How Do I Move Copy Mode in SketchUp?

To activate "copy mode" while using the Move tool in SketchUp, you need to toggle the functionality after selecting the tool and the entities you wish to copy.

Activating Copy Mode with the Move Tool

SketchUp's Move tool is versatile; it can not only relocate selected geometry but also duplicate it. Here's how to use it to create copies:

1. Select Entities: Before using the Move tool, select the geometry (faces, edges, groups, components) you want to copy. You can use the Select tool (Spacebar).
2. Activate the Move Tool:
   • Select the Move tool ( ) from the toolbar.
   • Alternatively, press the M key on your keyboard.
   • The cursor will change to a four-way arrow.
3. Tap the Copy Modifier Key:
   • To tell SketchUp that you want to duplicate the selected entities instead of just moving them, tap the Ctrl (Microsoft Windows) or Option (macOS) key.
   • This action toggles the Copy functionality.
4. Verify Copy Mode: A plus sign (+) appears next to the four-way arrow cursor, indicating that Copy mode is active.
5. Create Copies:
   • Click on your selected geometry to pick it up.
   • Move the mouse to the desired location for the copy.
   • Click again to place the copy.
   • The original selection remains in its place, and a duplicate appears at the new location.

You can then continue to make additional copies by clicking and placing, or you can enter distances and quantities using the Measurements box for precise placement or creating multiple copies in a linear array.

Practical Usage Tips

• Single Copy: Select, activate Move (M), tap Ctrl/Option, click to pick up, move, click to place.
• Multiple Copies: After placing the first copy, immediately type x followed by the number of desired copies (e.g., x5 for 5 copies) and press Enter to create a linear array. Alternatively, type a distance, / (forward slash), and the number of intervals (e.g., 10'/5 for 5 copies spaced evenly over 10 feet).

By tapping the Ctrl or Option key, you easily switch the Move tool between its standard "move" function and its "copy" function, enabling efficient duplication of geometry in your SketchUp models.