SketchUp - Tutorial for Beginners in 10 MINUTES! [ COMPLETE ]

Summary

This video offers an introduction to Trimble SketchUp Free, a powerful yet free CAD software for architectural and concept designs. It covers the basics of starting a project, using intuitive tools for 2D and 3D modeling, and accessing features like the Push/Pull and Follow Me tools. The tutorial also touches on editing, reshaping, and visualizing objects, as well as applying materials for realistic previews. It guides beginners through creating an account, selecting tools, and utilizing SketchUp's interface for professional quality designs.

Takeaways

• 📚 Trimble SketchUp Free is a free and online CAD software for architectural and concept designs.
• 🌐 It offers an intuitive interface and workflow, making it beginner-friendly and suitable for basic projects or school work.
• 💼 For professional use, SketchUp Shop offers Pro or Studio subscription plans with a complete set of features and a desktop version.
• 🔑 To start with SketchUp Free, you need to create a Trimble Account and sign in to access the main interface.
• 🏗️ The main interface displays recent projects and options to open existing projects or create new ones with the correct measurement units.
• 📐 SketchUp provides various drawing and editing tools, as well as panels on the right side for additional functionalities.
• 📏 The Line tool allows for drawing straight segments, and the Freehand tool enables drawing with precision using the mouse wheel.
• 📊 Tools like Rectangle, Circle, and Polygon can create regular shapes with internal filling by default.
• 🖌️ The 3D Text tool lets you create 2D or 3D text with customizable font, size, filling, and extrusion length.
• 🎨 SketchUp offers visual aids and snapping features to assist with object keypoints and alignment with axes.
• 🛠️ The Push/Pull tool generates 3D objects from 2D bases, while the Follow Me tool creates 3D conductors following a defined path.
• 🔍 Visualization tools like Pan and Orbit allow for 3D navigation, and the Views panel provides standard perspective views.
• 📏 Measurement tools are available for determining length and area, with options to set units, annotation style, and precision.
• 🎭 The Styles panel offers different ways to preview objects, and the Entity Info panel allows for material application to enhance realism.
• ✂️ Editing and reshaping objects involve using the Select tool, and operations like moving, rotating, scaling, and offsetting can be performed.
• 🔄 The Move, Rotate, and Scale tools manipulate objects in 2D and 3D space, while the Offset tool creates contours at a fixed distance.
• 📁 The project can be saved as a .skp file through the Save button, and the Trimble account can store up to 10 GB of content.

Q & A

What is Trimble SketchUp Free?

Trimble SketchUp Free is a free online version of professional CAD software designed for architectural and concept designs, offering most of the features needed for basic projects or school work.

How can I access Trimble SketchUp Free?

To start using SketchUp Free, you need to create a Trimble Account and sign in, which opens the main account interface where you can open existing projects or create new ones.

What are the main features available in SketchUp Free for beginners?

SketchUp Free provides an intuitive interface with drawing and editing tools, measurement units selection, and the ability to create basic 2D and 3D shapes, as well as text.

What are the advanced features available for professional use?

For professional jobs, SketchUp offers a complete set of features with subscription plans on SketchUp Shop, Pro, or Studio, which include a desktop version of the software.

How do I start a new project in SketchUp Free?

To start a new project, select the 'Create New' option from the main account interface and choose the correct measurement unit to use.

What is the purpose of the Line tool in SketchUp Free?

The Line tool is used to draw straight segments by clicking on the preview or typing precise values, and it can be used to create shapes or freehand drawings.

How can I create regular shapes like rectangles, circles, and polygons in SketchUp Free?

You can create regular shapes by using the Rectangle, Circle, and Polygon tools, which require fixing two points on the preview to define the shape.

What is the 3D Text tool used for in SketchUp Free?

The 3D Text tool is used to create 2D and 3D text elements in the project, allowing you to specify font family, style, size, filling, and extrusion length.

How can I undo actions in SketchUp Free?

To undo any drawing in progress, use the Escape key. To undo any action or modification, use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+Z.

What are the visual aids provided by SketchUp to assist in drawing?

SketchUp provides visual aids such as axis colors for parallel and perpendicular lines, snapping to keypoints, and guidelines for perpendicular directions, intersections, and extensions.

How can I create 3D objects quickly in SketchUp Free?

