Rectangle Tool

One of the first things a new SketchUp user learns is how to draw shapes, and one of the most basic shapes is the rectangle. With the Rectangle tool () you can draw rectangles pretty much anywhere - on any axis, on existing faces, or aligned and inferred to existing geometry.

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

  • From Center () - Draw rectangles starting at the center point rather than a corner.
  • Inferences 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 Rectangle tool.

Keyboard Shortcut: Press R on the keyboard to activate the Rectangle tool.

iPad Input Methods for the Rectangle Tool

After choosing the Rectangle 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 circles.

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 starting corner of your rectangle using a hard press. Gently moving allows you to find inferences. Hard press again to finish your rectangle.

Mouse or Trackpad - Click the starting corner and release. Move your cursor to the desired endpoint 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 endpoint.

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

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