To make multiple copies of a group in SketchUp, you typically use the Move tool in conjunction with the Control (Windows) or Option (Mac) key and then immediately type a multiplier (x or *) or a divisor (/) followed by the desired number.
Copying a Single Group with the Move Tool
Before making multiple copies, it's helpful to know how to make just one:
- Select the group you want to copy using the Select tool (Spacebar).
- Activate the Move tool (M).
- Click on a point on the group (this is your base point for the move/copy).
- Press the Control (Windows) or Option (Mac) key once. You'll see a plus sign (+) appear next to the Move tool cursor, indicating that Copy mode is active.
- Move your cursor to the desired location for the copy and click to place it.
- Optional: You can type a precise distance and press Enter immediately after placing the copy.
Creating Multiple Copies (Linear Arrays)
After placing the first copy using the steps above, you can immediately create multiple copies based on the distance between the original and the first copy. Do not click anywhere else or select another tool after placing the first copy.
Creating 'x' Copies at a Multiplied Distance
This method creates a series of copies where each subsequent copy is placed at a multiple of the initial displacement.
- Follow steps 1-5 from "Copying a Single Group" to place the first copy.
- Immediately after placing the first copy, type the number of total copies you want (including the first copy you just made) followed by the letter
xor the asterisk symbol*.- For example, as per the reference, you can Type 7x (or *7) to make 7 copies. This will place the 7th copy at 7 times the distance from the original as the first copy, creating 6 copies in between, for a total of 7 new copies plus the original.
- Press Enter.
Example: If you move the first copy 1 meter away and then type 5x and press Enter, SketchUp will place copies at 1m, 2m, 3m, 4m, and 5m from the original, resulting in 5 new copies plus the original.
Distributing Copies Evenly Between Two Points
This method creates a set number of copies evenly spaced between the original object and the first copy you place.
- Follow steps 1-5 from "Copying a Single Group" to place the first copy.
- Immediately after placing the first copy, type the number of divisions you want between the original and the first copy, followed by the forward slash symbol
/. The reference states to Divide the distance between the copy and the original.- For instance, according to the reference, you can Type 5/ (or /5) to create four copies evenly spaced between the original and the first copy. This divides the distance into 5 segments and places a copy at the end of each of the first four segments, plus the original and the first copy, resulting in 6 objects in total (Original + 4 intermediate copies + 1st copy).
- Press Enter.
Example: If you move the first copy 5 meters away and then type 5/ and press Enter, SketchUp will divide the 5m distance into 5 segments (each 1m long) and place copies at the 1m, 2m, 3m, and 4m marks, plus the original and the copy at 5m.
Summary Table
Here's a quick look at the multiple copy commands after placing the first copy:
| Command Type | Action | Example (using reference values) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiplier (x or *) | Creates N copies, with the last copy placed at N times the initial displacement. | 7x or *7 |
Places the 7th copy at 7x the initial distance, creating 7 total new copies (original + 7 copies). |
| Divisor (/) | Creates N-1 copies evenly spaced between the original and the first copy. | 5/ or /5 |
Divides the distance into 5 segments, placing 4 copies in between (original + 4 intermediate + 1st copy). |
Using these simple commands immediately after placing the first copy allows you to quickly populate your model with identical copies precisely arranged in a linear fashion.
