Polygon Tool

The Polygon tool () adds all kinds of shapes to your model. Basic shapes often act as the foundation of a model. SketchUp draws polygon entities that have a radius and have 3 or more sides. Polygon entities act as a single line meaning they can define the edge of a face or divide a face..

In SketchUp for iPad, the Polygon tool has the following optional tool modes:

  • Increase Segments ()/Decrease Segments () - These tool modes are a little different. Tapping one of these modes before or after you draw allows you to increase or decrease the number of line segments used to draw your circle. The number of line segments used to make up your circle appears in the Measurements box. Each time you tap the Increase Segments or Decrease Segments optional tool mode adjusts the number of line segments by one. You can also use the Measurements box to adjust the number of line segments manually.
  • Circumscribed () - In geometry, a circumscribed circle of a polygon is a circle that passes through all vertices of the polygon. You'll see a circumscribed circle appear around the outside of your polygon by default when using the Polygon tool. When this optional mode is activated, SketchUp draws polygons with a circle inside your polygon instead, with the circle passing through the midpoint of each segment.
  • Inference Locks - Selecting one of these optional tool modes restricts drawing to a specific inference point:
    • Lock X () - The X axis or Red plane.
    • Lock Y () - The Y axis or Green plane.
    • Lock Z () - The Z axis or Blue plane.
    • Lock Parallel () - Parallel to a selection or the last line drawn.
Note: Inference Locks are one-time operations. Once you've drawn with an inference lock you'll revert back to the unmodified Polygon tool.
KeyboardShortcut: Pressing ⌘; activates the Polygon tool.

iPad Input Methods for the Polygon Tool

After choosing the Polygon tool and activating any optional tool modes, you can use one of the iPad input methods in either Click-Move-Click or Just Draw mode to start drawing polygons.

Tip: You can enter an exact radius length using the Measurements box while drawing no matter which input method you decide to use.

Click-Move-Click Mode

Pencil or Multitouch - Establish the center point of your polygon using a long press. Gently moving allows you to find inferences. Long press again to finish your circle.

Mouse or Trackpad - Click the starting point and release. Move your cursor to the desired radius and click again.

Just Draw Mode

All Modes - Click or tap and hold at the starting point, then drag to your desired radius. Lift or release at the desired radius.

For more detailed guidance for using polygons and other basic shapes in your model see Drawing Basic Shapes.

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