How to Evenly Distribute Objects in SketchUp

To evenly distribute objects in SketchUp between a starting point and an ending point, you can effectively use the Move tool in combination with the forward slash (/) key. This method allows you to create multiple copies of an object spaced equally apart along a path or between two points.

Using the Move Tool for Distribution

The primary method for distributing copies evenly in SketchUp involves the following steps:

1. Select the object(s) you want to distribute.
2. Activate the Move tool (keyboard shortcut: M).
3. Click on a base point on the selected object(s).
4. Move the cursor to the desired destination point for the last copy in the distribution. This point defines the total distance over which you want to distribute the objects.
5. Click to place the copy at the destination point.
6. Immediately after placing the copy, type the number of divisions you want between the original object and the copy, followed by the forward slash (/) key. As shown in the reference video, you'll see the input appear in the Value Control Box in the bottom right corner of your SketchUp window. For example, typing 5/ will create 5 equal divisions (resulting in 6 objects: the original, 4 new copies, and the final copy).
7. Press Enter.

SketchUp will then automatically place the specified number of copies evenly spaced along the line segment between the original object's position and the position of the copy you just placed.

Practical Example

Let's say you have one fence post and you need to place several identical posts evenly spaced between it and another point 20 feet away.

• Select the first fence post.
• Grab it with the Move tool.
• Move it exactly 20 feet away and click to place a copy.
• Immediately type 9/ and press Enter.

This will create 9 equal divisions between the original post and the copy you placed, resulting in a total of 10 fence posts (the original, 8 new copies, and the final copy) spread evenly over the 20-foot distance.

Step	Action	Result
1. Select Object	Click on the object to be copied/distributed.	Object is highlighted.
2. Activate Move Tool	Press M or click the Move icon.	Tool is active.
3. Pick Base Point	Click on a point on the object to start the move.	Object is attached to cursor.
4. Move to Destination	Move cursor to the final position of the last copy and click.	A copy is placed at the destination.
5. Specify Divisions (Reference)	Immediately type the number of divisions followed by /. (e.g., 5/)	Input appears in the Value Control Box.
6. Confirm	Press Enter.	Objects are distributed evenly between the start and end points.

This method is highly efficient for tasks like laying out balusters on a railing, placing trees along a path, or distributing components along a specific length.

Using the forward slash key (/) after placing a copy tells SketchUp to divide the distance you just moved into the specified number of equal segments, placing copies at the endpoints of each segment.