SketchUp - Tutorial for Beginners in 13 MINUTES! [ FULL GUIDE ]

Summary

This tutorial introduces Trimble SketchUp, a versatile CAD tool for creating precise and quick drawings with a user-friendly interface. It covers SketchUp Free, the accessible online version for beginners, and highlights the possibility to upgrade to more professional versions like SketchUp Go, Pro, or Studio. The video guides viewers through the basics, including drawing tools, 3D modeling, text, and visual aids. It also covers editing and manipulating objects, applying materials, and saving projects. The tutorial concludes with creating presentations and animations, encouraging viewers to explore more resources on CAD design.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Trimble SketchUp is a versatile CAD tool suitable for both beginners and professionals, offering a user-friendly interface for creating accurate CAD drawings.
• 🆓 SketchUp Free is the free, online version accessible to all, with the option to upgrade to SketchUp Go, Pro, or Studio for more advanced features and capabilities.
• 🔍 The core principles of SketchUp are consistent across all versions, ensuring a seamless learning curve for users moving between different versions.
• 🔑 Accessing SketchUp Free requires a Trimble Account, and the main interface includes options to start new projects or open existing ones in .skp format.
• 📐 The workspace features a toolbar with various editing tools, and a preview with a human figure for scale and three main axes representing width, depth, and height.
• ✏️ Drawing tools like Line and Freehand allow for precise and free-form drawing, with options to set segment lengths and adjust measurement units.
• 📏 Visual aids such as colored segments and snapping features assist with accurate positioning and alignment of objects in the workspace.
• 🛠️ The Push/Pull tool is essential for creating 3D objects by extruding 2D shapes, while the Follow Me tool can build complex 3D forms along a path.
• 🔍 The 3D Warehouse panel provides access to pre-made 3D models, which can be downloaded and imported into projects for added detail and realism.
• 📐 Tools like Tape Measure, Dimensions, and Text allow for precise measurement of distances, coordinates, and areas within the project.
• ✂️ Editing tools such as Move, Rotate, and Scale enable manipulation of objects and model subcomponents, while the Offset tool creates contours at a fixed distance.
• 🎨 Materials can be applied to 2D fillings and 3D models for enhanced realism, with options to browse and download additional materials from the 3D Warehouse website.
• 💾 SketchUp Free projects are saved as .skp files with cloud storage up to 10GB, and the platform also supports creating visual presentations with the Styles and Scenes panels.

Q & A

What is Trimble SketchUp and what does it offer?

Trimble SketchUp is a professional CAD tool that enables users to create quick and accurate CAD drawings with a user-friendly interface. It offers different versions like SketchUp Free for beginners, and SketchUp Go, Pro, or Studio for professionals through subscription plans.

How can one access SketchUp Free?

To access SketchUp Free, users need to log in with a Trimble Account. Once logged in, the main Home page will open up with options to start a new project or open an existing one in .skp file format.

What are the main axes in SketchUp and what do they represent?

The main axes in SketchUp are red, green, and blue. The red axis indicates width, the green axis represents depth, and together they form the ground plane. The blue axis measures the height from this ground plane.

How can I set the length of a line segment in SketchUp?

To set the length of a line segment, enable the Line tool and click on the preview to drop consecutive line segments. The length can be set with the cursor or by typing a specific value in the bottom right corner and applying it with the Enter key.

How can I change the measurement units in SketchUp?

To change the measurement units, open the Model Info panel on the right and select the appropriate units for length and angles, as well as their precision.

What is the default action to finish drawing a shape in SketchUp?

To finish drawing a shape, simply press the Escape key or close the shape by connecting the last point to the starting point, which will automatically fill the shape.

How can I use the 3D Text tool in SketchUp?

To use the 3D Text tool, enable it and type the desired content in the field on top. Set the font family, style, and size as Height. Add fill and set extrusion depth, then click OK to place the piece of text.

What are visual aids in SketchUp and how do they assist in drawing?

