SketchUp Tutorial for Beginners - Learn SketchUp in 10 MINUTES | (SketchUp Free 2022)

Summary

This tutorial video offers a comprehensive guide for beginners to use SketchUp Free for 3D modeling. It starts with creating a table, teaching the use of basic tools like Rectangle, Push/Pull, and navigating the interface. The video emphasizes the importance of using groups and components for organization. Advanced techniques like beveling, tapering legs, and using the inference system for precise modeling are covered. The instructor, Matt Donley, also discusses material application and style changes, encouraging viewers to explore further SketchUp features.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Start by creating a free account at app.sketchup.com to access SketchUp Free in your browser.
• ✂️ Use the Rectangle tool to draw shapes by clicking and typing in precise measurements directly.
• 🔄 Remember that all drawing and modification tools accept dimensional input for precision.
• 🔙 Press CTRL Z to undo mistakes, and you can correct dimensions as many times as needed before starting a new action.
• 🏗️ Add thickness to 2D shapes using the Push/Pull tool to create your first 3D object.
• 🔒 Protect your work by wrapping entities in groups or components for easy manipulation and to prevent unwanted interactions.
• 🖱️ Navigate your SketchUp model using a 3-button mouse for zooming, orbiting, and panning.
• 📏 Use the Offset tool to create bevels by selecting a face and moving inward to set the bevel depth.
• 🔄 Components allow identical copies that update when one is edited, making it efficient for repetitive elements like table legs.
• 🔄 Utilize the Move and Rotate tools along with the inference system to copy and orient components accurately.
• 🎨 Apply materials and change the visual style of your model using the available styles and paint bucket tool.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to teach complete beginners how to use SketchUp Free to create 3D objects like a table, all within the next 10 minutes.

How can one start using SketchUp Free?

To start using SketchUp Free, one can go to app.sketchup.com, create a free account, and then click on 'create new' to begin modeling.

What is the first tool introduced in the video for creating shapes?

The first tool introduced in the video for creating shapes is the Rectangle tool.

How does one input dimensions while using SketchUp tools?

One can input dimensions by typing in the desired measurements and pressing ENTER, allowing for precise modeling.

What is the significance of using groups and components in SketchUp as mentioned in the video?

Groups and components in SketchUp are significant because they allow users to protect entities, prevent them from sticking to other entities, and enable the movement of multiple entities as one assembly.

How does one add thickness to a 2D shape in SketchUp?

To add thickness to a 2D shape in SketchUp, one can use the Push/Pull tool, click once on the shape, pull it to the desired thickness, and type in the dimension followed by ENTER.

What is the purpose of the 'Offset' tool in SketchUp as demonstrated in the video?

The 'Offset' tool in SketchUp is used to create a new face parallel to an existing one, which is useful for adding details like bevels to a model.

How can users navigate and manipulate the view in SketchUp as explained in the video?

Users can navigate and manipulate the view in SketchUp by using a 3-button mouse: scrolling to zoom and clicking the middle mouse button to orbit the camera. Holding down shift while orbiting allows panning.

What does the video suggest for organizing 3D models in SketchUp?

The video suggests organizing 3D models in SketchUp by using groups and components for every part of the model, nesting them as needed to create logical assemblies.

How can one create identical copies of a component in SketchUp that update when one is edited?

To create identical copies of a component in SketchUp that update when one is edited, one should make the item into a component, then use the Move tool to copy and position the instances as needed.

What is the role of the 'Tape Measure' tool in the modeling process as shown in the video?

The 'Tape Measure' tool in SketchUp is used to create guides at specific distances from existing edges or faces, which can be helpful for creating complex shapes like tapers.

How does the video demonstrate adding a taper to a table leg?

The video demonstrates adding a taper to a table leg by first creating a guide using the 'Tape Measure' tool, then subdividing the leg face with lines, and finally scaling the bottom of the leg inward using the Scale tool.

What is the inference system in SketchUp and how is it used in the video?

The inference system in SketchUp is a feature that allows users to snap to edges, faces, and other model geometry for precise placement. In the video, it is used for copying and rotating table legs to the correct positions.

How can one apply materials to a model in SketchUp as mentioned in the video?

One can apply materials to a model in SketchUp by selecting a material swatch and then using the paint bucket tool to paint the material onto the model.

What is the function of 'Styles' in SketchUp and how are they used in the video?

