Google SketchUp: The Missing Manual

Creating Components with "Glue to" Options

When you create new components, it usually works best to build them in place. In this next example, you create a window component. The first step is to draw the window in a wall. That way SketchUp knows how the component is oriented in the modeling window. In addition, when you create a component, you can tell SketchUp what types of surfaces it should adhere to and align with. In the following steps you see how to align a component by setting its "Glue to" properties:

1. With the Rectangle (R) tool, start to draw a rectangle on the front of the house. Then type 4',3' and press Enter (Return on a Mac).

   A window-like rectangle appears on the front of the house.

2. With the Offset tool, click the edge of the window and start moving in; then type 3 and press Enter.

   SketchUp creates a new face 3 inches inside of the original rectangle. The 3-inch offset forms part of the window trim. (Remember, you don't have to type the inches symbol when you're using the "Architectural Design – Feet and Inches" template.)

3. Still using the Offset tool, double-click the line created by the last Offset command.

   This inside rectangle forms the window frame. Double-clicking with the Offset tool repeats the last command. In this case, you create another face that's 3 inches inside of the previous edges.

4. Using Push/Pull (P), push the windowpane back 6 inches, push the window frame back 3 inches, and pull the window trim out 2 inches.

   When you're done, the window looks similar to ...