Precision Scaling

Sometimes you can model in SketchUp at whatever size you want. Sometimes, however, you need to get your model perfectly scaled. If that is the case, Aaron has a couple of tips on how to precisely scale your models, using multiple tools!
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[@blacksheep_77]

Every day I learn something new...every day. I have long been frustrated with the scale tool because I couldn't get exact measurements. As I believe, if you have a problem with Sketchup, it might not be Sketchup. Glad to see this one Aaron. Needed this level up.

[@MickHealey]

Thank you Aaron. That was a gold mine for me. Until today, I didn't know that absolute scaling was possible. Brilliant.

[@CalgaryBen]

Great tip, Aaron! I've seen you do this (or variations of it) in some of the live streams, but it's great when you focus in on something and spend a little extra time expanding upon it, much like this.

[@Hapsard]

Thank you. A draw mostly architecturally, and never really understood why the scale tool worked by precentages ... I just don't often need that directly and it usually led to getting a pen and some paper to do ... gahhh! ... math. I usually would use the resize feature of the tape measure instead, but to learn that I can enter a distance when using scale is a revelation. So helpful at least in the situations I find myself in 😊

[@stephenpresland7173]

That's been my workflow, and workaround as well.:)

[@hayatuahmad2214]

Thank you I always have scale issues, especially when I download some component and try to use it in my models. But in up the hook now.

[@chrisb3927]

Thank you Aaron. Great tutorial!!

[@Tacuvaco]

Great, we need that runing on Layout as well! thanks!

[@stiffybrian]

Just yesterday I had same problem. I needed a cap to fit a 5mm thread. I created a dimension of the hole I had and hit scale. When I moved scale it showed this dimension changing so I could adjust it to what I felt was right. Having the dimension change visually in real time was a great help. (a 5mm thread isn't 5mm od, more life 4.85) It helped when I had an 'exact dimension' and wanted to change it to a 'feeling dimension'.

[@WISDOMHOUSEPLANS-ve1vg]

Well done by professional himself Kenya here is well represented Sketchup to the world asante sana

[@packardroadsta]

Woah, my mind is open. Thank you.

[@PinoyDeathEro]

Thanks for the tip.

[@melissalaird2006]

Great tips,,, thanks!

[@slimdog72]

Yes dude, very helpful.

[@keggyification]

Thanks Aaron, Nice video

[@elmerhochstetler9410]

Nice! Good video. If you use the tape measure tool, make sure you are in the group or component before you scale it, otherwise, you will scale your whole model. Not fun!

[@joopterwijn]

Yep very helpful

[@Eamon2001]

thanks Aaron - where'd you get those rulers...?

[@OrlandoRodriguez-lo2vp]

I have not been able to do it using a piece of furniture as an example. I tried to scale in mm and it worked but when i tried in inches it didn't. Any idea why?

[@ellipsitin]

This was helpful, thanks! My only constructive criticism is that you could have fit these tips into a two minute video instead of one that was 10 minutes long. I, too, am guilty of enjoying hearing myself talk when I make explainers.

[@aarondietzen2995]

Yeah, I hear that! Unfortunately, when we make shorter videos, newer users state that it was too fast or details were skipped… Cath 22, I suppose! Well, thanks for hanging in there, despite all the extra words I used!!

[@stevehoge]

Does this then imply that the tape measure is an alternative but general-purpose scaling tool? In what way does it NOT duplicate the functionality of the traditional scaling tool?

[@SketchUp]

The Tape Measure will scale EVERYTHING within the active Group or Component. While Scale lets you resize individual things without affecting anything else.

[@nickmastrandrea223]

I am brand new to this. I purchased the pro version. I have a new responsibility where I will get outside measurements of a commercial space, and I need to layout a indoor family entertainment center. Is it possible to import a PDF? I can start from scratch and line out the dimensions to scale. Just need help in learning how to do that. Can you give me what steps or courses I can take?

[@SketchUp]

We recommend starting with the SketchUp Fundamentals course on learn.sketchup.com. After that, try the CAD to 3D course. If you have in-depth questions, try posting them on our Help Community: forums.sketchup.com.

[@johnjlopez]

If you have a lot of things and only want to scale one then put it into a group then go into the group and scale it.