Can I display the ʼEntity Infoʼ window permanently in SketchUp?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in SketchUp, you can keep the Entity Info window visible by opening it from Window > Default Tray > Entity Info on Windows, then leaving that tray docked on screen. This is the most common professional method for showing Entity Info permanently during modeling. Limitation: on Mac, it behaves as a floating panel, not a docked tray.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: The Entity Info panel only updates when an object is actually selected, so many users think it is not working when nothing is highlighted. If the Default Tray is closed, auto-hidden, or collapsed, the SketchUp entity info window can appear to “disappear” even though it is still enabled.

How to Display Entity Info Permanently in SketchUp

  • Command: Entity Info

  • Shortcut: No default shortcut

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Go to Window > Default Tray > Entity Info.
    2. Make sure the Default Tray is visible and dock it to the side of the SketchUp window.
    3. Keep the Entity Info panel expanded inside the tray, then select any edge, face, group, or component to view its properties.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Window > Default Tray > Show Tray

  • Expert Setting: If Show Tray is turned off, the Entity Info panel will not remain visible even if Entity Info itself is checked. On Windows, keeping the tray docked is the practical way to make Entity Info stay available during continuous work.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): Nothing is selected, so Entity Info shows little or no editable information.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The object is locked or on a hidden tag, so you cannot properly access or edit its properties as expected.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): On Mac, Entity Info is a separate inspector-style panel and does not stay docked like the Windows Default Tray.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Turn on Window > Default Tray > Show Tray, then enable Entity Info again and dock the tray to the right side.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Keep Entity Info open full-time when reviewing tags, materials, layer visibility, and group/component properties. Avoid relying on it alone for bulk edits; use Outliner and Tags alongside it in production workflows.

FAQ

Can I pin Entity Info in SketchUp?

Yes, on Windows you can keep it effectively pinned by docking it in the Default Tray.

Why is Entity Info blank in SketchUp?

Usually because no object is selected.

Can I edit layer or tag information in Entity Info?

Yes, for selected entities you can view and change tag assignment from the Entity Info panel.

.

Related Posts: