Creating a group in SketchUp online is a fundamental process that helps keep your model organized and simplifies editing. You can easily create a group by selecting the geometry you want to combine and using the "Make Group" function.
Steps to Create a Group
Grouping in SketchUp online is straightforward and can be done using two primary methods, as outlined in SketchUp resources:
Method 1: Using the Context Menu
This is often the quickest way to group selected entities.
- Select the Geometry: Use the Select Tool (Spacebar) to select all the edges and faces you want to include in your group. You can click and drag a selection box or hold down the Shift key while clicking on individual entities to add or remove them from the selection.
- Right-Click (Context-Click): Once everything is selected, right-click anywhere on the selected geometry. A context menu will appear.
- Choose 'Make Group': From the context menu, select the option 'Make Group'.
Your selected geometry will now be enclosed in a blue bounding box, indicating it is a group.
Method 2: Using the Edit Menu
Another way to achieve the same result is by using the main menu bar.
- Select the Geometry: Just like in Method 1, use the Select Tool to choose all the edges and faces you wish to group together.
- Go to the Edit Menu: Navigate to the Edit menu in the SketchUp online interface, usually found at the top of your browser window.
- Choose 'Make Group': In the Edit menu, select the option 'Make Group'.
Again, your selection will become a group, marked by the blue bounding box.
Why Use Groups?
Grouping is essential for efficient modeling in SketchUp online because it:
- Isolates Geometry: Groups prevent geometry from "sticking" to other parts of your model. This means you can move, copy, or edit the grouped entities without affecting geometry outside the group.
- Simplifies Selection: Once objects are grouped, you can select the entire group with a single click using the Select Tool, rather than having to select multiple individual entities every time.
- Organizes Your Model: By grouping components like furniture, walls, or landscape elements, you keep your Outliner panel tidy and your model structure clear.
Summary of Methods
Here's a quick overview of the two methods:
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Context Menu | 1. Select Geometry 2. Right-click 3. Choose 'Make Group' |
| Edit Menu | 1. Select Geometry 2. Go to Edit Menu 3. Choose 'Make Group' |
Both methods achieve the same result and are available in the SketchUp online application. Practice using both to see which one you find most convenient for your workflow.
For more details on grouping and other SketchUp functions, you can refer to community resources like the SketchUp Forums.
