If you’re a graphic designer learning SketchUp, your left hand is probably already twitching to hit Command+D, searching for that familiar 'Transform Again' magic to repeat your last move. When you jump into SketchUp 3D modeling, the first thing you’ll miss is that effortless repetition.
Good news: SketchUp has a "Repeat" power of its own. :)
It isn’t just a copy-paste tool; it’s a dynamic way to create Linear and Radial Arrays. Once you master this move, you’ll stop manual positioning and start modeling at the speed of thought.
The Concept
In Illustrator, you move an object and hit Ctrl+D to repeat that transformation. In SketchUp, the logic also lives inside the Move Tool (M). By adding a simple "multiplier" or "divisor" command, you tell SketchUp exactly how many copies you need and where they should go.
Action
Repeats the last transform
Step-by-Step: The "Move-Copy" Workflow
1. Select and Prep
Pick the object you want to repeat.
Why this is a lifesaver: Imagine you array 50 windows across a building. If you decide to change the window frame from square to rounded, you only have to edit one window. SketchUp will instantly update the other 49 for you.
2. Activate Move + Copy
Press M for the Move tool, then tap Ctrl (Windows) or Option (Mac). You’ll see a small + sign appear on your cursor. This tells SketchUp you are in "Copy Mode."
3. Set the Distance
Click to set your starting point, move the mouse, and click again to place the first copy. Just like Illustrator, the trick is to not click anything else yet! Immediately type your distance (e.g., 500mm or 10') and hit Enter.
4. The Magic Notation (The "Repeat")
Now, while the tool is still active, choose your array type:
Beyond Grids: Circular (Radial) Arrays
To create a sunburst or radial effect, you can do this in SketchUp using the Rotate Tool (Q).
Good news: SketchUp has a "Repeat" power of its own. :)
It isn’t just a copy-paste tool; it’s a dynamic way to create Linear and Radial Arrays. Once you master this move, you’ll stop manual positioning and start modeling at the speed of thought.
The Concept
In Illustrator, you move an object and hit Ctrl+D to repeat that transformation. In SketchUp, the logic also lives inside the Move Tool (M). By adding a simple "multiplier" or "divisor" command, you tell SketchUp exactly how many copies you need and where they should go.
Action
Repeats the last transform
Step-by-Step: The "Move-Copy" Workflow
1. Select and Prep
Pick the object you want to repeat.
- Pro Tip: Always turn your geometry into a group (Right-click > Make group) before copying. Better yet, if you create a component and change the design later, every copy in your array will update automatically!
Why this is a lifesaver: Imagine you array 50 windows across a building. If you decide to change the window frame from square to rounded, you only have to edit one window. SketchUp will instantly update the other 49 for you.
2. Activate Move + Copy
Press M for the Move tool, then tap Ctrl (Windows) or Option (Mac). You’ll see a small + sign appear on your cursor. This tells SketchUp you are in "Copy Mode."
3. Set the Distance
Click to set your starting point, move the mouse, and click again to place the first copy. Just like Illustrator, the trick is to not click anything else yet! Immediately type your distance (e.g., 500mm or 10') and hit Enter.
4. The Magic Notation (The "Repeat")
Now, while the tool is still active, choose your array type:
- The Multiplier (External Array): Type *5 or x5 and hit Enter. SketchUp will create 5 copies at that exact same interval, extending out from your original.
- The Divisor (Internal Array): Type /5 and hit Enter. SketchUp will take the total distance between your original and the copy and "fill the gap" with 5 perfectly spaced objects.
Beyond Grids: Circular (Radial) Arrays
To create a sunburst or radial effect, you can do this in SketchUp using the Rotate Tool (Q).
- Select your object and press Q.
- Tap Ctrl/Option to enable Copy mode.
- Click to set your center point, click to start the rotation, then type your angle (e.g., 45) and hit Enter.
- Type *7 or /7 to fill the circle with copies.
Bonus: The "Real" Repeat Button (Push/Pull & Offset tools)
While the Move tool uses codes to repeat, the Push/Pull (P) and Offset tools have a hidden "memory" feature that feels even more like Command+D.
If you just pushed a surface up by 10 inches and want to do the exact same thing to another surface, don’t type the number again. Just double-click the next face.
SketchUp remembers your last entry and applies it instantly. This is a massive time-saver.
Note: This "double-click to repeat" only works for these specific geometry-modifying tools, not for creating Move tool arrays!
While the Move tool uses codes to repeat, the Push/Pull (P) and Offset tools have a hidden "memory" feature that feels even more like Command+D.
If you just pushed a surface up by 10 inches and want to do the exact same thing to another surface, don’t type the number again. Just double-click the next face.
SketchUp remembers your last entry and applies it instantly. This is a massive time-saver.
Note: This "double-click to repeat" only works for these specific geometry-modifying tools, not for creating Move tool arrays!
See you next time,
Sanaz Vazirian
Architect, Graphic Designer, Professor
Founder — SketchUp for Graphic Designers
Sanaz Vazirian
Architect, Graphic Designer, Professor
Founder — SketchUp for Graphic Designers
In my classes, 90% of graphic designers get stuck with the same issue. I created a quick guide to explain it in Adobe language! Once you understand it, you will never make the same mistake.
GRAB YOURS HERE!