Styles in SketchUp are used to change the visual appearance of a model by controlling various visual properties. In the video, styles are mentioned as a way to dramatically change the look of the model.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ SketchUp Tutorial for Beginners

The video provides a comprehensive guide for beginners to use SketchUp Free to create 3D models. It starts with the creation of a table, utilizing tools like Rectangle and Push/Pull. The importance of precision in measurement input is emphasized, and the use of CTRL Z for undoing mistakes is introduced. The tutorial then explains how to add thickness to objects and protect entities by grouping them, which is a crucial practice for preventing unintended model interactions. Navigation techniques using a 3-button mouse for zooming and orbiting the camera are demonstrated, followed by moving the tabletop into position and adding a bevel to it. The fundamental concept of edges and faces in SketchUp is discussed, and the use of the Offset tool to create bevels is shown. The video concludes with a brief introduction to the Arc tools, Circle, and Polygon tools, which are essential for creating curves.

05:05

🏗️ Building Table Legs and Components in SketchUp

This section of the video focuses on creating table legs using SketchUp. It begins with the creation of a square and extruding it to form a leg, then converting it into a component for easy editing and duplication. The process of adding a taper to the leg is detailed, including the use of the Tape Measure tool for creating guides and the Scale tool for resizing. The video then covers techniques for copying and positioning legs accurately using the Move and Rotate tools, highlighting the inference system and rotation grips for precise adjustments. Advanced techniques for creating multiple copies of components are introduced, such as using the Rotate tool with the inference system to place copies around a central point. The tutorial also touches on adding additional table elements like aprons, rails, and drawers, emphasizing the consistent use of groups and components. Lastly, it mentions the use of tags for controlling visibility and the application of materials and styles to enhance the model's appearance.

10:06

🎥 Conclusion and Call to Action

The final paragraph of the script wraps up the video with a call to action for viewers. It thanks the audience for watching and introduces the host, Matt Donley, a SketchUp teacher and author. It encourages viewers to subscribe for more SketchUp tutorials and to leave comments for any parts of the video they found challenging or for requesting specific SketchUp topics. The paragraph serves as a conclusion to the tutorial and an invitation for further engagement with the content creator.

Keywords

💡SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film, and video game design. In the video, SketchUp is used to demonstrate how to create 3D objects like a table using its free online version. The script guides beginners through the process of using SketchUp tools to model a table, emphasizing its user-friendly nature for 3D modeling.

💡3D modeling

3D modeling refers to the process of creating a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of objects via specialized software. In the context of the video, 3D modeling is the core activity where the tutorial focuses on teaching viewers how to use SketchUp to create a 3D model of a table, starting from basic shapes to more complex structures.

💡Rectangle tool

The Rectangle tool in SketchUp is used to create two-dimensional rectangle shapes. As explained in the script, it's one of the first tools introduced to the viewers, used to establish the base of the table by clicking to set the first corner and then expanding the rectangle to the desired size by typing in dimensions.

💡Push/Pull tool

The Push/Pull tool in SketchUp is essential for adding volume to 2D shapes, thus converting them into 3D objects. In the tutorial, this tool is used to give thickness to the table top by pulling the rectangle upwards to a specified dimension, illustrating the transition from a flat shape to a three-dimensional form.

💡Groups and components

Groups and components in SketchUp are organizational tools that allow users to treat multiple objects as a single entity, which can be manipulated and copied as a whole. The script emphasizes the importance of using groups and components to protect and manage entities within the model, showcasing how to create and use them effectively when building the table.

💡Navigation

Navigation in SketchUp, as in many 3D modeling programs, is crucial for manipulating the view and position within the model. The script provides instructions on how to use a 3-button mouse for zooming and orbiting the camera, which are fundamental skills for users to explore and work on their 3D models effectively.

💡Bevel

A bevel in woodworking and 3D modeling refers to a chamfer or angled edge created by cutting off the sharp edge or corner of a piece. In the video, the process of adding a bevel to the table involves using the Offset tool to create an inset on the tabletop's edge, which is then modified to create a sloped edge, adding detail and aesthetics to the model.

💡Taper

Taper in the context of the video refers to the gradual reduction in thickness or narrowing of an object, such as a table leg. The tutorial demonstrates how to create a taper effect on the table leg using the Scale tool, which involves selecting the leg, creating guide lines, and then scaling the bottom part inward to achieve the desired narrowing effect.

💡Inference system

SketchUp's inference system is a feature that allows users to make selections and perform actions based on visual cues and relationships within the model, rather than exact dimensions. The script mentions using the inference system for precise movements and rotations, such as when copying and rotating table legs to ensure they are evenly spaced and oriented correctly.

💡Materials and styles

Materials and styles in SketchUp are used to enhance the visual appearance of the 3D models. Materials can be applied to surfaces to give them a realistic texture or color, while styles control the overall look of the model, such as shadows and edges. The script briefly touches on applying materials to the model and changing its style to give it a more finished and professional look.

