How to Create Multiple Copies in SketchUp: A Beginner’s Guide

Creating multiple copies of objects is an essential skill when working in SketchUp, as it allows you to efficiently duplicate components, shapes, or groups to save time and ensure consistency in your design. Whether you’re copying a simple object or creating an evenly spaced series of copies, SketchUp provides intuitive tools to help you get the job done.

In this guide, we’ll explore several methods for making multiple copies in SketchUp, covering both linear arrays and radial arrays for different scenarios.

Using the Move Tool to Create Copies

The Move Tool in SketchUp is one of the easiest ways to create copies of an object. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Select the Object

• Click on the object (component, group, or geometry) that you want to copy.
• Ensure the entire object is selected by using the Select Tool (press Space on your keyboard to activate it).

Step 2: Activate the Move Tool

• Press M on your keyboard to activate the Move Tool.
• Alternatively, go to the Tools menu and select Move.

Step 3: Initiate Copy Mode

• To activate copy mode, press and hold Ctrl (Windows) or Option (Mac). The + sign will appear next to your cursor, indicating you’re in copy mode.

Step 4: Create the First Copy

• Click on a reference point of the object (e.g., a corner) to set the base point.
• Move the cursor in the direction you want to place the copy and click again to position it. This will create one copy of the object.

Step 5: Make Multiple Copies

• If you want to create more copies, immediately type in the number of copies you want to create and the spacing between them. For example:
  • To create 5 evenly spaced copies, type 5x and press Enter.
  • To create 5 equally spaced copies between two points, type /5 and press Enter. This divides the space between the first copy and the original into equal segments.

Example:

• Suppose you’re designing a row of chairs. After copying one chair, typing 5x will create five additional chairs spaced the same distance apart as the first copy.

Using the Rotate Tool to Create Radial Copies

When you need to create copies arranged in a circular pattern (radial array), the Rotate Tool is ideal. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Select the Object

• Just like with the Move Tool, start by selecting the object you want to copy.

Step 2: Activate the Rotate Tool

• Press Q on your keyboard to activate the Rotate Tool.
• Alternatively, go to the Tools menu and select Rotate.

Step 3: Set the Rotation Center

• Position the protractor where you want the center of rotation to be. This could be the middle of a circle or a point around which you want to arrange the copies.

Step 4: Initiate Copy Mode

• To activate copy mode, press and hold Ctrl (Windows) or Option (Mac).

Step 5: Rotate and Copy

• Click to set the base point of rotation, then move the cursor to set the angle of rotation.
• You can type an exact rotation angle if needed (e.g., type 30 and press Enter for a 30-degree rotation).

Step 6: Make Multiple Radial Copies

• To create multiple copies in a circular pattern, type Nx where N is the number of copies you want to create.
  • For example, typing 12x will create 12 equally spaced copies around the center of rotation.

Example:

• If you’re modeling the spokes of a wheel or the posts of a round table, the radial copy method makes it easy to duplicate elements at equal angles around a central point.

Using the Array Command for Even Spacing

For more precise control over spacing and alignment, SketchUp’s array command allows you to create a series of objects spaced either linearly or radially with exact measurements. This can be particularly useful when duplicating objects in large numbers.

Steps for Linear Arrays:

1. Select your object.
2. Use the Move Tool and press Ctrl (Windows) or Option (Mac) to copy the object.
3. Move it to the desired distance.
4. Type / followed by the number of copies you want to create in between.

Steps for Radial Arrays:

1. Select your object.
2. Use the Rotate Tool, activate copy mode, and set your rotation point.
3. Rotate the object to the desired angle.
4. Type / followed by the number of divisions you want.

Conclusion

Creating multiple copies in SketchUp is a simple but powerful feature that can save you tons of time and help maintain consistency across your designs. Whether you’re making linear rows of objects or arranging items in a circular pattern, the Move Tool, Rotate Tool, and array functions give you all the flexibility you need.

By mastering these methods, you’ll be able to produce professional, well-organized models faster and with greater accuracy. Happy modeling!

Feel free to share your experience or ask any questions in the comments below!