Google SketchUp

now known as Trimble SketchUp, is a 3D modeling software widely used for architectural design, interior design, landscape architecture, and related fields. Developed by @Last Software in 2000, it was later acquired by Google in 2006 and eventually by Trimble in 2012. The software allows users to create 3D models quickly and intuitively.

SketchUp offers a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to beginners while providing advanced features for professionals. It uses a push-pull modeling method, enabling users to extrude 2D shapes into 3D forms easily. The software supports the creation of geometric shapes, architectural elements, and complex structures.

Key features

include a 3D Warehouse, where users can find and share models, and a vast library of extensions (plugins) that enhance functionality. SketchUp supports various file formats for import and export, promoting compatibility with other design software. It is often used in conjunction with rendering and animation tools for creating realistic presentations and walkthroughs.

Whether used for architectural prototypes, urban planning, or conceptual design, SketchUp remains a popular choice for its accessibility and versatility in transforming ideas into visual representations.

MODULE 1

Introduction

• How this Book Came About
• How this Book is Set Up
• About the Author
• About the Cover

MODULE 2

Basics of the google sketchup

• Opening SketchUp
• SketchUp Screen
• Viewing Tools
• Shortcut Keys
• Drawing Tools
• Manipulation Tools
• Displaying and Smoothing Edges

MODULE 3

Intersect and Follow Me

• Follow Me
• Intersect
• Combining Follow Me and Intersect with Model

MODULE 4

Making Multiple Copies

• Basic Move and Copy
• Internal Arrays
• Non-Orthogonal Copies
• Multiple Rotated Copies

MODULE 5

Working with Roofs

• Using Offset for Roofs
• Simple Roofs and Dormers
• Resolving Roofs
• Overhanging Roofs

MODULE 6

Groups and Components

• Components Versus Groups.
• Groups
• Components

MODULE 7

Painting, Materials, and Textures

• Applying Materials
• Editing Materials
• Using Images as Textures
• Material Translucency
• Materials of Groups and Components
• Wrapping Images

MODULE 8

Adding Text and Dimensions

• Text
• Dimensions.
• 3D Text

MODULE 9

Using Exact Dimensions

• Creating Exact Geometry
• Entity Info
• Exact Moving and Copying
• Exact Rotated Copies
• Symmetry
• Measuring Length and Area
• Scaling in 3D

MODULE 10

Miscellaneous Basic Exercises

• Healing a Divided Line
• Finding the Center of an Arc
• Domed Apse/li>
• Smoothing Faces of Rotate-Copied Curved Objects
• Triangulation
• Curvy Things

MODULE 11

SketchUp, Google Earth, and the 3D Warehouse

• Placing a Model in Google Earth
• Saving Google Earth Files and Models
• 3D Warehouse

MODULE 12

Program Settings

• Stacking Windows
• Model Display
• Model Info
• Preferences
• Toolbars / Tool Palettes