Orbit Tool

Use the Orbit Tool to rotate the camera about the model. The Orbit Tool is useful when viewing geometry from the outside. Activate the Orbit Tool from either the Camera Toolbar or the Camera menu.

Keyboard Shortcut: O

Orbiting the View

The Orbit Tool performs a 3D orbit. To orbit using the Orbit Tool:

1. Select the Orbit Tool. The cursor changes to two interconnected perpendicular ovals.
2. Click anywhere in the drawing area.
3. Move your cursor in any direction to rotate around the center of the drawing area.

Tip - Double-click the left mouse button on your model to center to the model in the drawing area.

Orbiting With a Three Button Mouse

The Orbit Tool is used heavily when creating and editing models. SketchUp contains a few mouse enhancements and modifier keys to allow easy access to the Orbit Tool.

Activating the Orbit Tool While in Another Tool

Click and hold middle mouse button (scroll wheel) on a three-button mouse to temporarily activate the Orbit Tool while in any other tool (except the Walk Tool).

Tip - You will also be put in pan temporarily if you click on the middle-mouse wheel and then click and hold the left mouse button or press and hold the Shift key.

Suspending the Gravity Setting

The Orbit Tool is designed to maintain a sense of gravity by keeping vertical edges pointed up and down. Press and hold the Ctrl key during orbit to suspend this gravity setting and to roll the camera on its side.