How to Print Scale in SketchUp?

Understanding Printing to Scale in SketchUp

Printing at a specific scale in SketchUp can be essential for architects, engineers, and designers who need their drawings to be accurate when presented on paper. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the steps to print to scale effectively in different versions of SketchUp.

Setting Up Your SketchUp Model for Printing

1. Prepare Your Model: Ensure that your model is complete and that you have defined any scenes you want to print. This helps in maintaining consistency across your prints.
2. Adjust View Settings: Navigate to Camera settings and adjust your view to ensure all relevant aspects of your model are visible. Selecting a parallel view can maintain depth proportions, making it easier to print accurately.

Printing to Scale in SketchUp Free Version

Currently, users with free access to SketchUp may face limitations regarding scale printing. However, they can prepare their models by following these steps before considering an upgrade:

1. Select Your Model Setup: Go to the File menu and select ‘Print Setup’.
2. Printer Selection: Choose the printer from the drop-down list that you plan to use for printing.
3. Configure Printer Settings: Click on the ‘Properties’ button to access additional printer options. Choose the appropriate paper size that aligns with your model.

Printing to Scale in SketchUp 2017 and Earlier Versions

For users with the 2017 version or earlier, the printing process is slightly different:

1. Setting the Print View: Click on the double rectangle icon to fit your window around the model image.
2. Camera Adjustments: From the Camera menu, select ‘Parallel Projection’ and then ‘Zoom Extents’ to ensure the model fits the page.
3. Access Printing Options: Open the print dialog and uncheck the ‘Fit to Page’ option. Make sure the ‘Use Model Extents’ option is checked instead.

Printing to Scale in SketchUp 2020 and Later Versions

To print to scale in SketchUp 2020 and any later iterations:

1. Print Menu Access: Open the print dialog by selecting ‘File’ then ‘Print’.
2. Set the Scale: In the dialog, look for the option labeled ‘Print Scale’. This section allows you to specify the dimensions you want your drawing to be printed at.
3. Scene Selection: If you’ve created scenes in your model, you can navigate to ‘Print Preview’ and select the desired scene. There’s an option to switch to ‘Print to Scale’ mode for a more precise representation.

Printing PDF and Other Formats

1. Exporting to PDF: If you prefer creating a PDF version of your drawings, click on ‘File’, then ‘Export’, and choose ‘PDF’. Select your desired save location and assign a filename before clicking ‘Save’.
2. Utilizing PDF Scale: If you print from a PDF viewer, ensure to select the appropriate scaling option, such as ‘Actual Size’ or ‘No Scaling’ to maintain accuracy.

FAQs

Can I print to scale if I am using the free version of SketchUp?
Printing to scale is not available for free users. You will need to upgrade to SketchUp Shop to access this feature.

How can I ensure my model prints accurately without scaling?
In the Printer Properties, select ‘No Scaling’ to print the image in its actual size, ensuring precision.

What does it mean to scale a drawing when printing?
Scaling refers to the resizing of a drawing to fit a specific area. This is done by adjusting the parameters used by the printer to calculate how the image fits on the paper.