Skip to content
07-848 2005

Eraser Tool

The Eraser tool () isn't just an eraser. SketchUp's Eraser tool can remove geometry from your model, Smooth or Unsmooth entities, and even Hide parts of your model. In SketchUp for iPad, the Eraser tool has 3 optional tool modes:

Last updated 17 July 2026

The Eraser tool ( go-icon-eraser.png ) isn't just an eraser. SketchUp's Eraser tool can remove geometry from your model, Smooth or Unsmooth entities, and even Hide parts of your model.

In SketchUp for iPad, the Eraser tool has 3 optional tool modes:

  • Smooth ( go-icon-eraser-smooth.png ) - Smoothing an edge adds shading and makes it's bounding edges look smooth.
  • Unsmooth ( go-icon-eraser-unsmooth.png ) - Converts any "Smoothed" geometry into visible geometry.
  • Hide ( go-icon-eraser-hide.png ) - Hides the "erased" geometry but leaves any bounding facets as though the line were still there.

iPad Input Methods for the Eraser Tool

After choosing the Eraser tool and activating any optional tool modes, you can use any of the applicable iPad input methods below to Erase, Smooth, Unsmooth, or Hide geometry.

Pencil - You can use the Eraser tool in either Just Draw or Click-Move-Click mode. Draw a line across the geometry you want to modify with the Eraser tool.

Multitouch -Mark your starting position with a long press, then draw a line across the geometry you want to erase.

Touchpad or Mouse - Click or press and hold down the mouse button or touchpad where you want to start drawing, then drag across the geometry you want to erase.

Embedded video

If you want to learn more about how you can use the Eraser tool in your models, see Erasing and Undoing or Softening, Smoothing, and Hiding Geometry .

Still need help?

Technical support from our New Zealand team is available to customers with a current Procadsys SketchUp Pro Plus or SketchUp Studio Plus subscription. Self-help articles are public.

Contact SketchUp support