SketchUp is a great app. Read this guide to learn how to use it.
Step
Step 1. Start by downloading SketchUp for free
Once downloaded, double-click the EXE file.
Step 2. Follow the on-screen installation guide carefully
The installation method for SketchUp may vary depending on the type of computer you have.
Step 3. Open SketchUp
On the main screen of the program, you will see a 3D-like view with three axes. You'll also see the Line, Circle, and Polygon tools. Each tool allows you to create the shape you want in different ways.
Step 4. Learn the basics of the program so you can use it comfortably:
- Be aware that SketchUp provides 10 simple tools. You can use all of these tools to create models. Orbit, pan, and zoom equipment belong to the main equipment categories. You can use these tools to pan around and change the point of view. How to use it will also be discussed briefly in this article.
- To pan across the screen, press the center button on the mouse, then hold down the Shift key on the keyboard.
- To delete, click the arrow button on the toolbar. Once the object you want to delete is selected, it will turn blue. Press Delete on the keyboard.
- To save your work, click "File" in the upper-left corner of the window, then click "Save As". Select a save location, then give the file a name. The SketchUp file will be saved with the. SKP extension.
Step 5. Draw a line
When you open SketchUp, the Line tool will be automatically selected. You can use the tool to create lines. Try the Line tool to get creative, and to find out what line shapes are available. However, this line is single-dimensional so you can't bend it at an angle.
Read the article on wikiHow to learn how to use SketchUp in detail
Step 6. Create a shape
In addition to lines, you can create other two-dimensional shapes, such as circles, squares, or pentagons, with the available tools. Click the tool for the desired shape to create it.
- Since you are using a 3D program, you will notice that the 2D image will appear horizontally. Also, the 2D shape will be deflected onto the surface below it (if any).
- Try making a sphere, semicircle, or cube with SketchUp.
Step 7. Start creating a three-dimensional object
You can create three-dimensional objects by "drag" or "push" 2D objects into 3D. Use the Push/Pull tool on the 2D shape you created, then watch the changes in the object.
- Select the Push/Pull tool:
- Press the mouse button on the shape you want to convert to 3D.
- Click, then drag or press the shape as desired. Click the shape again.
- Enlarge the object as desired, and add more structure.
- Experiment with objects. Add windows, holes or other elements by cutting out shapes in 3D.
Step 8. Learn how to pan and orbit
SketchUp lets you see objects from multiple perspectives. This feature is one of the important features in any 3D program. The pan tool lets you pan images up, down, left, or right, or combine moves. The Orbit tool allows you to "circle" the object you have created. This perspective change lets you view the entire object from any angle.
Use the center mouse button, or click the Orbit button with the two red arrows on the toolbar to "circle" the object
Step 9. Move and rotate the object using the Move tool and Rotate tool
Both tools are useful for moving objects to other positions.
For more information, read how to use the Rotate tool and how to flip objects with SketchUp on the internet
Step 10. Color the object
Once the object is finished, it will change color, generally to a bluish-grey. Before you can color an object, you must first complete it. Use the Paint tool to color objects with a color or texture. If you color an object with a texture, SketchUp will automatically match the texture to the surface. Therefore, apart from being useful, the Paint tool is also a fun tool.
- To add color, click the paint container, then choose a category (such as Ground Cover or Named Colors). Choose a color or texture, then click the area on the shape you want to color.
- To create a window, select Translucent.
- To erase unwanted corners, use the eraser.
- For more information, read our guide to adding textures to SketchUp.
Step 11. Learn how to zoom in
The zoom tool lets you zoom in or out on the object being created. This way, you can see more details of the object. If you have a mouse with a sliding wheel, you can swipe up to zoom in and swipe down to zoom out.
Step 12. Look at the finished model in SketchUp
SketchUp provides various ready-made models, which you can use as needed. In 3D Warehouse, you can access various objects of architecture, landscapes, construction, people, playgrounds, and transportation. Check out the components library -- in case you find a component to try.
Step 13. Learn how to use construction markers
SketchUp allows you to place construction markers anywhere on the drawing. Once installed, you can use markers to organize objects. These dotted-line markers can help you align objects.
Step 14. Once you're fluent in the standard SketchUp tools discussed above, learn the advanced tools
The advanced tools are resizing tool, uniform tool, curve tool, follow me tool, text tool, angle tool and measuring tape tool.
- Use the resizing tool by selecting the object and dragging the box at the end and the object is visible. You can resize the object as you wish, such as making it wider, taller, shortening, or "squeezing".
- The follow-me tool is used to move an object in a predetermined direction to create a new object.
- If you click on the Uniform tool and then select a specific view, you will get the same look. You can adjust the size of the view by dragging the cursor.
- The function of the Curve tool is not much different from the Line tool. However, if you drag a line to this tool, the straight line will turn into a curve.
- Use the Text tool to add text to the model. The text will be placed in the view.
- With the Angle tool, you can rotate an object by clicking on the view and hovering over it.
- Measure and align the object by selecting the Measuring tape tool and entering the size at the bottom right of the screen.
Step 15. Try creating something in SketchUp
wikiHow provides lots of guides to help you create buildings, structures, and more.
Tips
- You can create simple looks (like the surface of a shape) with the Face tool. Use the Line tool to correct any imperfections.
- You can import images from Google Earth and draw them. For more information, read guides on the internet.
Warning
- Sometimes, removing a single line from your 3D model can erase the entire image. Don't worry, click Edit > Undo, or press Ctrl+Z to undo it.
- When you create an object, it can appear proportional from the front or the side. However, when you switch views, objects appear distorted.