Visual aids in SketchUp include colored segments according to the axis they are parallel to, and shapes getting the same color of the axis they are perpendicular to. Snappings assist in positioning the cursor with colored circles for endpoints, centers, and vertices, and squares for points along paths and sides. Dotted guidelines help draw along perpendicular directions, intersections, or side extensions.

How can I create a 3D object in SketchUp?

The Push/Pull tool can be used to create a 3D object by adding extrusion to a 2D object with fill. Select the object and drag it as needed. This tool also works on 3D faces as long as they are not curved.

What is the purpose of the Follow Me tool in SketchUp?

The Follow Me tool is used to build 3D conductors. Select a 2D section and then a 2D path perpendicular to it, following its direction as needed.

How can I manage and edit 2D and 3D objects in SketchUp?

Enable the Select tool to select objects or model subcomponents. Once selected, you can edit them using tools like Move, Rotate, and Scale. You can also group objects for easier selection and editing, and ungroup them with the Explode function.

How can I apply materials to my 2D fillings and 3D models in SketchUp?

Open the Entity Info panel on the right and click under Material to browse through a range of materials including metal, grass, brick, asphalt, and more. You can also choose a Back Material for the backside of the object.

How do I save my project in SketchUp Free?

To save your project, click on the Save button in the top left corner. The project will be saved as an .skp file that can be reopened from your Trimble account. With the free plan, you have up to 10GB of cloud storage.

What features does SketchUp Free offer for creating visual presentations?

SketchUp Free allows you to create visual presentations by opening the Styles panel to change the preview type and the Scenes panel to create animations with different viewpoints. You can save each viewpoint and create a smooth transition between scenes.

Outlines

00:00

📐 Introduction to SketchUp Free Basics

This paragraph introduces Trimble SketchUp as a professional CAD tool with a user-friendly interface, suitable for creating quick and accurate CAD drawings. It focuses on SketchUp Free, the free and online version for beginners and amateurs, and mentions the possibility of upgrading to SketchUp Go, Pro, or Studio for professional use. The paragraph explains how to access SketchUp Free, navigate the main Home page, and start a new project. It describes the main workspace layout, including the toolbar, panels, and the three main axes for width, depth, and height. The Line tool is highlighted for drawing, with instructions on setting segment lengths and changing measurement units. The paragraph also covers how to finish drawing, use the Freehand tool, and drop arcs with various Arc tools.

05:01

🎨 SketchUp's Drawing and 3D Modeling Tools

This section delves into SketchUp's drawing tools, explaining how to create regular shapes like rectangles, circles, and polygons, and how to change planes using arrow keys. It discusses the use of visual aids such as colored segments and snappings to assist with positioning. The paragraph introduces the Push/Pull tool for creating 3D objects by extruding 2D shapes and the Follow Me tool for building 3D conductors. It also mentions the ability to import pre-made 3D models from the 3D Warehouse. The paragraph covers navigation tools like Pan and Orbit, as well as measurement tools like Tape Measure, Dimensions, and Text for calculating areas. It also explains how to edit 2D and 3D objects using the Select, Move, and Rotate tools, and the process of creating groups and exploding them for individual editing.

10:02

🖌️ Editing, Material Application, and Presentation in SketchUp

The final paragraph discusses advanced editing tools like the Scale and Offset tools, and how to manipulate objects using keyboard shortcuts for cut, copy, and paste. It covers the application of materials to 2D fillings and 3D models for realism, with options to choose from a range of materials or download more from the 3D Warehouse. The paragraph also explains how to save projects as .skp files with cloud storage limitations for the free plan. It concludes with information on creating visual presentations using the Styles and Scenes panels to change preview types and create animations with different viewpoints, encouraging viewers to visit SketchUp's YouTube channel and official website for more CAD design knowledge and free business solutions.

