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SketchUp Free - All you need to know!

WerkStrich – Zeichnen fürs Handwerk

Do you want to design your own furniture on the PC in an effective way? Do you want to plan your new kitchen or redesign your apartment and visualize it immediately in 3D? Or just creatively express yourself in 3D?

Then SketchUp is exactly the right program for you. SketchUp is an intuitive, powerful 3D modeling software built for professionals and creatives of all kinds. With no other software can you build impressive 3D models so quickly, which immediately convey a spatial effect of your project. The advantages of SketchUp:

Read more

Do you want to design your own furniture on the PC in an effective way? Do you want to plan your new kitchen or redesign your apartment and visualize it immediately in 3D? Or just creatively express yourself in 3D?

Then SketchUp is exactly the right program for you. SketchUp is an intuitive, powerful 3D modeling software built for professionals and creatives of all kinds. With no other software can you build impressive 3D models so quickly, which immediately convey a spatial effect of your project. The advantages of SketchUp:

  • there is a free, web-based version

  • it's probably the easiest of all CAD programs to use

  • you are instantly in 3D

  • you can do very quick rough sketching or professional, accurate, detail rich objects

  • there is a huge library of pre-built 3D-models

  • from tiny details, to your own garden to the whole building - there is nothing you can't visualise

How is this course structured?

In this 4-hour course you will learn how SketchUp works and how to use the most important tools. Using real examples, you will become confident step by step in using line, rectangle, circle and the push/pull tool. We will learn how to work with groups and components, we will take a look at the practical model library, use various special tools and learn how to present and visualize our projects in an appealing way. Ultimately, the course should get you ready to implement your own ideas in SketchUp and bring them to life.

To make sure you don't get bored and see results right away, everything is based on learning by doing - so we won't spend a lot of time on theory, but will always draw real objects directly. This is project-based learning, starting from a simple box, to a desk, staircase, a complete interior situation and more. This way you learn to approach the sketching process in a wholistic way and always apply new knowledge directly to enhance your learning experience.

What do you need?

Not much. With the following tools you can start 3D modeling right away:

  •  a PC or Mac

  •  a computer mouse with clickable mouse wheel (you can also use the trackpad but with the mouse it will be faster)

  •  nice to have: a large screen

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You'll discover how intuitive sketchup is and how much fun it can be to work with the program.
  • You will learn the most important tools and functions to start your own projects in sketchup.
  • You will learn the difference between groups and components and how to build professional models.
  • Learn how to save time and find great models and textures using the 3d model library.
  • Usefuls sketchup-hacks and tricks that save you time and enable you to create special shapes and geometries.
  • Import models, edit them and present them in an appealing way for customers or friends and family.

Syllabus

Introduction and Setup
Welcome to this course!
How to get SketchUp
The Home Screen
Read more
The Basics: Line, Rectangle and the Push/Pull Tool
How to navigate in SketchUp
Just try it!
A quick look at the User Interface
Line, Face, Object
The Select Tool
The Rectangle and Push/Pull
Making a Box with a Dovetail Joint
Helpful Guides and Offset
Making the Dovetail Joint
Addition vs Subtraction Method
Round Shapes and Objects
The Standing Table
Drawing accurately and faster with Reference Points
The first Piece of Furniture

In the Materials here you find the SketchUp File of the Bench that we are going to build in this lecture. You can download and import it, and then we can start to build it piece by piece.

Building the Box
Move and Copy
Sampling and Applying Colors
Building the Bench and smoothening Edges
Summary - What we've learned so far...
The SketchUp Shortcut Training Course
Introduction

Here you will find two files for the following Shortcut Training Course:

1. The Template of the Training Course as a SKP file, which you can import into SketchUp with Menu -> Import -> My Device, so that we work together with the same template (Not a must, but useful :)

2. A PDF document with the most important keyboard shortcuts to work faster in SketchUp. In the parkour you can then try working with the shortcuts.

Try to integrate the keyboard shortcuts bit by bit into your drawing process, because this way everything goes much faster than going back to the toolbox with the mouse every time!

Shortcut Training Course - Part 1
Shortcut Training Course - Part 2
Assign and Change Shortcuts
Groups and Components
Build to Look vs. Build to Build
The Desk - Intro
The Model for Download
Building the Desk
The Cabinet
Building the Drawers
Applying Colors and Texture
How to quickly present your Model
Geometry in SketchUp
How to Multiply and Divide
Using the 3D-Text
Special Geometries
Building a Staircase
Fast Floors
The Steps
The Stringers
How to intersect Objects
A special Tool: Follow Me
What is the Follow Me Tool?
A Cone

In case you want to use the same picture, here you can find the van Gogh in the Materials to download and import.

