Inspecting an Entity

As you create 3D models in SketchUp, you create an entity whenever you draw an edge or face. Combining lines and faces into a group or component creates a complex entity.

Each entity in a model has attributes. Simple entities like faces and edges only have attributes like units of measure. A more complex entity will have options for several different attributes like the layer it's on and classification information. 

Depending on what you're doing in SketchUp, you might need to know or change an entity's attributes in Entity Info. The easiest way to access Entity Info is from the Default Tray. If you have hidden the Default Tray, you can click Window > Default Tray > Entity Info.

Depending on the type of entity selected, the Info tab of Entity Info contains the following information: 

• Tag – Shows the currently assigned tag. You can also set a tag here if you have created tags for your model.

• Instance – If you have copies of the same entity in your model, you can use this field to give it a unique name. 

• Definition – Presents the standard definition of the entity all copies would use. 

• Toggles – Use the icons to toggle visibility, lock your model, and specify if the selected entity can cast or receive shadows.

• Type – Shows classification data for the entity.

• Material – Displays the material assigned to the entity. If one isn’t assigned, clicking here opens a window where you can select one.

• Section Fill – Displays hatch pattern assigned as a section fill. If one isn’t assigned, clicking here opens a window where you can select one. 

Components also include the following fields under Advanced Attributes in the Info panel: 

• Price

• Size

• URL

• Status

• Owner

For more information on these component specific attributes, see Components.

The Controls tab contains additional information for procedural components. Each type of procedural component can have different controls you can adjust. For more information see SketchUp Procedures.