Keywords

💡Trimble SketchUp

Trimble SketchUp is a professional CAD (Computer-Aided Design) tool that is renowned for its user-friendly interface and ability to create quick and accurate CAD drawings. It's the central focus of the video, which aims to introduce viewers to the software and its capabilities. The script mentions different versions of SketchUp, such as SketchUp Free, Go, Pro, and Studio, indicating the versatility and scalability of the tool for different user needs.

💡SketchUp Free

SketchUp Free is the free and online version of SketchUp designed for beginners and amateurs. It's a gateway for new users to explore the software's capabilities without any financial commitment. The script emphasizes that the core fundamentals of SketchUp are consistent across all versions, suggesting that users of the free version are still getting a robust design tool.

💡Toolbar

The toolbar in SketchUp is a panel on the left side of the interface that contains various editing tools essential for drawing and editing within the software. It's a critical component for users to interact with the software and create their designs. The script describes how to enable tools from the toolbar to start drawing, indicating its importance in the design process.

💡Axes

In the context of SketchUp, axes are reference lines that represent different dimensions in a 3D space: the red axis for width, the green axis for depth, and the blue axis for height. They are fundamental in establishing the orientation and scale of a design. The script uses the axes as a reference point for new users to understand the 3D modeling environment.

💡Push/Pull Tool

The Push/Pull tool in SketchUp is used to create 3D objects by extruding a 2D shape, adding depth to it. This tool is fundamental in transitioning from flat designs to立体 models. The script explains how to use this tool to build 3D objects, which is a core part of the 3D modeling process in SketchUp.

💡3D Text

The 3D Text tool in SketchUp allows users to create text that has depth and can be extruded into the third dimension. This feature adds a layer of complexity and customization to designs. The script describes how to use the 3D Text tool to add text with specific font properties and extrusion depth, enhancing the design's visual appeal.

💡Visual Aids

Visual aids in SketchUp are features that assist users in creating accurate and precise drawings. They include color coding of segments and shapes based on the axes they are parallel or perpendicular to, and snapping features that help position the cursor accurately. The script highlights these aids as enhancements to the drawing experience, showing their importance in achieving detailed designs.

💡Components Panel

The Components panel in SketchUp is where 3D models and text are listed and managed. It allows users to keep track of and organize the elements used in their designs. The script mentions this panel in the context of importing pre-made 3D models from the 3D Warehouse, indicating its role in managing design components.

💡Tape Measure Tool

The Tape Measure tool in SketchUp is a precision measurement tool that allows users to measure distances or get point coordinates within a project. It's an essential feature for ensuring accuracy in design dimensions. The script describes how to use this tool to measure lengths or obtain coordinates, which is crucial for detailed design work.

💡Materials

Materials in SketchUp are used to add realism to 2D fillings and 3D models. They can be applied through the Entity Info panel and include a wide range of textures like metal, grass, brick, and asphalt. The script discusses how materials can be applied to enhance the visual appeal of designs and how users can expand their material library by downloading additional materials from the 3D Warehouse website.

💡Save

Saving a project in SketchUp is done by clicking the Save button, which creates an .skp file that can be reopened at any time from a Trimble account. This process is fundamental to preserving the user's work. The script mentions the free plan's cloud storage limit, emphasizing the importance of saving for project continuity and version control.

Highlights

Introduction to Trimble SketchUp, a professional CAD tool for creating quick and accurate CAD drawings with a user-friendly interface.

Tutorial covers basics of SketchUp Free, the free and online version for beginners and amateurs.

Option to upgrade to SketchUp Go, Pro, or Studio for professional projects through a subscription plan.

Core fundamentals of SketchUp are consistent across all versions.

Accessing SketchUp Free requires logging in with a Trimble Account.

Home page offers options to start new projects or open existing ones in .skp format.

Toolbar on the left provides various editing tools for drawing and editing.

Panels on the right offer additional options and settings for drawings.

Project preview includes a human figure for scale and three main axes for orientation.

