TIEBIAOJI SketchUp Tutorials

Importing and Exporting Preferences

Import and export your keyboard shortcuts and file preferences using the Import and Export buttons at the bottom of each preferences panel. These preferences are exported as a Preferences.dat file, by default, that can be imported into other SketchUp installations. For example, if you use SketchUp on a desktop machine at work, but want to use it at home, export the Preferences.dat file at work and import it on your home machine.

This section of the user's guide covers the various entities used to construct a model in SketchUp. These entities include faces, arcs, dimensions, and lines.

Entities are covered in alphabetical order.

SketchUp's 3d Polyline entities are curve-like entities that do not generate inference snaps or affect geometry in any way. Freehand sketches are usually used for tracing imported drawings, 2D sketching, or for decorating your model.

Draw 3D Polyline entities with the Freehand Tool.

Note - You can explode a freehand sketch into regular edge segments using the Explode context menu item (see the 3D Polyline Context Menu Items section later in this topic).

Note - A 3D Polyline looks just like a Curve entity, but is thinner.

Arc entities are a combination of multiple line segments connected together to approximate the curvature of the arc. These entities act as a single line in that they can define the edge of a face and also divide a face. Additionally, selecting one segment of the arc selects the entire Arc entity. However, all inference techniques will operate on the Arc as though it were comprised of segments. For example, every point on the arc is inferred as an endpoint of the segment. Draw Arcs with the Arc Tool.

Note - You can explode a arc into regular edge segments using the Explode Curve context menu item (see the Arc Context Menu Items section later in this topic).

Arc entities are comprised of a length (also called the base chord), bulge, radius, and number of segments. The following image shows an Arc entity.

Note - Arc and Circle entities are special in that they automatically produce softened edges when extruded using the Push/Pull Tool.