Edges on a Tabletop
Woodturning with the Follow Me Tool
The 3D Warehouse
Intro to the 3D-Warehouse
How to find better Textures
Cleaning Up our Workspace
Textures from other Sources
Working with Live Components
How to Scale an Object or your Model
The Scale Tool
Scale an Object
The Floor Plan to Import
Bringing a Floor Plan into the right Scale
Staircase 2.0
Intro
The Staircase 1.0 for Download
Modifying existing Components
Building the Storage Room
Adding the Railing
The Presentation
Technical Drawing and Perspective
Creating a Section
More Structure with Tags
Putting the Desk into Context
Shadows and Fog Effects
Create Animations with Scenes

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Uses SketchUp Free, which lowers the barrier to entry for beginners interested in learning 3D modeling without the cost of a professional software license
Emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning, which allows learners to immediately apply new skills and knowledge to create real-world objects and designs
Covers a range of topics from basic shapes to more complex geometries, which provides a solid foundation for creating a variety of 3D models
Explores the 3D Warehouse, which is a valuable resource for finding pre-built models and textures to enhance projects and save time
Requires a computer mouse with a clickable mouse wheel, which may be an additional expense for some learners who typically use a trackpad
Teaches techniques for presenting models, including technical drawings, perspectives, shadows, and animations, which are useful for showcasing designs to clients or collaborators

Save this course

Save SketchUp Free - All you need to know! to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in SketchUp Free - All you need to know! with these activities:
Practice Basic 3D Navigation
Familiarize yourself with 3D navigation tools to move around the SketchUp environment efficiently. Mastering navigation is crucial for effectively creating and manipulating 3D models.
Show steps
  • Open SketchUp Free and create a new project.
  • Practice using the Orbit, Pan, and Zoom tools to view the default object from different angles.
  • Create a simple shape and practice navigating around it.
Review Basic Geometry Concepts
Reinforce foundational geometry concepts to better understand 3D modeling principles in SketchUp.
Browse courses on Lines
Show steps
  • Review definitions of geometric shapes and terms.
  • Practice calculating area and volume of simple shapes.
  • Complete online quizzes to test your knowledge.
Read 'SketchUp For Dummies'
Review the fundamentals of SketchUp using a beginner-friendly guide to solidify your understanding of core concepts. This book will help you to discover how intuitive SketchUp is and how much fun it can be to work with the program.
View SketchUp For Dummies on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'SketchUp For Dummies'.
  • Read the introductory chapters covering the SketchUp interface and basic tools.
  • Follow the tutorials in the book to create simple models.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Read 'SketchUp for Dummies' by Aidan Chopra and Rebecca Huehls
Supplement your learning with a beginner-friendly guide to SketchUp.
View SketchUp For Dummies on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters on basic SketchUp tools and techniques.
  • Follow the step-by-step tutorials to create simple models.
  • Experiment with different features and settings to explore the software's capabilities.
Read 'Architectural Design with SketchUp'
Explore architectural design principles using SketchUp to enhance your understanding of spatial planning and model creation. This book will help you to build professional models.
View Architectural Design with SketchUp on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Architectural Design with SketchUp'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to architectural modeling techniques.
  • Experiment with the techniques described in the book within SketchUp.
Read 'Architectural Graphics' by Francis D.K. Ching
Learn fundamental architectural drawing techniques to enhance your SketchUp modeling skills.
View Architectural Graphics on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters on orthographic and perspective projections.
  • Practice drawing simple architectural elements by hand.
  • Compare hand-drawn sketches with SketchUp models.
Design a Simple House Model
Apply the learned tools and techniques to create a basic house model, reinforcing your understanding of SketchUp's modeling capabilities. This project will help you to learn the most important tools and functions to start your own projects in SketchUp.
Show steps
  • Sketch a basic floor plan for a small house.
  • Use SketchUp tools to create the walls, roof, and openings (doors, windows).
  • Add basic textures and colors to the model.
  • Add furniture from the 3D Warehouse.
Practice SketchUp's Basic Tools
Reinforce your understanding of SketchUp's core tools through repetitive practice.
Show steps
  • Create a series of simple 3D shapes using the line, rectangle, and circle tools.
  • Practice using the push/pull tool to extrude shapes into 3D objects.
  • Experiment with the move, rotate, and scale tools to manipulate objects.
Design Your Dream Room in SketchUp
Apply your SketchUp skills to design a room according to your personal preferences.
Show steps
  • Measure the dimensions of your room or create a fictional space.
  • Create a floor plan in SketchUp, including walls, doors, and windows.
  • Add furniture, textures, and colors to personalize the design.
  • Experiment with different lighting scenarios to create the desired ambiance.
Create a 3D Model Portfolio
Showcase your SketchUp skills by creating a portfolio of 3D models.
Show steps
  • Select 3-5 projects to include in your portfolio.
  • Create high-quality renderings of your models.
  • Write descriptions of each project, highlighting your design process.
  • Share your portfolio online on a platform like Behance or ArtStation.
Follow Advanced SketchUp Tutorials
Refine your SketchUp skills by following advanced tutorials on specific techniques.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on topics such as creating complex geometries or using advanced plugins.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, paying attention to the instructor's techniques.
  • Apply the learned techniques to your own projects.

