Creating a 3-D model takes time, but SketchUp makes it accessible and easy when compared to high-end modeling programs. As you create your models in SketchUp, you’ll come to appreciate the following timesaving techniques.
To divide an edge into a number of shorter edges:
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Right-click an edge with the Select tool.
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Choose Divide from the context menu that pops up.
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Type the number of segments you’d like and press Enter.
To resize your whole model based on one known measurement:
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Select the Tape Measure tool.
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Press Ctrl (Option on a Mac) until you don’t see a + next to your cursor.
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Measure a distance; click once to start measuring, and again to stop.
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Type a dimension for the distance you just measured and press Enter.
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Click Yes in the dialog box that pops up.
To set up your own keyboard shortcuts:
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Choose Window→Preferences (File→Preferences on the Mac).
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Click the Shortcuts panel.