How do I create a clipping mask in SketchUp?

You can create a clipping mask in SketchUp by using a shape to hide parts of an image or model. Here's how:

Steps to Create a Clipping Mask

To achieve the clipping mask effect, follow these steps:

1. Place a Shape: Begin by drawing a shape over the image or model you want to clip. This shape will act as the mask.
2. Select Both: Select both the shape you created and the image or model you want to clip. It is important that both the shape and the image/model are selected at the same time.
3. Create Clipping Mask: Right-click (context-click) the selected elements. From the context menu that appears, choose the "Create Clipping Mask" option.

Practical Insights

• The shape you use for the clipping mask can be any 2D shape created using SketchUp's drawing tools.
• The parts of the image or model that fall outside the shape will be hidden, creating the clipping mask effect.
• This is a non-destructive process, so you can modify or remove the clipping mask later.
• Clipping masks can be very useful for complex geometries or images, as it's often much faster and more accurate than trimming geometry manually.

Example

Let's say you have an image of a tree and you want to display only the part of the tree that falls within a circle.

1. Draw a circle over the portion of the tree image you want to reveal.
2. Select both the circle and the tree image.
3. Context-click on either the circle or the image.
4. Select "Create Clipping Mask."

Now only the part of the tree within the circle will be visible, and the rest is effectively hidden.