Career center

Learners who complete SketchUp Free - All you need to know! will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Hobbyist Modeler
A hobbyist modeler creates 3D models for personal projects, often for fun and creative expression. The role requires an interest in design and an understanding of 3D space and modeling tools. This course will help a hobbyist modeler understand how to use the SketchUp program and how to create 3D models. This course may be very helpful at teaching the fundamentals of the software, how to navigate its user interface, and how to build models. The course specifically encourages creative expression, making it a good fit for those who wish to explore 3D modeling as a hobby.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hobbyist Modeler
Interior designer
An interior designer creates functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. This role involves space planning, selecting materials and furnishings, and visualizing design concepts. This course helps a prospective interior designer understand how to develop 3D models of their concepts. The skills taught in this course are exactly what an interior designer needs to present their designs to clients by quickly and accurately generating 3D models. This program allows for rapid prototyping of designs, a crucial skill for any interior designer. The course's focus on practical, hands-on projects, moving from simple boxes to complete interior situations, is perfect for this career field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer
Furniture Designer
A furniture designer creates designs for furniture, considering aesthetics, functionality, and materials. This career often involves rapid prototyping and the creation of 3D models to visualize designs. This course directly addresses using sketching to build 3D models of furniture. A furniture designer learns to use line, rectangle, circle, and push and pull tools to make designs. The course specifically uses examples like building a desk and bench to illustrate techniques for furniture design. This course may be especially useful for aspiring furniture designers who are looking to gain practical 3D modeling skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Furniture Designer
Set Designer
A set designer creates the visual environment for theatre, film, and television productions, including backdrops, props, and set pieces. This role requires creativity, spatial awareness, and the ability to visualize designs in 3D. This course provides a set designer with the ability to quickly create 3D models of their set designs. The course's emphasis on hands-on learning using tools such as line, rectangle, circle, and push and pull, allows the set designer to immediately translate their vision into a three dimensional form, and to learn how to present those designs. A set designer will find the skills taught in this course valuable for pre-production visualization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Set Designer
Architectural Designer
An architectural designer develops plans and designs for buildings and other structures, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and building codes. This role requires strong visualization skills and the ability to create detailed 3D models. This course helps an architectural designer build the necessary 3D modeling skills through its hands-on learning approach. The course's focus on creating models from basic shapes to complicated structures like staircases, and the use of a model library, helps in creating architectural plans. An architectural designer should use this course to improve their ability to rapidly prototype and present their designs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Designer
Exhibition Designer
An exhibition designer plans and designs the layout and visual elements of exhibitions and displays. This requires creativity, spatial understanding, and the ability to visualize concepts in 3D. This course gives an exhibition designer the tools to model a design in 3D. Working with basic shapes, to more complicated structures, from boxes to stairs, helps an exhibition designer learn to design the environments of their exhibitions. In addition, the course focuses on presentation of 3D models, which allows an exhibition designer to present their designs in a professional manner. This course may be very useful for those in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Exhibition Designer
Landscape Designer
A landscape designer creates outdoor spaces such as gardens, parks, and other green areas. This career involves site analysis, space planning, plant selection, and visualizing design concepts. This course helps landscape designers visualize their designs beyond two-dimensional plans, allowing them to create 3D models to fully appreciate the space. The course's practical approach, moving from basic shapes to more complex structures, and the use of a model library, will help a landscape designer to present their designs. This course is useful for a landscape designer who wants to communicate their visions more clearly.
See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Designer
Product Designer
A product designer develops the form and function of physical products, often requiring the creation of prototypes and 3D models. This course may be helpful for a product designer who is learning to use 3D modeling for rapid prototyping. The course's emphasis on hands-on practice with tools such as line, rectangle, circle, and push and pull tools should be particularly relevant and helpful. The practice of projects such as building a box, desk, and staircase helps a product designer understand how to work in 3D. This course may help product designers visualize their products in 3D and learn how to present them.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer
Industrial Designer
An industrial designer develops the design and functionality of manufactured products, focusing on user experience, aesthetics, and feasibility. This role often requires the creation of 3D models and prototypes. This course may be useful for an industrial designer who wishes to learn how to use 3D modeling software to build fast prototypes or models. The course includes training on how to use the software's feature set and build models from basic shapes to advanced configurations. This course may be helpful for an industrial designer who wants to visualize their designs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer
Draftsperson
A draftsperson creates technical drawings and plans for buildings, machines, and other products. This role requires precision and the ability to translate designs into detailed technical drawings. This course may help a draftsperson who wishes to generate 3D models of their designs. The course teaches a user the basics of 3D modeling and how to use tools within the SketchUp application. The course also teaches the user how to present and display their models. While this is not the primary work of a draftsperson, this course may be helpful to aid the visualization of their designs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Draftsperson
Game Designer
A game designer creates and develops various elements of video games, including level design, gameplay mechanics, and overall game structure. A game designer benefits from being able to visualize game environments in 3D. While this course does not address game design itself, it may be useful to a game designer who is using 3D modeling for rapid prototyping and visualization of their concepts. This course provides a comprehensive guide to the software and how to begin making 3D models. The course may be useful if a game designer wishes to create their own assets or environments.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer
Exhibit Fabricator
An exhibit fabricator builds and assembles exhibits for museums, trade shows, and other events. This often requires understanding of design plans and the ability to translate them into physical structures. This course may be useful for an exhibit fabricator who is looking to understand 3D models. This course introduces 3D modeling software and how to use it to draw shapes and objects. This understanding may be useful in translating design plans. This course may help the exhibit fabricator understand the design process better.
See salaries and explore the career path for Exhibit Fabricator
Visual Merchandiser
A visual merchandiser creates attractive and engaging displays in retail spaces to promote products. This requires creativity, spatial awareness, and understanding of design principles. This course can help a visual merchandiser visualize their displays in a three dimensional space. The course teaches basic 3D modeling and the use of shapes to build both simple and complex objects. This course may be useful to a visual merchandiser who wishes to understand how to design displays and present them in 3D.
See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Merchandiser
Urban Planner
An urban planner works to improve the layout and development of cities and communities, focusing on issues such as housing, transportation, and land use. This career requires a strong understanding of spatial relationships and the ability to visualize urban environments. This course may be helpful for an urban planner who wishes to generate 3D models of their projects or designs. The course focuses on 3D modeling and drawing structures, which may be relevant for such visualization. The course may aid in the development of presentations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner
Real Estate Developer
A real estate developer manages the process of building or renovating properties. This includes design and planning, as well as financial and logistical considerations. This role could benefit from being able to visualize building designs and layouts. This course provides the ability to build designs in three dimensions using a computer program. While this is not the main role of a real estate developer, this course may be useful for visualizing site plans and designs. This may be useful for presentations and communication.
See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer

