Introduction

This article explains how to MOVE components in SketchUp, it will explain the basic ways to move items, using the standard Move tool, keyboard shortcuts, and other helpful features.  We will show you step-by-step how to select items, move them along different directions. 

User Interface overview

The tool is located on the SketchUp Getting Started Toolbar or using the keyboard shortcut M.

Steps for Moving Components

1. Prepare the view and snapping - for moving by using snapping points and end labels:
   • For clarity on the ScaffPlan Toolbar, toggle Snapping Points and Labels Visibility to display both item Snap Points and labels (End 1/End 2).
   • In SketchUp, enable X-Ray: View → Face Style → X-Ray (or use Styles toolbar).
2. Select the Item
   • Start by clicking on the Select Tool in the toolbar, click on the component or group of items you wish to move. (You can select multiple items by holding down the Ctrl key while selecting).
3. Move the Component
   • Use the Move Tool or press M on the keyboard to activate Move.
4. Choose the Move Start Point
   • Click on the item to specify the point from which you want to move it, this is the reference point that guides how you will drag the item to a new location.
5. Drag to Move
   • With your mouse, begin moving the selected item, as you drag, you’ll see the item follow your cursor, position it approximately where you want it to go – use the Advanced Move Features if necessary
6. Finalize the Move:
   • Click again to set the item down at your desired location. The item is now moved to its new position within the model.

Advanced Move Features

When the Move Tool is active the Status Bar contains important Tooltips about that tool in the middle area of the status bar including usage and modifiers

To move your item a precise distance type either of the following during or immediately after the move:

Distance: The number you type can be positive or negative, such as 3' or -1000mm.

If you specify a unit of measurement, that unit overrides your template's default units. For example, you can type 3' 6" even if you are using the metric system as your default.

Coordinates: The Measurements box accepts global or relative coordinates. To enter global coordinates, use square brackets, such as [3', 4', 5'] to designate coordinates from the model origin. 

To set relative coordinates (from the starting point of the move operation), use angle brackets, such as <3', 4', 5'>

Inference Direction: To lock an inference to an Axis as you move, hold down the Shift key when the Move line turns the color of your desired axis you can, use the Arrow keys to manually lock to an axis if necessary

Red (X-Axis)              Left to Right                     à      (Right Arrow)

Green (Y-Axis)          Front to Back                  ß       (Left Arrow)

Blue (Z-Axis)             Vertically Up/Down         á        (Up Arrow)