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In SketchUp, we have the feature to use a picture as a template for our drawing.
In this example I have a picture of a Dell computer from the front and the back.
Should it all be perfect I would have to have one of the top, but I have not. Anyway, I must do with what I have, and finally this is only example.
Just so you understand how to do it.

The first thing you do is import the image into a blank SketchUp file.
Just click the “File” button in the menubar, and select “Import” in the drop-down menu.
Select the photo on your computer you wish to import, select the check box “Use as New Matched Photo” and click the “Open” button.
If you do not see the picture in the dialog box, click the downward pointing arrow next to the “Files of type” box and select “All Supported Image Types.”

This imports the image into SketchUp.
The drawing panel is now filled with a grid and a number of lines, we have to set as a basis for the different axes.
The first thing you do is determine the starting point of the sketch. This is where you will begin drawing the picture(1).
Then you determine the red and green axes at the bottom and top of the photo (2). The order in which you do this does not matter.
These determine the perspective of the figure that we are going to draw.
Based on how carefully you place it, the more accurate your 3D figure will be.
Zoom in if necessary, what with the scroll wheel of your mouse.

In the “Match Photo” you can set the spacing on the grid of the model. If you do not know how high, in this case the computer is, then just take a guess. As close to as it makes no difference.
Click the “Done” button when all your axes are placed.

Now that we set the perspective for the picture, select the “Square” tool.
Draw a square from the set starting point to the upper side of the picture.
This will be the rear plane of the figure we are drawing.

Select the push / pull tool, move the mouse pointer over the drawn surface.

And move it forward until the whole image is covered by the cube.
By clicking on the check box “Model” off, you can display the picture again to verify.
Click the “Project textures from photo”button when you are satisfied.

And this is what we have.
We continue in the next lesson.

 

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