Architecture · Beginner
Cut door and window openings
How do I cut a window or door opening through a SketchUp wall?
Draw the opening rectangle on the wall face, then Push/Pull it through to the far side until the tooltip reads "On Face". That removes the material cleanly. For openings you will move or resize repeatedly, build a cutting component on a face instead so it re-cuts wherever you place it.
Before you start
The native SketchUp method
Uses only what ships with SketchUp: Rectangle, Push/Pull, Cutting components, Tape Measure. No extension required.
- Set the sill height Use guides from the floor to mark sill and head heights so openings line up across the elevation.
- Draw the opening Rectangle on the wall face between the guides, at the real width.
- Push it through Push/Pull inward until the tooltip reads "On Face" against the opposite surface, then release.
- Check both sides Orbit behind the wall. A leftover sliver means the push stopped short of the far face.
- Make it a cutting component For repeated openings, select the frame geometry and make a component with "Cut opening" enabled, glued to the face.
- Place the rest Copy the component along the wall. Each instance cuts its own hole.
Where this usually goes wrong
- • Stopping the Push/Pull short of the far face, leaving a thin membrane that breaks renders and solids.
- • Cutting openings before grouping the walls, so the cut leaks into adjacent geometry.
- • Cutting components placed on a group rather than a raw face, where they will not cut.
Native method vs extension
| Native method | Rectangle plus Push/Pull, or a glued cutting component for repeats. |
|---|---|
| What it costs you | Fast per opening; adds up across a whole elevation. |
| Extension option | LizArk places and edits openings with sill/head parameters; 1001bit Pro inserts parametric doors and windows. |
| Worth it when | You have dozens of openings, or sizes are still moving and you want to change them numerically. |
Extensions to consider
Options, not requirements. Facts last checked 28 August 2026.
- LizArk Free tier + paid · Lizatek
Converts DWG, DXF, PDF, and image floor plans into editable 3D walls, openings, roofs, stairs, and structure, keeping the result as SketchUp geometry you can keep working on.
Full profile and sources - 1001bit Pro Free tier + paid · 1001bit
A broad architectural toolset — parametric stairs, escalators, walls, doors, windows, and auto-generated roof rafters — grouped into one toolbar, with a reduced free edition available.
Full profile and sources
Done with this one?
Saved in this browser only. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Part of these project paths
- Model a small house — Go from a scaled floor plan to a complete house shell with openings, roof, and stairs.
More in Architecture
Reviewed 28 August 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know and we will recheck the source.
