How Do You Make an Angled Rectangle in SketchUp?

You make an angled rectangle in SketchUp by using the Rotated Rectangle Tool. This specialized tool allows you to define the plane and angle of the rectangle before specifying its dimensions.

Using the Rotated Rectangle Tool

SketchUp's standard Rectangle Tool draws shapes parallel to the ground plane or existing faces. To create a rectangle at an angle or on a specific plane, you need the Rotated Rectangle Tool.

Here's a general process for using this tool:

1. Activate the Tool: Find and select the Rotated Rectangle Tool. It often resides in the same toolbar as the standard Rectangle Tool.
2. Define the First Corner: Click once to set the starting point of your rectangle.
3. Define the First Edge and Angle: Move your cursor to draw the first edge. As you move, you'll see a protractor icon, allowing you to set the angle of this edge relative to an axis or existing geometry.
   • Click again to set the length of the first edge and the angle. Alternatively, you can type the desired length and angle into the Measurements box (e.g., 6' followed by , then 45 for a 6-foot edge at 45 degrees) and press Enter.
4. Define the Second Edge: After setting the first edge, move your cursor perpendicular to it to define the width of the rectangle.
   • Click a third time to finalize the rectangle. Or, type the desired width (e.g., 8') into the Measurements box and press Enter.

Example: Creating a 6'x8' Rectangle at a 45-Degree Angle

Based on the provided reference, a common application is setting a specific angle and then defining the dimensions. The reference describes creating a 6-foot by 8-foot rectangle set at a 45-degree angle.

Here's how you might achieve this using the Rotated Rectangle Tool, following the process implied by the reference:

• Start the Rotated Rectangle tool.
• Click to place the first corner.
• Move your cursor and specify the first edge. You would typically set the angle at this stage by moving the cursor to the desired orientation (like 45 degrees relative to an axis) and potentially typing the first length (e.g., 6') before the final click for this step, or by typing both length and angle separated by a comma (6',45).
• Press Enter. (As mentioned in the reference after typing the first dimension/angle or just the angle).
• Move the cursor perpendicular to the first edge to define the second dimension.
• Type the second length (8') into the Measurements box.
• Press Enter.

As the reference states, upon completing these steps by defining the lengths (like six feet and eight feet) after setting the angle, you will "now have a six foot by 8 foot rectangle that set a 45 degree angle."

This method provides precise control over the rectangle's orientation and dimensions, making it ideal for drawing on sloped surfaces or creating angled features.