SketchUp Free offers the Push/Pull tool to generate 3D objects from their 2D base by defining the extrusion length, and the Follow Me tool to create 3D conductors by following a path.

What tools can I use to visualize and measure objects in SketchUp Free?

You can use the Pan and Orbit tools to move around and rotate in 3D, the Views panel for standard perspective views, and the Measurement tools to measure length and area with customizable units and precision.

How do I edit and reshape objects in SketchUp Free?

Use the Select tool to select objects or subcomponents, then use the Move, Rotate, Scale, and Offset tools to edit them. To modify the entire object, group its subcomponents or use the Explode option for text and ready models.

How can I apply materials to objects in SketchUp Free?

You can apply materials to objects from the Entity Info panel by going to 'Material' and selecting from various options like metal, glass, or patterns. You can also choose a different material for the back side.

What is the file format used to save projects in SketchUp Free?

Projects in SketchUp Free are saved as .skp files, which are listed within your project list inside your Trimble account.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Trimble SketchUp Free

This paragraph introduces Trimble SketchUp Free as a free and accessible CAD software for architectural and concept designs. It highlights the software's user-friendly interface and workflow, making it suitable for beginners and professionals alike. The video script guides viewers on how to start using SketchUp Free by creating a Trimble Account, accessing the main interface, and choosing the right measurement units. It also explains the basic tools available for drawing elements, such as the Line and Freehand tools, and how to use the 3D Text tool for creating text elements. Additionally, it mentions the visual aids and snapping features that assist in the drawing process.

05:03

🛠️ Advanced SketchUp Tools and Techniques

This section delves into more advanced features of SketchUp, including the Push/Pull and Follow Me tools for creating 3D objects quickly. It discusses the process of building custom 3D objects using the Line tool and the Components panel for importing ready-made objects. The paragraph also covers visualization tools like the Pan and Orbit tools, as well as the Views panel for standard perspective views. Furthermore, it explains how to measure objects using Measurement tools and how to apply different styles and materials to objects for a more realistic appearance. The paragraph concludes with editing techniques, such as selecting, moving, rotating, scaling, and offsetting objects, as well as applying materials and saving projects in the .skp format.

10:04

🎬 Conclusion and Additional Resources

The final paragraph serves as a conclusion to the video, thanking viewers for watching and encouraging them to visit the YouTube channel for more tutorials on professional software. It emphasizes the value of the channel's content, which includes free and high-quality educational material for learning various software tools.

Keywords

💡Trimble Sketchup Free

Trimble Sketchup Free is a free version of the professional CAD software, SketchUp, which is designed for architectural and concept designs. It is the main subject of the video, as it is introduced as one of the best free solutions for CAD drawings and projects. The script explains that it offers most of the features needed for beginners to start creating basic projects or school work.

💡CAD software

CAD, or Computer-Aided Design, software is a type of application used for creating precise technical drawings and designs. In the context of the video, SketchUp is a form of CAD software that simplifies architectural and concept designs through an intuitive interface. The script emphasizes the ease of use of SketchUp Free for beginners in CAD design.

💡Trimble Account

A Trimble Account is necessary to access and use SketchUp Free. The script mentions that to start using the software, one must create an account and sign in, which then opens the main account interface where users can manage their projects.

💡2D and 3D

The video script discusses the capabilities of SketchUp to handle both 2D and 3D design elements. 2D refers to flat, two-dimensional drawings, while 3D refers to three-dimensional objects that have height, width, and depth. The script describes tools in SketchUp that allow users to create and manipulate both types of elements.

💡Cartesian axes

In the script, the Cartesian axes are the foundational reference points in SketchUp for orienting objects in 3D space. The X, Y, and Z axes are color-coded (red, green, and blue, respectively) to represent the horizontal, vertical, and height directions, which are essential for users when drawing elements in the software.

💡Push/Pull tool

The Push/Pull tool in SketchUp is used to create 3D objects from 2D shapes by extruding them along a specified direction. The script explains that this tool allows users to define the extrusion length, thereby converting flat shapes into solid objects, but notes that it cannot be used on curved faces.

💡Follow Me tool

The Follow Me tool in SketchUp is used to create 3D forms by following a path with a selected shape. As described in the script, it allows users to define a 2D base and a path, which the base will follow to create a 3D conductor or form.

