Force snap to one specific axis possible?

[not registered yet]

I currently work in a model where Sketchup is unwilling to move an object on the main axes, red and green. It moves the object arbitrary in some 3D direction. Is it possible to force Sketchup to align to one specific axis? Can I say: Sketchup, move this along the red axis, and nothing else! Not blue, not green, not diagonal, but on the red!

P: omejoop

[Gaieus]

The move tool needs two click: one when you select a point anywhere in the model (by this you drag and then move the selected geometry in the desired direction) and the other click when you place it.

Now after the first click (but before starting the moving operation), hit one of the arrow keys on your keyboard (up/dow for the blue, right for the red and left for the green axis) to force (lock) your movement in the desired main axis.

You can lock other directions, too: for instance you can move along a line or guide line and when you start moving along them and inference says "on line", you can press the shift key and lock the moving on it.

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p.s. I am moving this topic from the tutorials forum for it is not really a tutorial, if you don't mind (still leave a "shadow topic" here)

[Krisidious]

your issue could be to do with snapping...

what is the scale of the model you're working on?

if it's too smalll you may have this issue.

go to model info under the "window menu"

then to "units"

look at precision and enable length snapping... this may help you.

[Sawduster]

Gaieus,
Man, you do not know how many times I have battled in SU trying to move something on an axis and having difficulty. Never would have thought to use the arrow keys to lock in the move direction. Thanks!!

[Chris Fullmer]

Its also possible the object is glued to a certain plane. you can right-click on it and select "unglue" and then it will be free to move about on all axes.

Chris

[Onyxtacular]

I worked on this for almost an hour until I found this little tip. I'm so grateful I went through the whole registration process just to say thanks. With all the great content I'm seeing I am glad I did.

Thanks again,
Onyx

@chris fullmer said:

Its also possible the object is glued to a certain plane. you can right-click on it and select "unglue" and then it will be free to move about on all axes.

Chris