circle, hexagon, triangle, both types of arcs, and a freehand shape. Then, PUSH or PULL them into 3D!

Can you PUSH or PULL the arcs Can you PUSH or PULL the arcs? What did you have to do to PUSH or PULL the freehand shape?

Use the ORBIT tool to rotate the screen around the objects and then the PUSH-PULL tool to change specific SIDES (faces) of the objects. Which one has the most faces to PUSH or PULL?

Add your name in 3D text to one face of one of the objects. Then, use the PAINT BUCKET tool to give every side of each object a color or texture.

Use the ERASER tool to erase the 2D arcs.