While increasing the number of sides makes smoother looking results, there is a point of diminishing returns. They are then also even divisible by 2, 3, and 6. I always try to keep the number of sides to a multiple of 12, partly for that reason. The ability to edit the number of segments in SketchUp was something I was told quite a while ago (very kindly) by a fellow SketchUpper and I thought it might be useful to write a blog post about it, considering a lot of models in the 3D Warehouse that I’ve seen in recent months have had organic geometry but unfortunately the segments weren’t edited (initially) to ensure a smooth and rounded overall shape. Here’s a quick render of the above 3D models. This also has implications in relation to reflections and shadows cast. Not editing the initial number of segments causes further problems when trying to render 3D models (especially for close-up shots), where the objects should be smooth/rounded, and are not. Here’s two spheres that were created initially using circles (and the Follow Me tool). This also applies to the construction of spheres in SketchUp. Selecting the Soften Edges tool will NOT correct this, as shown below. You can clearly see that the 3D object to the left has edges, whereas the model on the right has none. I’ve used the Push-Pull tool on the circles above and this is how they appear once they’ve become 3D geometry. It’s important to note that you CANNOT edit the number of segments once the circle has become 3D geometry!!! You MUST edit the number of segments BEFORE you manipulate the circle.
Edit this number before you draw the circle. You’ll notice in the bottom right hand corner of the image below, the word ‘Sides’ beside the measurements toolbar and a figure of 24. Or you can specify the number of segments BEFORE you draw the circle. Or you can use the shortcut key: draw your circle, type the number of segments in the measurements toolbar followed by the letter ‘s’ and press ‘enter’.Ģ. Here you can change the number of segments from 24 to whatever your preference is. Once you’ve drawn a circle, click on its edge (it will become highlighted in blue, as below), then go to: Window, Entity Info and the section entitled Segments. There are two methods you can use when editing the number of segments:ġ. How to Edit the Number of Segments of a Circle in SketchUp The circle to the right, has been created using 62 segments and you can clearly see that it appears much more smooth and fluid. In order to create a more fluid circle that DOESN’T have obvious edges, you need to edit the default setting. Circles in SketchUp are created using 24 segments by default. This circle consists of 24 sides or ‘segments’. Below are two circles I created in SketchUp, you can clearly see the straight edges in the circle to the left. You see, when I’ve downloaded models from the 3D Warehouse, I’ve spotted (quite frequently) that organic or rounded models which were created initially using the Circle tool or the Arc tool have edges, when there should be none.Ĭircles in SketchUp are actually constructed using a series of connected straight lines. I don’t want to sound ungrateful but I’ve stumbled upon a slight problem. You can view my entire collection of 3D models here.
I love the 3D Warehouse and I’ve ranted about its greatness in a previous post, when I decided to upload some of my own 3D models to this glorious library of 3D components. Posted by anitabrown3d on Januin 3D Models, AutoCAD, Google Sketchup, Tutorials | 9 Comments
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