Sketchup is a 3D modeling software often used by architects, designers and draftsmen to model their realistic projects with respect to scales (dimensions). It is one of the best 3D drawing and design software on the market, which works with its own Sketchup units of measurement. Among the many CAD programs, Sketchup is particularly appreciated for its very efficient realistic rendering engine.
With our many Sketchup training courses, you can learn the basics of computer aided drafting with the help of our certified trainers. The courses are customized according to your preferences, and by following our video tutorials you will be able to discover the basics of this cao-dao software, in order to implement them in your future projects (facilitating the visualization of your sketches or technical drawings for example). Today, let’s see together how to change measurements in Sketchup.
HOW TO CHANGE SKETCHUP MEASUREMENTS
This construction software allows you to create realistic drawings for various environments (cartography, landscaping, interior design…). Thus, making models in a 3D environment becomes child’s play. However, one question remains: how to change SketchUp unit?
For your information: “Inside” the SketchUp code, units are managed in inches and feet.
SKETCHUP UNIT OF MEASURE, WHAT IS IT?
In SketchUp, you can control the units and their display (number of decimal places after the decimal point) through the “Window/Model Info” drop-down menu.
The option “Show unit format” allows you to hide “mm” “m” when setting dimensions. It is also possible to reset the templates if necessary before exporting (for example if you are not satisfied with the photo rendering). But then, how do you actually modify the measurements and change SketchUp units?
LEARN HOW TO WORK WITH SEVERAL UNITS AT THE SAME TIME
1. Toogle unit tool
f you can’t navigate between several unit systems, you just have to choose the right model. If not, you can use the plug-in made by Matt666, recommended by Laurent Brixius : toogle_unit
Here is a version working on SketchUp 7.1 : toggle_units
Note: this plugin also allows a simplified management of the number of digits after the decimal point.
2. outil Unit change with scene
This plugin allows to change automatically the unit when changing scene.
- decimal (-dec),
- architectural (-arc),
- fractional (-fra),
- engineering (-ing)
The plugin scans the last 4 letters of the active scene and changes the units according to it (‘_dec’ for decimal, ….). The unit codes can be entered in lower or upper case.
Here is the loading link: unit_change_with_scene
A small tutorial explaining all the services offered by SketchUp in terms of units of measurement. Whether you want to improve or deepen your knowledge of these notions, I invite you to have a look at this video!