How to align objects in SketchUp ?

Aligning objects in SketchUp can be done using a combination of the Move tool and the inference system, which helps you snap objects to specific points, edges, or faces. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to align objects:

1. Select the Object

1. Select the Object: Use the Select tool (press Space or click the arrow icon) to select the object you want to move.

2. Activate the Move Tool

1. Select the Move Tool: Click on the Move tool in the toolbar or press M on your keyboard.

3. Use the Inference System to Align

1. Pick a Point on the Object: Click on a specific point on the object you want to align (for example, a corner or midpoint).
2. Move to the Target Location:
   • To Align with Another Object: Hover over the target object until you see the inference points (such as corners, midpoints, or center points). Click to place the object at the desired location.
   • To Align Along an Axis: While moving the object, keep it constrained to an axis (red for X, green for Y, or blue for Z). You can lock the movement to an axis by pressing the arrow keys: right arrow for red axis, left arrow for green axis, and up/down arrows for blue axis.
3. Precise Placement: You can type in exact distances to move the object precisely. For example, after selecting the point to move, type 10 and press Enter to move the object 10 units in the direction you are moving.

Example Steps

1. Aligning Two Objects Side by Side:
   • Select the first object.
   • Click a corner point using the Move tool.
   • Hover over the target corner on the second object until the point highlights, then click to place the first object aligned with the second object.
2. Aligning Vertically:
   • Select the object.
   • Click a bottom corner point using the Move tool.
   • Move the cursor along the blue axis to the desired height or to another object’s top point to align vertically.
3. Aligning Center-to-Center:
   • Select the object.
   • Click on the center point (use midpoint inferences).
   • Move to the center point of the target object and click to align.

Using Guides for Alignment

1. Create a Guide: Use the Tape Measure tool (press T or click the Tape Measure tool in the toolbar).
2. Place the Guide: Click on a starting point and drag out a guide line or point. You can also type in a specific distance to place the guide accurately.
3. Align to the Guide: Use the Move tool to align the object to the guide line or point.

Using Extensions

For more complex alignment tasks, consider using extensions like “Align Tool” or “Move Along” from the SketchUp Extension Warehouse. These tools can offer more advanced alignment options and can save time with repetitive tasks.

Tips for Success

• Groups and Components: Make sure your objects are grouped or made into components to avoid accidentally moving individual faces or edges.
• Inference Locking: Use inference locking by pressing the Shift key while hovering over an inference point to lock the movement direction.
• Snapping: Ensure that snapping options are enabled in the model info settings for more precise alignment.

By following these steps, you can efficiently align objects in SketchUp, ensuring precise and accurate placement in your 3D models.