Would I be right in thinking to use the 'scale' tool?

Wouldn't a scale of 1:1 mean it is already at "actual size"? If so, why would you want to scale it? I would think it would be easier to draw everything real size and scale the printed output. Maybe I'm missing something...

In any case, hit "s" on your keyboard for the scale to scale object then enter the multiplier between the starting scale and the final scale.

I think there's an option in the print dialogue box when you print to scale it. You have to place the model correctly relative to the axis to get it to print on the paper. You may have to tile the paper together.

Hi threshold,

I don't think you're missing any other information other than the fact I'm an imbecile with this program!

Basically, I wanted to take the site context, trace it in Illustrator and annotate the site plan.

Going with what you're saying, if I was to trace all that I need in Illustrator, how would I get from 1:1 to 1:200? I.e, how do you scale the printed output in these terms? Thanks.

I would get all the geometry in the SketchUp model to real size (1:1). If you traced the plan in Illustrator at 1:200 you will scale the geometry in SketchUp by 200 to get to 1:1.

I don't know that you can print a SketchUp perspective to scale... Do a search for "printing" in the help file and scroll down the the "scale" section.

It adds a step, but I would export it as a 3D model as a .dwg (make sure 'perspective' is turned off) and then plot to scale from AutoCAD (or whatever you use). The section slice is the only way I know how to export something in Sketchup.

I meant to say that the only way I know of to export something to scale is by doing a section slice. Sorry for the crappy grammar...

You can print to scale in sketchup:
Camera-Standard-Top.
Camera-(uncheck) Perspective.
(mac:)File-Document Setup-Print Scale-Drawing Scale=1", Model Scale=200'
(mac:)File-Print-(change) Copies & Pages (to) Sketchup-Line Weight: .25 points

(PC:)File-Print: in the print dialog box, you have the Print Size section, with 4 numbers and two check boxes to play with.

It will not print too well.

I really like sketchup, but I think you could find a better tool for the job.

Thanks for responses people.

I've been given the 2d sketchup file from a tutor. Just off out now but will have a good look through all replies later.

Thanks again.

Just print it to pdf in plan view at 1:1 and do the scaling in illustrator

rfox and snark are on the right track, but I would not export the entire 3d model, just hit the "export 2d" and select dwg. then in autocad simply scale the drawing in the viewport window. You can plot pdf from autocad. makes for a nice drawing. you can also get rid of overlap lines with the overkill command which makes this easier when you have to trace things.

best luck.

Leave your drawing at 1:1 scale and you can use LayOut to scale the vectors and make a PDF. It's like paperspace for Sketchup

link