method for defining 2D/3D dimensions directly?

Question

I'm just getting into Google SketchUp, and I'm already annoyed with the way rectangles are drawn and the Pull/Push tool works.

I wanted to make a 2000x1000x100mm shape, but ended up with something like 1998.3x1002.7x99.1mm. That was the closest I could get.

I found this mouse-based expansion really irritating, considering I knew the exact dimensions I wanted.

Is there a way to just define new objects numerically?

Answer 1

Yes!

Simply start pulling, making or doing whatever you want - do it in the right direction and after you release the mouse, before you do anything else, just type a number and press enter.

For example, if you want to extrude in one direction, pull out any distance, then just type 100, enter. This will then extrude 100 (units you selected at project start) in the direction you pulled.... You can use a negative number to go in the opposite direction from the one you selected.

Answer 2

To really make sure your dimensions are exactly what you want,

• choose the rectangle tool
• click on the screen (usually at 0,0,0 or where ever you want your box to start)
• after you click, move your mouse. You should see at the bottom of your screen a Dimensions bar with numbers that change as your mouse moves.
• all you need to do at this point is type in your dimesions (so 2000, 1000 - just the x & y) and hit enter
• a rectangle will appear so at this point you simply use your push/pull tool.
• click the face of the rectangle, move your mouse upwards, and type in your z-dimension

• hit enter and you are done!

  This can also be done with circles - just note the dimension is the radius by default