Course Introduction
Hey everyone, and welcome to this completely free course tutorial on Sketchup! With this introductory video we are kickng off a series called “Learn Sketchup Basics: Course for Absolute Beginners!” Have you ever dreamt of bringing your design ideas to life in 3D? Maybe you want to design your dream home, create furniture models, or even plan out your garden.
This course is designed specifically for absolute beginners, so whether you’ve never touched a 3D modeling program before, or you’re just curious about what Sketchup can do, you’ve come to the right place! Over the next few videos, we’ll be taking things step-by-step. We’ll learn the basics of the Sketchup interface, and explore the essential tools.
Watch on Youtube
You can also watch the full course directly on Youtube, completely free!
Lesson 01 – Get started, Access Free Online Web Version of Sketchup
In this video we will learn how to access the free online web version of Sketchup and get started by creating our first project using one of the preset templates.
ACCESS FREE SKETCHUP LINK: app.sketchup.com
Lesson 02 – Navigating in Sketchup and the Select Tool
In this video, we’ll dive into the Sketchup interface, learn how to navigate the 3D space, and learn how to use the Select tool, window and crossing selection.
What you’ll learn:
Introducing the Sketchup Interface: Get familiar with the layout of the Sketchup workspace, including menus, toolbars, and panels.
Navigating in 3D: Master the Orbit, Pan, and Zoom tools to move around your 3D model from any angle.
The Power of Selection: Learn how to use the Select tool to choose specific lines, faces, or objects within your model.
Lesson 03 – Using the Line and Erase Tool – choose axis movement direction
We’ll explore two fundamental tools: the Line tool and the Eraser tool, along with a secret weapon – the arrow keys for precise movement as well as creating 2 point arcs and learn how to create 2D surfaces that will be used for our 3D models later on.
What you’ll learn:
Drawing Lines: Mastering the Line tool for creating straight lines in your 3D space.
Erasing with Precision: Utilizing the Eraser tool to remove unwanted lines and refine your model.
Locking Movement with Arrow Keys: Discover how to use the arrow keys to lock movement along specific axes (X, Y, Z) for precise positioning of lines.
Lesson 04 – Create rectangles, circles and polygons – Open voids on surfaces
Get ready to lay the groundwork for your amazing 3D creations! In this video, we’ll explore the essential tools for drawing basic shapes in Sketchup: Lines, Rectangles, Circles and Polygons. Find out how to open voids on surfaces.
What you’ll learn:
Drawing perfect squares and rectangles with the Rectangle tool.
Utilizing the Polygon tool for creating shapes with any number of sides.
Understanding how these tools work together to build the foundation for your models.
Create voids on surfaces.
Lesson 05 – Using the Offset Tool
In this video, we’ll explore this versatile Offset tool and its applications.
What you’ll learn:
Understanding the Offset tool: How it creates parallel copies of lines or edges. Offsetting lines to create mirrored elements for symmetrical designs. Adding thickness to existing shapes by offsetting their edges. Controlling the offset distance for precise control over your model’s geometry.
Lesson 06 – Using the Push Pull Tool, Create 3D Objects
Let’s take your Sketchup creations to a whole new dimension! In this video, we’ll master the Push/Pull tool – the cornerstone of building 3D shapes in Sketchup.
What you’ll learn:
The magic of the Push/Pull tool: How to extrude flat faces into 3D shapes. Pushing and pulling faces to create walls, boxes, and other basic structures. Controlling the extrusion distance for precise shaping of your models. Using the Push/Pull tool to create cutouts and openings in your designs.
Lesson 07 – Create Component Groups and why
Keeping your Sketchup models organized is key to efficiency and clarity. In this video, we’ll introduce two powerful tools: Groups.
What you’ll learn:
The Importance of Groups: Why keeping your model organized is crucial.
Creating Groups: How to group multiple objects together for easier manipulation.
Benefits of Groups: Discover the advantages of using groups for editing, hiding, and managing complex models.
Lesson 08 – Move, Copy, Rotate
Ready to take complete control over your Sketchup creations? In this video, we’ll dive into the essential tools for manipulating objects: Move, Copy, and Rotate. What you’ll learn:
The power of the Move tool for precise positioning of objects in your 3D space. How to effortlessly duplicate objects using the Copy tool – a time-saving technique! Mastering the Rotate tool to achieve perfect angles and orientations for your models. Combining these tools for efficient and creative model building.
Lesson 09 – Adding Materials and Scenes
Your Sketchup models are looking fantastic! Now it’s time to add some pizzazz with materials, scenes, and shadows. In this video, we’ll explore the tools that take your creations from basic to breathtaking!
What you’ll learn:
Browse the Sketchup library to find a variety of materials like wood, metal, glass, and more. Apply materials to different surfaces of your model for a realistic look. Create scenes to define specific views of your model, perfect for presentations. Enable shadows to add depth and dimension to your design. Save your model in different formats for various uses.
Lesson 10 – Create a 3D Table Practise Exercise
Congratulations on reaching lesson 10! Now that you’ve mastered the fundamentals of Sketchup, let’s put your skills to the test by building a simple 3D table. This fun project will allow you to practice using all the tools you’ve learned throughout the course.
This project is a fantastic way to solidify your Sketchup knowledge and gain the confidence to tackle more complex creations. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Experiment with different sizes, textures, and leg styles to design your table.
Lesson 11 – Complete Architectural 3D Project Exercise
Ready to put your Sketchup skills to the test? In this final video ( lesson 11 ) of the “Learn Sketchup Basics” course, we’ll embark on a complete architectural design project from start to finish.
Throughout the video, we’ll revisit all the tools you’ve learned throughout the series, from drawing walls and windows to applying textures. Plus, we’ll introduce some exciting new features like the “Follow Me” tool, “Tape Measure”, adding dimensions, and creating sections.
Follow along step-by-step as we create a beautiful 3D model of a house, perfect for practicing and solidifying your Sketchup knowledge. This is your chance to get creative, experiment with different design elements, and gain the confidence to tackle your own architectural projects!
SKETCHUP KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS
Here is a list of all the keyboard shortcuts used throughout the course for your reference.
SKETCHUP KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS | |
TOOL | SHORTCUT |
SELECT | Spacebar |
ZOOM EXTENDS | Shift + Z |
ORBIT | Middle Mouse Button |
PAN | Shift + Orbit |
ZOOM | Mouse Scroll |
SELECT ALL | Ctrl + A |
ADD TO SELECTION | Ctrl |
REMOVE FROM SELECTION | Ctrl + Shift |
ADD/REMOVE | Shift |
LINE | L |
LOCK ON X – AXIS | Right Arrow Key |
LOCK ON Y – AXIS | Left Arrow Key |
LOCK ON Z – AXIS | Up Arrow Key |
ERASE | E or DELETE |
2 POINT ARC | A |
RECTANGLE | R |
CIRCLE | C |
INCREASE POLYGON SIDES | Ctrl +/- |
OFFSET | F |
PUSH / PULL | P |
TAPE MEASURE | T |
SCALE | S |