Google Sketch Up

[Knotty]

Is there a way to define the dimensions of the fabric and then be able to fold and bend it w/o the material dimensions changing?

Right now I can create a 12x10' tarp in Sketchup but if I bisect it with a line and then pull up, to create the typical deployed A-shape, the length of the sides grows.

[Redoleary]

Is there a way to define the dimensions of the fabric and then be able to fold and bend it w/o the material dimensions changing?

Right now I can create a 12x10' tarp in Sketchup but if I bisect it with a line and then pull up, to create the typical deployed A-shape, the length of the sides grows.

You could do it like the guy in this video does it (bout 1:30 in) draw your square/rectangle, pull it up into a cube then erase the parts you don't want. Its hard to describe but you'll get the gist from the video.

Folding on the other hand gets tricky, I don't know how to do that. I have an unfold tool, so after I draw something 3d I can lay it out flat, haven't used it much but it works if you draw it right.

[hppyfngy]

Is there a way to define the dimensions of the fabric and then be able to fold and bend it w/o the material dimensions changing?

Right now I can create a 12x10' tarp in Sketchup but if I bisect it with a line and then pull up, to create the typical deployed A-shape, the length of the sides grows.

Knotty, it's slightly clunky but you can do it this way by making your rectangle and then drawing the rl. Then you select either half like in this example and use the rotate tool to angle it. Only thing is you have to do both sides this way from the ridgeline. I don't know a way to "lift" the ridgeline...

http://support.google.com/sketchup/b...n&answer=94897

The good news is you can be very accurate with this method. The bad news is it's not easily adjusted just by the "push-pull" method.

[bindibadgi]

You can lift the ridgeline, but it stretches the sides. You could make a big rectangle, bigger than you need), put in a centre line, lift that, and then draw on the actual dimensions on the sides afterwards. Then you can delete the scrap from the edges.

[Knotty]

Found the answer.

Rotate Tool: Folding along an axis of rotation

Lets you manipulate the virtual tarp like you would in the real world.

Oops. Looks like Randy beat me to it.