💡Components panel

The Components panel in SketchUp is a resource where users can find and import pre-made objects into their projects. The script mentions this panel as a way for users to quickly add ready objects to their designs without having to draw each element from scratch.

💡Visualization tools

Visualization tools in SketchUp, such as the Pan and Orbit tools mentioned in the script, allow users to interact with their 3D models from different perspectives. These tools help users to navigate around, within, and through their designs to better understand and present their work.

💡Measurement tools

Measurement tools in SketchUp enable users to quantify the dimensions of their designs, such as length and area. The script explains that these tools can be customized in terms of units, annotation style, and precision, allowing for accurate dimensional analysis of the project.

💡Material application

The script discusses the ability to apply materials to 2D and 3D objects in SketchUp to enhance their appearance. Materials such as metal, glass, or patterns can be used to make the objects look more realistic. The Entity Info panel is where users can manage these materials, including choosing different materials for the front and back sides of objects.

💡Save function

Saving a project in SketchUp is crucial to preserving work. The script mentions the use of the Save button to store the project as a .skp file. This function is essential for users to manage their work progress and ensure that their designs are safely stored within their Trimble account.

Highlights

Trimble Sketchup Free is a free solution for CAD drawings and projects.

SketchUp is professional CAD software for architectural and concept designs with an intuitive interface.

Beginners can start with Sketchup Free, an online version with most features for basic projects.

For professional work, a subscription plan with SketchUp Shop Pro or Studio offers a complete set of features.

To use SketchUp Free, create a Trimble Account and sign in to access the main interface.

The main interface shows recent projects and options to open existing projects or create new ones.

New projects start with an empty 2D grid and the main three cartesian axes for reference.

Use the Line tool to draw straight segments and the Freehand tool for more precision.

Arc tools allow creating arcs in different manners depending on the selected tool.

Rectangle, Circle, and Polygon tools create regular shapes by fixing two points.

3D Text tool enables adding 2D and 3D text with customizable font, size, and extrusion.

Use the Escape key to undo drawing in progress and CTRL+Z to undo actions or modifications.

Visual aids like axis colors and snappings help with drawing segments and 2D shapes.

Push/Pull tool generates 3D objects from their 2D base by defining extrusion length.

Follow Me tool defines 3D conductors by selecting a 2D base and path to follow.

Custom 3D objects can be built using the Line tool or by importing ready objects from the Components panel.

Visualization tools like Pan and Orbit allow checking the project from different perspectives.

Measurement tools can be used to measure length and area with customizable units and precision.

Editing and reshaping objects is done using Select, Move, Rotate, Scale, and Offset tools.

Materials can be applied to 2D or 3D objects to enhance their appearance and realism.

Save projects as .skp files using the Save button, with up to 10 GB of storage in the Trimble account.

Transcripts

Hello, welcome to this video dedicated to Trimble Sketchup Free, one of

the best and free solutions for CAD drawings and projects! In a very short

time we will get all the basic features you need to start using it.

Make sure to visit our YouTube channel and our website for more content,

tips and free video tutorials!

SketchUp is a professional CAD software that makes easier architectural and

concept designs through a very intuitive interface and workflow. As a

beginner you can start with Sketchup Free, a free and online version

collecting most of the features to realize basic projects or school work.

For professional jobs you can go for the complete set of features with a

subscription plan on SketchUp Shop, Pro or Studio which also include a

desktop version of the software.

To start using SketchUp Free you only need to create a Trimble Account and

sign in. At this point the main account interface opens, showing the most

recent projects made and two options to start working on top, such as Open

to browse for existing SketchUp projects and Create New to start with a new

one, choosing the correct measurement unit to use.

As you start with any SketchUp project, this gets open on the main

interface, with several drawing and editing tools on the left and useful

panels on the right side, that you can close and reopen when you need.

Every new project is completely empty, showing a 2D human interface as

reference and the main three cartesian axes, such as the red X axis for the

horizontal direction, the green Y axis for the vertical one and the blue Z

axis for any height from the ground plane, where the X and the Y axes lay.

To draw any element you can use the tools on the left side, some grouped

into a single button. Once a tool is enabled, you can define object points

and sides by either clicking on the preview or typing precise values with

your keyboard on the box in the bottom right corner, applying with the

Enter key.

