Arrow keys to move objects?

keyon · 20 Aug 2008, 12:15

There must be a simple solution to this...but for some reason I can't find it.
Just want to move selected objects around using arrow keys...instead of my mouse.

thanks

Al Hart · 20 Aug 2008, 12:25

Take a look at RpTools:

RpTools - Render Plus Systems Wiki

(wiki.renderplus.com)

In order to move an item with the arrow keys, you have to specify a move increment.

You can move it with the move dialog box, or the arrow keys.

remus · 20 Aug 2008, 16:31

thers also the nudge script from the one and only todd burch: http://www.smustard.com/script/Nudge

keyon · 20 Aug 2008, 20:21

Wow...really? I need a third-party tool just to make use of arrow keys?
There seem to be other obvious-like functions, too, (common to most all other software programs) that are awkwardly missing in Sketchup.
What's going on??

Al Hart · 20 Aug 2008, 20:53

We just have our own "humble" opinion on this matter.

SketchUp was designed to create 3D objects and 3D shapes. It was not designed to be used to create floor plans or to place components.

Render Plus is devoted to creating "tools to enhance Gooogle SketchUp" (our byline). Our experience is in Architectural CAD (walls, doors and windows), and in office furniture (placing and reporting on symbols or components).

We found the tools for both of these to be weak in SketchUp. (This wasn't really what SketchUp was created for.) So we created a set of tools to make it easier to place and manipulate components after they were already created and placed in a library. These wizards do a lot more then just let you use arrow keys, they let you specify exact dimensions for moves, copies and mirror functions. And they were designed so that new, casual users could use SketchUp without having to study tutorials first to learn how to mirror a room full of furniture into another room.

If SketchUp desires to change focus and become more of a CAD system, then perhaps it will have to add these tools. However, SketchUp has created a Ruby interface, and a C++ SDK which lets its user base add the functionality which is not already in SketchUp, and that may be enough

keyon · 20 Aug 2008, 22:34

I still think Google dropped the ball somewhat with Sketchup. Any type of 3D object you draw will likely have "components" that need to be nudged one way or the other. Google probably should have realized that a mouse is not the most accurate way to position anything.

Alan Fraser · 20 Aug 2008, 23:43

You don't position accurately with the mouse. You position accurately with the VCB.

Chris Fullmer · 20 Aug 2008, 23:44

Its just different than other modelers and programs. I always use inference lines when I move stuff in SU, whereas in other programs I rarely use a feature like that. But in SU, that is the normal way. so if I want something to move a little up, I select it and activate move and then click on the object, stsart moving it until I get the blue axis, then hold shift so I lock on to it. Then I move it up as much as I want. If I want a precise amount, I type it in. If it want it to align with something I make sure to click my first move click on the first point, then move that point to what I want it to align with.

I'd say keep messing with it and in time you'll see that there lots of ways to do stuff. But if you still want to nudge, there are great scripts out there for it.

Oh, and google didn't develop the software. In fact, most everything available in the software was available or developed while SketchUp was owned by @Last software. We're all anxiously awaiting the next release to see what Google can add.

Chris

Gaieus · 21 Aug 2008, 08:18

I'd personally hate if I had to move things with the arrow keys (say in a couple of less intuitive way than with the mouse).

Tobobo · 21 Aug 2008, 12:26

In Autocad you don't use the arrow keys to position objects and lines. Plus most people use the VCB and construction lines.

The arrow keys would just confuse matters

Al Hart · 21 Aug 2008, 14:20

@gaieus said:

I'd personally hate if I had to move things with the arrow keys (say in a couple of less intuitive way than with the mouse).

The problem with using the arrow keys, is that if you are in a view where the red and green axis are rotated, then you may have to use the right arrow to move something up, or the shift-left arrow (for the blue axis) to move something to the right.

However, the arrow keys can be very handy in "nudge" mode, where you move an object, say 1" or 1mm at a time until you get it where you want it - by repeating the arrow keys, rather than trying to use the mouse.

JuanV.Soler · 21 Aug 2008, 18:44

i think its a good idea to have Arrow keys to move objects,
Al,
yousay : SketchUp was designed to create 3D objects and 3D shapes.
and I add : and to play around them too.
why not ?
yousay :It was not designed to be used to create floor plans or to place components.
and I say ,watching another´s comments,..:
.......are you sure ?.......

tihzho · 15 Dec 2022, 22:28

@tobobo said:

In Autocad you don't use the arrow keys to position objects and lines. Plus most people use the VCB and construction lines.

The arrow keys would just confuse matters

Sorry but AutoCAD does have "nudge" with the arrow keys. Press Ctrl+[arrow] and nudge away.

Box · 16 Dec 2022, 03:33

I wonder if anything has changed in the intervening 14 years since that post was made.