Tutorial Intro to Sketch Up

Tutorial Intro to Sketch Up

Google SketchUp is a program that allows you to create 3D models.

Basic Tools

Select
-Selects the object, line, or item you want to select
Image:TutorialSketchUpSelectionTool.jpg

Line
-Makes perfect squares and shapes using inference
Image:TutorialSketchUpPencilTool.jpg

Rectangle
-Draws rectangles and squares in different sizes
Image:TutorialSketchUpRectangleTool.jpg

Circle
-Draws circles in different sizes
-Where you click will be the center of the circle
Image:TutorialSketchUpCircleTool.jpg

Arc
-Draws curved lines
-To create, click on two points, the curve can be readjusted by clicking again
Image:TutorialSketchUpArcTool.jpg

Eraser
-Deletes a line or object
Image:TutorialSketchUpEraserTool.jpg

Paint Bucket
-Fills object with color or texture
Image:TutorialSketchUpPaintTool.jpg

Push/Pull
-Pulls shape into 3D
-Changes the width and height on all sides
Image:TutorialSketchUpPushedPulledToolPushedOut.jpg

Image:TutorialSketchUpPushedPulledToolPulledUp.jpg

Rotate
-Rotates the object in any direction
Image:TutorialSketchUpRotateTool.jpg

Orbit
-Views different angles of the object
Image:TutorialSketchUpOrbitTool.jpg

Pan
-Moves camera view
Image:TutorialSketchUpPanTool.jpg

Step 1

Open Google SketchUp by clicking on the icon on the desktop or going to the start menu. Once you have the program open, you may use the Eraser tool or right-click on the person and choose erase to have a blank document. However, you can choose to keep the person and use him as a scale figure while you’re building your model.

Step 2

Draw a shape using the Line, Arc, Rectangle, or Circle tool. We can make inferences by using the blue, green, and red axes to create perfect angles and straight lines. When the line you are creating is lined up with one of the axis, it will glow. Use the lines’ endpoints (green circles) and midpoints (blue circles) to position lines perfectly.

Step 3

Select the Push/Pull tool and click and drag on the shape to make it 3D. To have shapes with the same height, drag and hover the pointer over an endpoint or face of another shape. The height of the shape you are currently dragging will be equal to the height of the endpoint or face.

Step 4

Details can be added to the model using the Paint Bucket or repeating Steps 2-3. To view the model at different angles and proximity, use the Orbit, Pan, and Zoom tool.