If you are a SketchUp user looking to speed up your design process, mastering the art of copying and creating arrays can be a game-changer. Whether you are duplicating objects or creating linear or radial arrays, SketchUp offers powerful tools to make this task efficient and effective.
COPYING OBJECTS
To make copies of objects in SketchUp, simply select the object you want to duplicate, right-click, and choose “Make Group” or “Make Component.” Once the object is a group or component, you can easily make copies by using the Move tool combined with the Ctrl (or Option on Mac) key. Click on the object to activate the Move tool, then press Ctrl and move the object to create a copy. Repeat the process as needed to make multiple copies.
CREATING LINEAR ARRAYS
To create a linear array in SketchUp, make sure your group or component is selected. Use the Move tool, click on the object, then press Ctrl to activate the copy mode. Move the object to the desired position and type the number of copies you want, followed by an ‘x’. For example, typing ‘5x’ will create five copies in a linear array.
CREATING RADIAL ARRAYS
For radial arrays, select the object, activate the Move tool, and press Ctrl to start copying. Move the object to the center of rotation, then type the number of copies you want, followed by an ‘x’. SketchUp will create a radial array around the center point based on the number you entered.
Mastering the art of copying and creating arrays in SketchUp can greatly enhance your workflow and help you design more efficiently. Practice these techniques to streamline your process and create complex designs with ease.