Getting Started with SketchUp Pro: Embark on your 3D modeling adventure with expert tips, tricks, and best practices

Level up your 3D design skills with SketchUp Pro by employing real-world examples and design guidelines

Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Key Features

• Put your architectural design knowledge to work by exploring practical examples
• Gain a deeper understanding of SketchUp's GUI, modeling tools, and editing features
• Execute full design creations with detailed steps without getting overwhelmed by SketchUp's advanced functionalities

Book Description

Owing to its ability to create models quickly and with high level of dimensional accuracy, SketchUp Pro has become a popular choice for many industries, including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and video game design. If you are seeking to adopt Trimble's exceptional design software, Getting Started with SketchUp Pro serves as an ideal primer to prepare and equip you for its use.

This book will help you lay the foundation of a project from scratch, set up appropriate units, and follow a guided path to structure your 3D models. You’ll explore the workflows used for creating designs from sketches, making CAD drawings (DWG), and even updating your existing 3D models. Finally, you’ll work with extensions and 3D Warehouse to find new workflows and models to add to your skill set.

By the end of this SketchUp book, you’ll be able to confidently create and share models of your design through CAD drawings and 3D views, and even take them online through the 3D Warehouse

What you will learn

• Build massing 3D models and preliminary designs
• Identify optimal methods to boost productivity and efficiency with SketchUp Pro
• Explore SketchUp tools and understand their diverse functionality
• Get a complete walkthrough of editing tools, materials, and components in SketchUp
• Create and edit components and explore component options
• Get acquainted with SketchUp extensions, 3D Warehouse, and additional tools and resources

Who this book is for

This book is for architects, landscape architects, interior designers, woodworkers, and 3D modelers with beginner-level knowledge of the architectural design of living spaces. Basic computer skills are all you need to get started.

Table of Contents

1. Beginning with SketchUp Pro
2. Principal Tools, Axes, and Inferences
3. Modeling with Groups and Components
4. Drawing Tools – We Begin Modeling!
5. Editing Tools – Making Big Changes!
6. Camera Options
7. View Options
8. Materials
9. Entity Info, Outliner, and Tags Dynamically Organize Your Models
10. Model Info and Preferences
11. Working with Components
12. Import, Export, 3D Warehouse, and Extensions

David S. Sellers is a licensed architect and the owner and president of Virtual Design & Construction Institute (VDCI), a nationally accredited vocational school that provides training and education to AEC professionals. David works extensively with Autodesk, Adobe, and Trimble software, and has 15+ years of experience working with AutoCAD and Revit. David is an Autodesk Certified Instructor, Adobe Certified Instructor, and Certified 3D Warehouse Developer for SketchUp Pro.