Line tool allows for drawing consecutive line segments with customizable length.

Model Info panel used to adjust measurement units and precision.

Freehand tool for drawing freehand shapes with zoom capabilities for accuracy.

Arc tools for creating arcs in different manners.

Visual aids and snapping features enhance the drawing experience.

3D Text tool for adding text with customizable font and extrusion depth.

Push/Pull tool for creating 3D objects by extruding 2D shapes.

Follow Me tool for building 3D conductors along a path.

3D Warehouse panel for browsing and importing pre-made 3D models.

Pan and Orbit tools for navigating the workspace and viewing the model in 3D.

Tape Measure and Dimensions tools for precise measurements of length and area.

Select tool for selecting and editing 2D and 3D objects.

Move, Rotate, and Scale tools for manipulating object positions and sizes.

Offset tool for creating contours at a fixed distance from the original object.

Cutting, copying, and pasting objects for quick editing and removal.

Applying materials to 2D fillings and 3D models for realism.

Entity Info panel for accessing a range of materials and applying them to objects.

Saving projects in .skp format with up to 10GB of cloud storage on the free plan.

Styles and Scenes panels for creating visual presentations and animations.

Encouragement to visit the YouTube channel and official website for more CAD design resources.

Transcripts

Dear all, welcome to this tutorial dedicated to Trimble SketchUp, a

fantastic and professional CAD tool that allows you to create quick and

accurate CAD drawings in a very user-friendly interface.

In just 13 minutes we will cover all the basics on SketchUp Free, the

free and online version of SketchUp for beginners and amateurs. For

professional projects you may upgrade to SketchUp Go, Pro, or Studio

through a subscription plan which also includes access to the desktop

version. The core fundamentals of SketchUp remain the same across all these

versions.

You can access SketchUp Free by logging in with a Trimble Account. Once

done the main Home page will open up with various options. You can either

start from your most recent projects or go to Open to browse for an

existing project in .skp file format. Alternatively, you can choose Create

new or Start modeling to begin a new project. This opens on the main

workspace.

On the left side, you get the toolbar with several editing tools to draw

and edit. On the right several panels with additional options and settings

to support your drawings.

In the center you'll see a preview of your project with a human figure as a

reference, along with three main axes. The red axis indicates width and the

green axis represents depth, together forming the ground plane. The blue

axis measures the height from such ground plane.

To start drawing, simply enable any drawing tool from the toolbar first.

If you enable the Line tool you can click on the preview to drop

consecutive line segments. You can set the length of each segment with your

cursor or by typing a specific value in the bottom right corner, applying

with the Enter key.

If the default measurement unit is not correct, open the Model Info panel

on the right and select the right units for length and angles, as well as

their precision.

To finish drawing simply press the Escape key or close the shape by

connecting the last point to the starting point. In this case the shape

gets filled automatically.

Enable the Freehand tool to draw freehand by clicking and dragging on the

preview. Use your mouse wheel to zoom in and draw with more accuracy.

To drop arcs you have several Arc tools, each drawing in a different

manner.

You can get tips on how to use any drawing tool from the Instructor panel.

You can also drop regular shapes with the Rectangle, the Circle and the

Polygon tools by dropping two points on the preview. By default, these

shapes lay on the ground plane unless you press the left or the right arrow

keys to change the plane.

You can undo any drawing in progress with the Escape key. Whereas use CTRL

(or CMD) and Z to undo actions made.

To drop 2D or 3D text enable the 3D Text tool and type the desired content

in the field on top. Set font family, style, and size as Height. You can

also add fill and set extrusion depth and then go to OK to place the piece

of text. To drop 2D text without any extrusion simply uncheck its option.

SketchUp includes several visual aids to enhance your drawing experience.

For example while drawing segments, these get colored according to the axis

they are parallel to. Similarly, shapes get the same color of the axis they

are perpendicular to.