Enable the Line tool to drop straight segments sharing the last node. You

can go on drawing until you use the Escape key or close the shape in

progress, which gets filled automatically. You can also draw freehand with

the Freehand tool, using your mouse wheel to zoom in to make lines and

curves more precisely.

Use any of the Arc tools to drop arcs in different manners, depending on

the kind of tool selected. Remember to open the Instructor panel to get

full information and tips on how to use the current tool.

With the Rectangle, the Circle and the Polygon tools you can create regular

shapes by fixing two points on the preview. Being closed shapes, these get

internal filling by default.

The 3D Text tool is used to drop 2D and 3D independent pieces of text. On

the Create 3D Text dialog box, type inside and specify the font family and

style, including is size under Height, its filling and also its extrusion

length. The extrusion can be enabled or disabled to drop 3D or simple 2D

text.

To undo any drawing in progress use the Escape key. Whereas to undo any

action or modification, use CTRL+Z.

SketchUp provides several visual aids to make your drawings easier. For

example when drawing any segment this assumes the same axis color that

comes parallel to it and when dropping any 2D shape this gets the same axis

color that is perpendicular to its base.

Besides these colors you also get snappings to the most important object

keypoints, such as colored circles for vertices and nodes; squares for

points on sides and rhumbuses for points on faces and filled areas. Also

dotted guidelines may appear, indicating perpendicular directions,

intersections and extensions over objects sides or axes. From the Display

panel you can manage the aids to use and also apply visual effects on the

preview such as Shadow and Fog.

To draw 3D objects in no time SketchUp provides the Push/Pull and the

Follow Me tools. With Push/Pull you can generate a 3D object by clicking

and dragging from its 2D base, defining the extrusion length for it. You

can't use this tool on curved faces.

Follow Me is used to define 3D conductors, selecting a 2D base as section

and a 2D path to follow as direction.

You can also build custom 3D objects with the simple Line tool, drawing

each vertex and side until the whole object is complete and covered. If

this is too long or complex, you can take a look at the Components panel to

search for several ready objects that you can import on the preview

directly.

To check the result of your work you can use the visualization tools

collected on the left side, such as the Pan Tool to move around or the

Orbit tool to rotate in 3D by clicking and dragging. To check from standard

perspective views use the Views panel instead.

You can also preview from a human point of view by using Walk and Look

Around.

Whereas if you need to measure length and area on objects, use the

Measurement tools. You can set their units, annotation style and precision

from the Model Info panel.

You can also open the Styles panel to preview your objects differently.

Now let's see how to edit and reshape the objects on your workspace by

using the tools on the left side.

First of all you have to use the Select tool to select the object to be

edited by clicking on it. By default SketchUp selects the subcomponents of

an object, such as single sides or faces. So when you move or edit any 3D

custom object you have made, this gets deformed as its subcomponents are

moved or edited.

To modify a 3D object entirely you have to select all its subcomponents

together, right-click and go to Make Group. You can easily select all sides

and faces composing the object by clicking and dragging from the right side

to the left with the Select tool.

On the contrary text and ready models come with sides and faces grouped, so

you edit these entirely by default. To reshape these on their subcomponents

you have to right-click on these and go to Explode.

To deselect all, just click elsewhere on the workspace.

Use the Move tool to move selected objects where you like. Whereas

choose the Rotate tool to rotate these by fixing the main anchor point and

then the rotation angle. You will rotate on the ground plane when the

goniometer is shown in blue color.

Enable the Scale tool to scale the object by clicking and dragging couples

of cubes toward different 2D and 3D directions. Whereas use the Offset tool

to add a 2D contour which keeps a fixed distance from the original object

perimeter.

To cut, copy and paste the selected object use CTRL+X, C and V. You can cut

any object to remove it from the workspace.

You can also apply great materials to any 2D or 3D object with filling, in

order to improve their appearance on the preview and make these more

realistic. From the Entity Info panel you can go to Material to apply

several materials such as metal, glass or patterns. On Back Material you

can choose another kind of material for the back side. These materials are

applied on the whole object in case this is grouped.

To save your project in progress as a .skp file use the Save button in the

top left corner. This will be listed within your project list inside your

Trimble account, which can store up to 10 GB of content.

Thanks for watching this video! Make sure to check our YouTube channel to

get free and outstanding tutorials on other professional software!