SketchUp for iPad's interface is uniquely tailored to support viewing, creating and editing models with an Apple Pencil and with multitouch.. To help you get started, we'll go over what input methods are available, where to find each tool, explain how to use each tool with all of the supported input methods, and cover various tips and tricks that are exclusive to iPad.
Input Options
One of the great things about the iPad as a platform is the different options you have when it comes to input modes. SketchUp for iPad allows you to choose which input mode works best for you when creating your models.
SketchUp for iPad supports the following input modes:
- Multi-touch
- Apple Pencil
- Bluetooth Mouse
- Touchpad
- Keyboard
In the Learn More section for each tool, we'll cover the different input modes available for that tool and provide examples of how each one works.
Tools and Where to Find Them
SketchUp for iPad makes it easy to find all the tools you need to create stunning models.
When you first open a new model, you'll see the main toolbar on the left side.
To help you get started with creating awesome models, we've loaded up the toolbar with some of the most commonly used tools. See SketchUp for iPad - Main Toolbar for more details on what's available.
At the bottom of the toolbar you'll see (...). Choosing that icon opens the Expanded Toolset, where you'll find the rest of your tools.
The Expanded Toolset features more of the tools you'll use to create your models. See SketchUp for iPad - Expanded Toolset for a breakdown of what you'll find there.
Customizing Your Toolbar
When you use a tool from the Expanded Toolset, you'll see that tool appear at the bottom of your toolbar. By default, the last three tools you've used from the Expanded Toolset will always appear at the bottom of the toolbar, even if you decide to create a new model.
You can also edit how your tools appear in either the toolbar or the Expanded Toolset. Near the bottom of the Expanded Toolset you'll see Edit.
Choosing Edit changes to edit mode and two more icons appear - Recent Tool Slot and Separator.
To move an icon while in edit mode, perform a long-press with your finger or the Pencil, or click and hold with a touchpad or mouse. You can then drag-and-drop the icon to a new location in the toolbar and/or tool palette.
To adjust the number of recent tool slots, drag the Recent Tool Slot Icon over to the toolbar to add one, or drag a recent tool slot out from the toolbar to remove it. You can also add a separator to the tool palette by choosing the Separator icon and moving it to the location in the tool palette where you would like it to go.
