You can hide hidden lines (edges) in SketchUp by using the Eraser tool with the Shift key, or by using the Hide option in the context menu. Here's how to do it:
Hiding Edges Using the Eraser Tool
- Activate the Eraser Tool: Select the Eraser tool from the toolbar, or press the 'E' key.
- Hold the Shift Key: Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard. The Eraser cursor will typically change to indicate this function.
- Click on the Edge: Click on the edge you want to hide. The edge will disappear from view.
- Repeat: Repeat the process for any other edges you want to hide.
Hiding Edges Using the Context Menu
- Select the Edge(s): Use the Select tool to select the edge or edges you want to hide. You can select multiple edges by holding the Ctrl (or Command on Mac) key while clicking.
- Open the Context Menu: Right-click on one of the selected edges.
- Choose Hide: From the context menu that appears, select the "Hide" option. The selected edges will disappear from view.
Important Considerations:
- Hiding vs. Deleting: Hiding an edge is different from deleting it. A hidden edge still exists and contributes to the geometry of your model. Deleting an edge will change the face it belongs to, potentially creating holes or altering the shape.
- Working within Components/Groups: If the edges you want to hide are within a component or group, you'll need to enter the component/group for editing before you can hide the edges. To do this, double-click on the component or group.
- Unhiding Edges: If you need to unhide edges, go to View -> Hidden Geometry. This will show all hidden edges in your model as dashed lines. Then, select the edges you want to unhide, right-click, and select "Unhide." Alternatively, you can use Edit -> Unhide -> Last or Edit -> Unhide -> All.
By using these methods, you can easily control the visibility of edges in your SketchUp model to create cleaner and more visually appealing presentations.