Highlights

Introduction to SketchUp Free, a browser-based 3D modeling tool.

Tutorial designed for complete beginners in 3D modeling.

Step-by-step guide to create a table using SketchUp Free.

Using the Rectangle tool to create the base of the table.

Entering precise measurements directly into SketchUp.

Undoing mistakes with CTRL Z and correcting dimensions.

Adding thickness to the table top with the Push/Pull tool.

Using various measurement units in SketchUp.

Protecting entities by wrapping them in groups or components.

Navigating the SketchUp interface with a 3-button mouse.

Moving the tabletop into position using the Move tool.

Editing entities inside a group or component by opening it.

Understanding edges and faces as fundamental entities in SketchUp.

Creating a bevel on the tabletop using the Offset tool.

Adding table legs and turning them into components for easy editing.

Creating a taper effect on the table legs using the Scale tool.

Copying and rotating table legs using the Move and Rotate tools.

Using the inference system to find the center point for rotation.

Adding aprons, rails, and a drawer to the table model.

Applying materials to the model using the paint bucket tool.

Changing the model's visual style with different styles.

Invitation to subscribe for more SketchUp tutorials and author introduction.

Transcripts

In this video, I’m going to show you everything  you need to know to use SketchUp to create  

stuff like this, this, or this, using  SketchUp Free, right in your browser,  

all within the next 10 minutes. And you don’t need  to know anything about 3D modeling or SketchUp,  

this tutorial is for complete beginners. So go  to app.sketchup.com, create a free account, click  

create new, and let’s build this table together. Click on the rectangle tool, click once to pin  

the first corner, then move your  mouse out to expand the rectangle. 

Now the bottom right-hand corner of  your window will show you the current  

measurement info you’re working with, and you  can actually just start typing in measurements  

and press ENTER, in order to model precisely.  So let’s make this rectangle 18”,18” ENTER. 

So the first important rule to remember is  all drawing and modification tools will accept  

dimensional input from you, just  start typing in dimensions and press  

ENTER. If you screw up? Press CTRL Z to undo,  or, you can correct dimensions by providing  

new ones as many times as you’d like as long  as you don’t start a new action or activate  

a new tool. Now if you do that, you’ll just  have to use one of the modification tools  

to resize the entities directly, but  we’re going to review those later on. 

For now, let’s add some thickness to this  table top by using the Push/Pull tool here: So  

click once, pull up, type 3/4” ENTER. Now,  you can use decimals, fractions, feet,  

inches, or milimeters or centimeters or whatever  you want SketchUp doesn’t care it all works. 

CONGRATS you now have created your first  3D object. Now before you do anything else,  

you need to protect these entities by  wrapping them in a group or component,  

and you do that by triple-clicking all of the  entities with the select tool, right-click > Make  

group. Now, all of these entities are  wrapped inside of a protective container,  

so they won’t stick to other entities, and it will  allow you to move all of them as one assembly. 

You should be using groups and components ALL  OF THE TIME. As soon as you have a basic shape,  

turn it into a group. When you have  multiple groups and components,  

turn those into logical assemblies as well. You  can nest groups and components as much as you’d  

like. If you’re using SketchUp for woodworking,  for example, you should think of every single  

board being in its own group or component. Alright, how do you navigate? 

Use a 3-button mouse. Scroll to zoom.  It’ll zoom from the mouse cursor position.  

Then to orbit the camera, click the middle mouse  button, which is typically the scroll wheel.  

So hold the middle button, move the  mouse, then release. Repeat as necessary.  

BONUS TIP: Hold down shift while orbiting to pan. Alright, so let’s move the table top up into  

position. Select the tabletop group with the  Select tool, activate the Move tool, and since we  

know the distance and direction we want to move,  and the table is preselected, we can actually  

click anywhere to start the move, tap the up arrow  to lock the blue axis, and type in 26 ¾” ENTER. 

Let’s add a bevel. Orbit the camera so  you can see the bottom of the tabletop,  

and in order to edit the entities inside any  group or component, you just need to open it first  

by double-clicking on it with the Select tool.  Now you can edit the individual faces and edges. 

So everything in SketchUp is made up  of edges and faces, they are the most  

fundamental entity type of all geometry. And  once you understand that, you’ll realize that  

every single drawing tool in SketchUp  simply provides a way to create edges and  

faces. And all the modification tools simply  change the size, position, or orientation  

of edges and faces. The Rectangle tool automates  the process of creating four edges and one face,  

but you could actually create the same exact  thing using the line tool. There’s literally  

no difference between these two rectangles,  they are just four edges, and one face. 

