The Line tool (
) is a fundamental tool in the SketchUp arsenal. With the Line tool you can draw edges, also known as line entities. When you connect those edges and create a closed plane, you'll get a surface. Create multiple surfaces and you're on your way to creating a model!
In SketchUp for iPad, the Line tool has 5 optional tool modes. Each mode is an inference lock, snapping to a linear inference point. The 5 optional tool modes are:
- Lock to X (
) - Lock line drawing to the X/Red axis. - Lock to Y (
) - Lock line drawing to the Y/Green axis. - Lock to Z (
) - Lock line drawing to the Z/Blue axis. - Lock Parallel (
) - The next line drawn will be parallel to a selection or the last line drawn. - Lock Perpendicular (
) - The next line drawn will be perpendicular to a selection or the last line drawn.
Drawing lines isn't as simple as it seems. It's worth reading up on some drawing basics and how inferencing works. If you're new to SketchUp, or just need a refresher, check out Introducing Drawing Basics and Concepts to learn more.
Input Methods
After choosing the Line tool and activating any optional tool modes, you can use any of the iPad input methods to begin drawing:
Note: If you want to use an optional tool mode, make sure to activate it before you begin drawing your lasso.
Tip: A dimensions box appears while drawing or after you've created an endpoint. If you have a keyboard you can enter a length for your line. Otherwise, tapping or clicking in the box reveals a number pad you can use.
Pencil - The way you can use the Line tool depends on what mode your Pencil is in:
- Click-Move-Click - Place the Pencil where you want to begin drawing. Press the Pencil until you see a ring with an arc in it. Once the arc turns green you can drag or move the Pencil to where you want your line to end. Tap the Pencil at the desired endpoint to draw your line.
- Just Draw - Place the Pencil where you want to begin drawing. Drag or move the Pencil to where you want your line to end. Lift the Pencil to draw your line.
If you need to cancel while drawing, or begin a new line separate from one you've just drawn, double tap the Pencil.
For either Pencil mode, when you drag the pencil while drawing, you may see the color of your line change to match the axis you are drawing on along with inference points from other items in your model. These inferences do not appear if you lift the Pencil and move to your endpoint.
Multitouch - Long press at the point where you would like to start drawing. Drag your finger to your endpoint. When you lift your finger you'll see your line. To cancel while drawing, or begin a new line separate from one you've just drawn, perform a two-finger tap.
If you drag your finger while drawing, you may see the color of your line change to match the axis you are drawing on along with inference points from other items in your model. These inferences do not appear if you lift your finger and move to your endpoint.
Touchpad/Mouse - Press/click and hold where you want to start drawing. Drag to draw your line and stop holding down the touchpad to set the endpoint. You'll see the color of your line change to match the axis you are drawing on along with inference points from other items in your model.
