Google SketchUp Toolbar Series: Follow Me
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Follow Me Video: SketchUp Toolbar Series
To view the full tool set, turn on the "Large Tool Set".
The Follow Me Tool requires a profile shape and a path to pull the shape along.
The key to success is to use your imagination.
Look at these examples to get some ideas.
Let's look at the best ways to use the tool.
Regardless of the original shape orientation,
this tool will create geometry perpendicular to the path.
It is best to make your profile shape perpendicular to the path.
The profile shape does not need to be connected to the path; it will align itself to the path.
These 2 shapes are in different positions.
Using the Follow Me Tool with the same path results in both shapes aligning to the path.
We have been manually guiding the shape along a path.
There are easier ways to use this tool.
Using the Select Tool (+ Shift), pick a series of edges.
Now choose the Follow Me Tool and click on the profile shape.
Let's review this process.
First, select a path of connected edges.
Choose the Follow Me Tool, then click on the profile shape!
Another way to select the path is to select a single surface.
This surface exists because of its bounding edges.
So selecting this 1 surface is the same as selecting the 4 edges.
Then choose the Follow Me Tool and your profile.
Select the surface; click on the profile with the Follow Me Tool.
You can use a "modifier key" to work quickly with this tool.
Use the Follow Me Tool to start extruding your profile.
Hold down the Alt key [Cmd key] while hovering on the surface you want to follow along.
That surface is used for the Follow Me path.
Let's look at some lathe shapes; all you need is a profile shape and a path.
Combining different shapes with different paths,
makes powerful and fun combinations.
Here's a tip for creating your profile shape:
Start by drawing a simple rectangle.
Draw the details on that rectangle, and erase extra geometry.
This makes it easy to draw a coplanar shape for your profile.
Visit Google's 3D Warehouse to find examples you can follow in SketchUp.
