SketchUp Keyboard Shortcuts
65+ SketchUp shortcuts for 3D modeling, architectural design, and navigation. Essential reference.
Drawing
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Line tool | |
| Rectangle tool | |
| Circle tool | |
| Arc tool | |
| Push/Pull tool | |
| Offset tool | |
| Rotate tool | |
| Move tool | |
| Scale tool | |
| Tape Measure tool | |
| Paint Bucket tool | |
| Eraser tool | |
| Make Component |
Camera
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Orbit tool | |
| Pan tool | |
| Zoom tool | |
| Zoom Extents | |
| Zoom Extents | |
| Zoom Window |
Edit
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Undo | |
| Redo | |
| Copy | |
| Paste | |
| Cut | |
| Select all | |
| Delete selection | |
| Make Group |
Construction
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Tape Measure (guides) | |
| Delete all guides | |
| Protractor tool | |
| Dimension tool |
View
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Toggle X-ray mode | |
| Top view | |
| Front view | |
| Right view | |
| Back view | |
| Left view | |
| Bottom view |
File
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Save | |
| Save As | |
| New | |
| Open | |
Selection
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Select tool | |
| Select all connected | |
| Deselect all |
Pro tips
Components vs Groups
Use Components for repeated elements (windows, doors) - editing one updates all copies. Use Groups for unique objects you want to isolate from the rest of the geometry.
Push/Pull Is Everything
Push/Pull (P) is SketchUp's signature tool. Double-click to repeat the last push/pull distance. Ctrl+Push/Pull creates a new face (extrude copy). Master it for fast 3D modeling.
Inference System
Watch for color-coded inference points: red = X axis, green = Y axis, blue = Z axis, magenta = parallel/perpendicular. Lock to an axis by pressing arrow keys while drawing.
3D Warehouse
Access millions of free 3D models from File → 3D Warehouse. Import furniture, trees, vehicles, and architectural details to populate your designs quickly.
Scenes for Presentations
Create scenes (View → Animation → Add Scene) to save camera positions, layer visibility, and style settings. Transition between scenes for client presentations.
Use Follow Me Tool
Select a path, activate Follow Me, then click a profile face. It extrudes the profile along the path - perfect for cornices, pipes, turned shapes, and complex moldings.
Frequently asked questions
Is SketchUp free?
SketchUp Free (web version) is free for personal use with limited features. SketchUp Go ($119/year) adds mobile support. SketchUp Pro ($349/year) includes LayOut, Style Builder, and desktop app. Studio ($749/year) adds V-Ray and Revit import.
Can SketchUp be used for professional architecture?
Yes. SketchUp Pro is widely used in architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. Combined with LayOut for construction documents and V-Ray/Enscape for rendering, it's a complete professional workflow.
What file formats does SketchUp support?
SketchUp imports/exports SKP, DWG, DXF, 3DS, DAE, KMZ, OBJ, STL, FBX, and more. Pro version supports additional formats. STL export is useful for 3D printing.
How does SketchUp compare to Blender?
SketchUp is intuitive and focused on architecture and product design. Blender is free, more powerful for organic modeling, animation, and rendering, but has a steeper learning curve. Choose based on your primary use case.
Can I use SketchUp for 3D printing?
Yes. Model in SketchUp, export as STL, and import into your slicer software. Ensure your model is a solid (no holes or reversed faces). The Solid Inspector plugin helps verify printability.
Does SketchUp support rendering?
SketchUp's built-in rendering is basic. For photorealistic rendering, use V-Ray (included in Studio), Enscape, Lumion, or Twinmotion. These plugins integrate directly into SketchUp's viewport.
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