SketchUp: Interface | VirtualUMB

SketchUp

SketchUp is a tool for 3D object modeling and visualization developed by Trimble Inc. It represents popular software for architects, designers, engineers, and artists who need to create and present 3D models.

It offers an intuitive interface and a straightforward modeling process. Its strong point is the ability to quickly create 3D models from basic geometric shapes using tools like line drawing, moving, rotating, or scaling objects. Users can easily create and edit shapes and spatial objects such as buildings, furniture, and similar items.

SketchUp comes with a rich library of predefined models, materials, and textures that facilitate the modeling process. Users can also create their own materials and textures, add lighting and scenes to achieve a more realistic appearance for their models. Additionally, it's possible to import and export models in various formats such as DWG, DXF, OBJ, 3DS, and many others.

Similarly, it offers an extension called LayOut, which allows the creation of professional 2D drawings, plans, views, and presentations from 3D models. LayOut is valuable for project creators and architects who need to generate detailed drawings and documentation for their designs.

Another advantage of SketchUp is its active user community, which shares projects, tips, tricks, and extensions. This community has created a multitude of useful resources such as video tutorials, discussion forums, and online courses that help new users learn SketchUp and progress in their modeling work.

Source: https://www.sketchup.com

1. Interface

Just like in Tinkercad, with SketchUp, we need an account (a Google account is sufficient). After logging in, we will see our home page, from which we can create a project or open an existing project.

It's important to correctly select the units in which our objects will be displayed (inches, feet, centimeters, millimeters, etc.).

On the upper left toolbar, there is a menu. It allows us to save, open, download, export, or import a project, or share it. Similarly, there are also undo and redo buttons.

On the left side, there is a toolbar with tools for modeling. From top to bottom, there's selection, eraser, drawing lines, drawing surfaces, extruding/offsetting surfaces, moving surfaces, rotating surfaces, resizing surfaces, coloring/adding material to surfaces, and view manipulation (in SketchUp, we can navigate using the mouse just like in Blender).

On the right side, there is a panel that allows us to edit the model. Functions here include color selection, choosing specific materials, components, or information about the object. However, some of these features are locked and require a paid version of SketchUp.