Understanding the Google SketchUp Components: The Tool Bar

2008-10-19

Page content

Push/Pull, Move, Rotate, Offset

Push/Pull - “P” Key

This clever tool is probably the most popular one on SketchUp. You can easily pull faces to increase volume. This tool is great when you want to erect walls. This is definitely one of the most used tools in your arsenal.

Move - “M” Key

You can move or copy with this tool. To move, select item (with Select tool), and change the location by clicking on its current position and its desired position. No need to drag and hold with the mouse.

Rotate - “Q” Key

You will need to click once on the item, and then choose a rotation angle. You can do this easily by hovering the mouse to rotate, or by entering in the angle in the VCB.

Offset - “F” Key

This is a very useful tool. With the offset tool, you can make an exact copy of a face, inside or outside of that face. This comes in handy when you are creating outer and inner walls because you don’t have to go through measuring exact lines. Offset automatically replicates the exact ratio of your master lines.

Orbit, Pan, Zoom, Dimensions, Protractor

orbit

Orbit - “O” Key, or hold down scroll wheel of your mouse

This tool changes the camera angle.

Pan - “H” Key

This tool moves the camera up and down or side-to-side.

Zoom - “Z” Key

Dimensions - No shortcut key

Take measurements of an object.

Protractor - No shortcut key

Take angled measurements of an object.

Other Tools

VCB - Value Control Box contains dimensions or measurements of lines and faces. It shows you the measurement of a line as you click from point A to point B. Or you can type in the exact measurement directly.

ESC key - On your keyboard, select this key whenever you have completed a line or to quickly exit out of the tape measure and rotate tools.

CTRL + Z - Undo. You’ll need this a lot!

This post is part of the series: Creating a House with SketchUp: Start to Finish

A basic tutorial series for you to create a dream house with free 3D modeling Google SketchUp. Learn what you need to know, to get you started quickly!