2. What is Sketchup?
Sketchup, formerly Google Sketchup,
is a computer program that allows
the user to draw in 3D and 2D.
Although there are many programs
that can do this now, Sketchup is
considered to be the simplest and
easiest to use.
It is mainly used for architectural,
civil and mechanical engineering,
and other forms of design.
There is a free and paid version of
Sketchup. The paid one is used by
more professional designers.
The latest model is Sketchup 2015.
3. Introduction to Sketchup
Templates
After installing Sketchup, the first
thing it will ask you to do is select a
template.
A template is a preset environment
that you will design in.
The template you choose determines
what units of measurement will be
used.
There are also different types of
templates with the same units. One
template could be basic design and
the other one could be fine tuned
specifically for architectural design.
4. Introduction to Sketchup
Basic Tools
After selecting a template, you can move on
to drawing.
Initially, when you start, there is a window to
the right of the screen that shoes you how to
use some tools.
All the basic tools you may need are at the
top of the window.
The select tool is used for selecting objects.
The erase tool is used to delete lines or
objects. Another way to delete stuff is by
selecting it and hitting delete on your
keyboard.
The line tool lets you draw straight lines or
freehand.
The shapes drop down menu allows you to
draw a variety of shapes such as rectangles,
circles, or a shape with a custom number of
sides.
5. Introduction to Sketchup
Basic Tools
The arc tool lets you draw an arc to any
degree you want.
The push/pull tool lets you push or pull
faces.
The offset tool lets you make a copy of
your shape at a uniform distance from your
original shape.
The move tool lets you move, stretch, or
copy objects.
The orbit tool lets you rotate the camera
to change the view of your object.
The pan tool lets you change the camera
angle vertically or horizontally.
The push/pull tool
6. The 3D Warehouse
The 3D warehouse is a part of Sketch up
where users can upload their creations, and
download other users’ models.
For example, if you’re making an interior
design plan, you can download a couch from
the 3D warehouse instead of making it
yourself.
To access the 3D warehouse, click the button
and it opens up. Then you can search for
stuff and download it. You can also upload a
project when you sign in to your Google
account. Or you can also got to:
https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/?hl=en
Also, if you want to make some changes to
the model you’ve downloaded, you can
select it
The 3D Warehouse
7. Other Cool Stuff About Sketchup
You can virtually walk through your model by
clicking the button that looks like this: You
can move through your model by clicking in
the direction you want to go.
If you are creating a 3D model of something
that already exists, such as a building or
house, you can get a top view of the location
your model is in and put it beneath your
model.
You can add dimensions to your model by
clicking the button that looks like this: .
If you press down the scroll button on your
mouse, it turns into the orbit tool .
Example of Google Maps in Sketchup
