Changing the measurement units in SketchUp Web allows you to work in the system and format that best suits your project needs, whether you're designing furniture in inches or buildings in meters.
Quick Answer
To change measurements in SketchUp Web, access Model Info typically via the main menu icon, navigate to the Units section, and select your desired Format and other unit settings.
Changing Units in SketchUp Web: A Step-by-Step Guide
Unlike the desktop versions which often use a top-level "Window" menu, SketchUp Web's interface is accessed through icons, usually located in a sidebar or main menu. Here's how to typically find the unit settings:
- Open Model Info: Look for a main menu icon (often three horizontal lines or a folder icon) or a settings gear icon in the user interface. Click on it to reveal a menu. Find and select Model Info from the options presented.
- Navigate to Units: Once the Model Info dialog opens, you will see various categories listed, often on the left side. Select Units from this list.
Within the Units section of Model Info, as described in the reference, you'll find the settings needed to customize your measurements.
Understanding the Units Options
The Units section provides detailed control over how measurements are displayed and interpreted in your SketchUp model. Key settings include:
- Format: This is where you choose the overall style of your measurements. The available options, directly from the reference, are:
- Architectural
- Decimal
- Engineering
- Fractional
- Precision: This setting determines the level of detail displayed for your measurements. For example, Architectural format might let you choose precision down to 1/16" or 1mm, while Decimal allows precision like 0.00m or 0.00 inches.
- Length Units: For Decimal and Engineering formats, you select the base unit (e.g., Inches, Feet, Millimeters, Centimeters, Meters).
- Angle Units: Set the unit for angles, typically Degrees, and their precision.
Choosing the Right Format
Selecting the appropriate Format is crucial for efficient modeling:
- Architectural: Ideal for construction and carpentry, using feet and inches with fractional precision (e.g., 3'-5 1/2").
- Decimal: Versatile format, good for general use, offering metric (mm, cm, m) or imperial (inches, feet) units with decimal precision (e.g., 2.54m or 10.5 inches).
- Engineering: Often used in civil or mechanical contexts, displays feet with decimal precision (e.g., 10.75 feet).
- Fractional: Uses only inches with fractional precision (e.g., 10 1/2").
Here's a quick look at the formats:
| Format | Description | Typical Use Cases | Example Display |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural | Feet & Inches, fractional precision | Building design, carpentry | 5'-6 3/4" |
| Decimal | Metric or Imperial, decimal precision | General 3D modeling, manufacturing | 1.5 m or 5.91" |
| Engineering | Feet with decimal precision | Civil engineering, site planning | 10.75' |
| Fractional | Inches, fractional precision | Small-scale woodworking, crafts | 10 1/2" |
By adjusting these settings in the Units section of Model Info, you can ensure SketchUp Web displays and accepts measurements in the way you prefer, streamlining your design workflow.