Reading list

We've selected three books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in SketchUp Free - All you need to know!.
Cover image
SketchUp For Dummies
Save
Great resource for beginners to learn the fundamentals of SketchUp. It covers the basics of the interface, tools, and modeling techniques in a clear and concise manner. It is particularly useful for those who are new to 3D modeling and want a gentle introduction to the software. This book is helpful in providing background knowledge.
SketchUp For Dummies
Paperback
Check
SketchUp For Dummies
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Architectural Graphics
Save
Comprehensive guide to architectural drawing techniques. It covers a wide range of topics, including orthographic projections, perspective drawing, and rendering. It is particularly useful for understanding how to translate 3D designs into 2D representations, which valuable skill for SketchUp users. This book is commonly used as a textbook in architecture programs.
Architectural Graphics
Paperback
$$$
Architectural Graphics
Paperback
$$$
Architectural Graphics 5e
Paperback
$$
Architectural Graphics
Kindle Edition
$$
By Frank Ching Architectural Graphics Edition (2e)
Unknown Binding
$$$
Architectural Graphics by Francis D. K. Ching (26...
Unknown Binding
$$$$
Architectural Graphics,
Paperback
$$$
Architectural Graphics
Hardcover
$$$$
Architectural Graphics by Francis D. K. Ching (1996...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Architectural Design with SketchUp
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to using SketchUp for architectural design. It covers advanced techniques and workflows that can enhance your modeling skills. It valuable resource for those looking to apply SketchUp in a professional architectural context. This book adds more depth to the course by exploring real-world architectural applications.
Architectural Design with SketchUp
Paperback
Check
Architectural Design with SketchUp
Kindle Edition
Check

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Effort
4.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
WerkStrich – Zeichnen fürs Handwerk
Language
English
Good to know
Uses SketchUp Free, which lowers the barrier to entry for beginners interested in learning 3D modeling without the cost of a professional software license
Emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning, which allows learners to immediately apply new skills and knowledge to create real-world objects and designs
Covers a range of topics from basic shapes to more complex geometries, which provides a solid foundation for creating a variety of 3D models
Explores the 3D Warehouse, which is a valuable resource for finding pre-built models and textures to enhance projects and save time
Requires a computer mouse with a clickable mouse wheel, which may be an additional expense for some learners who typically use a trackpad
Teaches techniques for presenting models, including technical drawings, perspectives, shadows, and animations, which are useful for showcasing designs to clients or collaborators
Share and help others discover this course.
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