In addition snappings can assist you in positioning your cursor. Colored

circles represent endpoints, centers, and vertices of objects, while

squares indicate points along paths and sides. Rhombuses appear on faces

and fill areas.

Besides these points, dotted guidelines appear to draw along perpendicular

directions, intersections or side extensions. Make sure to open the

Display panel to hide or show axes, objects or even enable or disable

visual effects like shadows and fog. From the Model Info section, you can

manage the snapping options as you need most.

Now let's see how to draw in 3D! The Push/Pull tool builds a 3D object by

adding extrusion to a 2D object with fill. Just select the object and drag

it as you need. This tool also works on 3D faces as long as they are not

curved.

You can also build 3D conductors with the Follow Me tool. Select a 2D

section and then a 2D path perpendicular to it, following its direction as

you need.

For more complex 3D objects, you can use the Line and the other tools by

drawing each face one by one.

You can also open the 3D Warehouse panel to browse for pre-made 3D models

from the SketchUp Lab. Simply download the 3D object and click on the

preview to import it. 3D models and text get listed in the Components

panel.

To manage the preview you can enable the Pan tool to pan around the

workspace and the Orbit tool to rotate your model in 3D freely. You can

also open the Scenes panel to get a perspective view.

SketchUp provides further tools to measure length and area precisely.

Enable Tape Measure to measure distances or get point coordinates if you

hold over these, with respect to the project origin. Use the Dimensions

tool to leave quick annotations on length and the Text tool to calculate

area from fill and faces.

Now let's see how to edit 2D and 3D objects. Enable the Select tool and

click on any object to select it, whether it is a segment or a model

subcomponent such as any side or face. You can deselect by clicking

elsewhere.

Once the object is selected you can edit it as you need. Use the Move tool

to move objects or model subcomponents. In this case you also edit the

entire model shape.

To move an entire model without distorting it you may select it entirely by

clicking and dragging from right to left and including the model within the

selection area. The same rectangular selection can be used to select

multiple objects and edit them together.

You can also right-click on these subcomponents and go to Make Group so

that you select all of these with one click without continuous selections.

You can always ungroup these with Explode.

Text and pre-made 3D models usually come grouped, so that you can move and

edit these as entities. As custom groups, you can explode them to edit

their individual components or letters.

Besides the Move tool you can enable the Rotate tool and fix an anchor

point and then the angle of rotation. By default, this rotates the object

on the ground plane, shown by a blue goniometer. You can change the axis of

reference with the arrow keys.

With the Scale tool you resize objects by clicking and dragging on the

cubes along the X, Y, or Z axis. Whereas with the Offset tool you can add a

2D contour at a fixed distance from the original object perimeter.

You can cut, copy and paste selected objects with CTRL (or CMD) and X, C

and V. You can cut any object to remove it quickly from your project.

You can also apply materials to make your 2D fillings and 3D models even

more realistic. Just open the Entity Info panel on the right and click

under Material to browse through a diverse range of these including metal,

grass, brick, asphalt, and many more. You can also choose another as Back

Material which will be applied to the backside of the object, usually on a

darker grey color by default. When objects are grouped, materials are

applied on them entirely!

If you're looking for additional materials, you can visit the 3D Warehouse

website from your browser. When selecting any model, you can browse for any

of its materials to download. Then import the .skm material file by

dragging and dropping it onto SketchUp and expand your material library.

To save your project click on the Save button in the top left corner. This

is an .skp file that you can reopen any time from your Trimble account. With

the free plan you will have up to 10GB of cloud storage.

SketchUp Free also allows you to make great visual presentations of your

models. Open the Styles panel to change the preview type by selecting the

best style for your needs.

Switch to the Scenes panel to create animations with your model. Set the

desired point of view and save it with the plus button. By repeating this

process with different viewpoints, you can create a smooth transition from

one scene to another with as many scenes as you need.

Thank you very much for watching this video! Do not forget to visit our

YouTube channel and our official website to learn more about CAD design and

free solutions for your business!