Print to scale in Google Sketchup - A Tutorial

[tdubnik]

There have been several threads over time that have asked how you would print to scale using Sketchup. I had the same issue and have done research and trial and error to figure out the following method. I have used it to print full size templates that span multiple sheets and this method seems to work.

First, make sure that what you see on your Sketchup drawing is what you want to print. Hide other parts or make a scene with only the part to be printed.

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Next go to the Camera drop down in Sketchup and select "Parallel Projection". This should be the only item checked on the menu.



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The next thing you have to do is select a "Standard View" that shows the side you want to print to scale. You can do this from the icons that look like houses in your tool bar or by using the "Camera" "Standard Views" menu item. You can NOT select "Iso" and have a usable template. It MUST be a head on view from one of the standard angles.

CAUTION: After you do the above; do not use the rotate tool as it will change the perspective and you will no longer be in a head on view.

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Then you would go to "File" "Print Preview" to open the Print Preview dialog box. In this box you you have to do a couple of things.

In the "Tabbed Scene Print Range" make sure the correct scene is indicated if you have more than one in both the from and to boxes.

In the "Print Size" box make sure that "Fit to page" is not checked. Make sure that "Use model extents" is checked. Make sure the scale "In the printout" and "In sketchup" are both set to "1". Don't mess with the page size as it just indicates the size of the tiled sheet and NOT the paper size. At this point you can click the OK button and preview your printout. If everything looks good hit the print button and you are set.


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[dusty]

Thanks. If I practise that enough times, I might be able to get this down pat.