Google SketchUp Cookbook

Chapter 1. Making Multiple Copies

This chapter covers the various ways you can make linear and rotated copies by using the Move and Rotate tools. If you’ve done any basic work with SketchUp, you might already be familiar with the concepts in this chapter. Keep reading, however. Even some experienced users don’t know all there is about how to copy, which is a fundamental and important concept. (Plus it never hurts to review some basics.)

As you probably know, the Move tool is used to move objects, and the Rotate tool is used to rotate objects. For both tools, when you press the Ctrl/Option key, you will make copies. For linear copies, you can adjust the spacing and number of copies, and for rotated copies, you can adjust the angle between copies and the number of copies. For both kinds of copying, you can make these adjustments as many times as needed while the tool is still active. Keep in mind, however, that after you start a new Move or Rotate action, or activate a new tool, you can no longer adjust the spacing, angles, and so on.

1.1. Copying in Linear Arrays

Problem

You want to copy an object in a linear pattern (rows and columns).

Solution

Use the Move tool to make one copy and then adjust the number of copies and spacing between copies.

Discussion

To make copies, activate the Move tool and press the Ctrl key (Option on the Mac). SketchUp is very flexible in how you can set the spacing and number of copies: After the first copy is made, you can enter the number of copies you want and ...