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LinkedIn Learning

Learning SketchUp Free

via LinkedIn Learning

Overview

Explore the basics of Sketchup Free, a simple, user-friendly 3D modeling platform that runs in a browser.

Sketchup Free is a browser-based 3D modeling and visualization tool from Trimble that offers an online-only set of the powerful tools found in Sketchup Pro. In this course, instructor George Maestri walks you through the main features of this 3D design software. He provides a tour of the interface and demonstrates how to create a basic model, including how to use the line tool, shade faces, draw curves and freehand shapes, scale and rotate objects, and create textures. He shows how to work with layers, measuring tools, and materials. George also explains how to organize and manage imported and exported files.

Syllabus

Introduction
  • Bring your 3D ideas to life
  • SketchUp Free vs. SketchUp Pro
  • Starting SketchUp Free in a browser
  • Using the exercise files and Trimble Connect
1. The SketchUp Free Interface
  • Interface basics
  • Open files from Trimble Connect
  • Load components via 3D Warehouse
  • Insert files from the disk
  • Navigate in SketchUp
  • Walk around in SketchUp
  • Standard camera views
  • Display shadows and fog
  • Create multiple views with scenes
  • Apply styles
  • Model Info window
2. Draw in SketchUp
  • Line tool fundamentals
  • 3D drawing with the Line tool
  • Using the Rectangle tool
  • Create rotated rectangles
  • Push and pull faces in 3D
  • Using the Eraser tool
  • Draw curved and freehand shapes
  • Create circles and polygons
  • Soften and smooth edges
  • Create outlines with Offset
  • Using the Follow Me tool
  • Create 3D text
3. Manipulate Objects
  • Select and move objects
  • Scale and rotate objects
  • Manipulate faces and edges
4. Stay Organized
  • Group objects
  • Create components
  • Component options
  • Work with tags
  • Understanding Entity Info
5. Measure and Label
  • Using the Tape Measure tool
  • Using the Protractor tool
  • Create labels with the Text tool
  • Dimensioning
  • Create cutaways using section planes
6. Materials and Textures
  • Apply materials
  • Create materials from textures
  • Adjusting texture placement
  • Map curved objects
  • Import images
7. Import and Export
  • Download SketchUp files
  • Export to 2D formats
  • Export to 3D printers
Conclusion
  • Next steps

Taught by

George Maestri

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