Now the arc tools, circle, and polygon  tools follow the same principle,  

but they do employ a special entity wrapper  to make it easier to control curves, which are  

technically just series of segmented edges. To add the bevel on the table, grab the  

Offset tool here, click on the face, move the  mouse inward, click again, and type 2” ENTER. 

Next, select each of the perimeter edges by  holding the CTRL key with the Select tool. Then,  

grab the Move tool, click once, tap the Up arrow,  then type in ¼” ENTER. And you can see we now have  

this little bevel here. And now that we’re done  with the tabletop, we can close the group by  

clicking somewhere outside of the bounding box,  and now we can start modeling the table legs. 

Create a square at this corner at 1 1/8", 1 1/8”  ENTER. Next, grab the push/pull tool and extrude  

this down to the ground, you can snap to the  origin so you don’t need to type in a distance. 

Next, we need to turn this into a component.  Components let you have identical copies where  

you can edit one and have all the copies  update too. So triple-click, right-click > Make  

component. Give it a name and click ok. Let’s add the taper to the leg, so double-click  

the component to open it for editing, and  notice how the tabletop becomes greyed out.  

Use Hide Rest of Model to temporarily hide  everything outside of the current context. 

Let’s use the Tape Measure tool, to create some  guides where we want the taper to start. Grab the  

Tape Measure tool, click on the top edge here to  create a guide parallel from it. Move the mouse  

downward along the blue axis and type in 6” ENTER. Now, we can reference the guides using the line  

tool to subdivide the faces that we want to taper.  So remember to use the arrow keys to lock axis,  

it’s just a good habit to get into so  you know you’re drawing along axis. 

Once the lines are drawn, we can go down to  the bottom here, and use the Scale tool to  

scale the bottom of the leg inward by a  factor of .5. You can use the scale tool  

on any selection, and you can provide it  a scale factor, or an absolute dimension. 

Ok, now let’s exit the component, and copy some  legs to each corner of the table. We can make  

copies using the move tool. So select the leg,  grab the Move tool, and click on this specific  

point here, tap CTRL to activate copy mode, and  move it to this specific point on the tabletop.  

Since we’re using the inference system for this  move, we don’t need to type in a dimension. 

Now you’ll notice that the taper is facing the  wrong way, so we need to rotate this copy 90°.  

An easy way to do that is to use the built-in  rotation grips that appear on selected groups  

and components when you have the Move tool active. And so you can repeat this for the other two legs,  

but if you’re feeling up for it, I want to  show you an advanced way to do this using the  

rotate tool, so I can show you some advanced  inference system tricks while we’re at it. 

So select the leg, grab the rotate  tool, and the rotate tool will  

orient according to which face you are hovering  over, but like most tools in SketchUp, (WINK,  

WINK) you can lock the orientation using the  Up, Left, Right, or Down arrow key. I haven’t  

told you about the Down arrow key yet, but it’s  an inference lock that lets you infer edges and  

faces in your model in order to lock inferences  that aren’t aligned to one of the three axes. 

So let’s lock the blue axis with the Up arrow  key. And just like the Move tool, you can use the  

Rotate tool to make copies too. So let’s rotate 3  copies around the center of the table. But how do  

you actually find the center point? Well, if you  hover over an inference point for about a second  

or two, SketchUp will temporarily track from that  point. And the cool thing is, you can do this  

with two inference points, which will then allow  you to find their intersection, and from there,  

click to place the rotation point, tap CTRL to  switch to copy mode, click again to establish the  

reference line, then move the mouse until you snap  to 90° and click to place the first copy. Next,  

type in 3x ENTER, and that will place 3  copies in total. Now you can create arrays  

like this with the Move tool too, by using either  a multiplication sign or division sign, depending  

on where you want the copies to be arrayed. Then, just use everything you’ve learned so far  

to add the aprons, rails, and drawer. Remember  to use groups and components for everything. 

Now if you find the table top getting in your  way, you can click on tags, add a new tag,  

then, with the tag selected, you can click  on the tabletop to apply it to the group,  

and now you can control the visibility of  the top by toggling this icon right here. 

You can find materials to apply to  your model right here, just click  

on a swatch to activate the paint bucket  tool and apply the material to your model. 

You can change the look of your model  using styles here. Styles control a  

variety of different visual properties to  dramatically change the look of your model. 

There are a ton of additional features,  tips, and workflows that I haven’t covered  

in this video, so if this is your first time  on my channel, my name is Matt Donley, I’m a  

SketchUp teacher and author, you can find my books  in the links below, and make sure you subscribe to  

my channel to get more SketchUp tutorials just  like this. Leave a comment below if there’s any  

part of the video you got stuck on, or if you’d  like me to make a video on a specific SketchUp  

topic. Already, that’s it for this video, thanks  for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video.