How to use Sketchup | Sketchup 2020 | Sketchup Tutorial
GETTING
STARTED
Begin by opening
Sketchup. On a PC, Click Start > Programs > Sketchup 2018 > Sketchup,
or click on the Sketchup shortcut on the desktop.
SETTING
UP THE TEMPLATE
After
opening the program, you will be prompted with a window used to select a
template.
(See Figure 1
) Typically you use architecture design - foot and inch. You certainly can
Choose
another template based on your project.
Figure 1. Opening
Sketchup.
![]() |
Figure 1. Opening
Sketchup.
|
![]() |
Figure 2. Choosing a
Template.
|
UNDERSTANDING
THE LAYOUT
Once you
have selected the template, you will be taken to a blank project in Sketchup.
(As seen in
Figure 3.)
From here
you can select any tool you want to, to begin creating your first 3D object.
![]() |
Figure 3. Layout.
|
TOOLBAR
The toolbar is at the top left of your window. This is where
you will be able to choose different paths, what item you want to make. To
select a device, click on the one you want.
(As seen in
Figure 4.)
![]() |
Figure 5 Mouse |
TOOLBOX DESCRIPTION
·
Selection Tool:
A commonly used device used for the selection of faces, lines, or
objects. To select a face, click once on the face. To select a line, click once
on the line. Double click on the object to select it.




·
Zoom extents tool: Brings zoom back to center of
the workspace.

Build a basic shape
Once in the 3D workspace, you need to select the rectangle
tool to draw the shape. You can click
and move your mouse until the preview is the correct size and shape. Then you
can click to close the preview in place. Next, you need to select the push /
pull tool to extend the plane in a 3D object. To use the push / pull tool,
click and drag on the rectangle face.
(As seen in Figure 6 & 7.)


NOTE: The rectangle tool can be accessed with the R key, and
the Push / Pull tool can be accessed with the P key.
Creation of basic 3D Text
To add 3D text to your workspace, you'll need to use the 3D
Text Tool. These are available under the tools, 3D text. A window will appear
similar to Figure 9. From this window, you can type what you wish as 3D text to
say. You also have some basic text editing options as separate fonts as well to
align. The important thing to pay attention to can be the completed and
expanded checkboxes. You will want to make sure the fill is checked, if it is
filled with unsigned text just in blank blank lines of 3D object. You will want
to make sure that Extruded is tested. Issued checkbox determines the weather or
not your text will be a flat plane or 3D object. The ratings you put into it
the box next to Extruded will determine how far your text will go to the z
axis. Clicking the location will create your 3D script in the workspace.
(As seen in Figure 8.)
![]() |
Figure 8 Tools - 3d TEXT
|
![]() |
Figure 9 typing Your
text
|
![]() |
Figure 10 Final
|
GROUPING AND COMPONENTS
Combining objects in Sketchup is an extremely important part
of 3D Modeling. This is because in Sketchup, if you have two objects or faces
touching each other that will be able to fit together. To fix this, you he can
distinguish an item, or multiple items to prevent a group from interacting with
a touch item. You can also use groups and elements to select multiple objects
at once. There are exceptions ways to form “groups”. There are similar groups
and elements. To create a group, select the items or faces you want to separate
and right-click. Then select Done Group.
To create a section, select the items or faces you want to
separate and right-click. Then select Done The compound. A window similar to
figure 11 will appear. You can fill in the name and description if you want so
that it is not necessary. When you hit Create on the bottom will form part.
![]() |
Figure 11 Make Component
|
STL FILE EXTENSION
Saving as a .stl file is useful because it allows you to
print in 3D, or upload a file to another 3D
measurement software for additional planning. To save as a
stl file, we'll need to install the extension from a warehouse. To do this,
follow the steps below:
1. Click on the Warehouse Extension Tool. A window similar
to Figure 12 will appear.
2. From this window use the search bar and look for Sketchup
STL, or click Sketchup STL from a high-speed Windows extension.
3. A window will appear that describes the Sketchup STL, by
right-clicking on it. (Figure 12)
![]() |
Figure 12
Extension Warehouse
|
Saving you
Remember to save your work often. Regular maintenance
reduces the risk of losing your job. To save
Your SketchUp file, do the following:
1. Click File> Save.
2. Navigate to the location you want to store your document
using the dropdown
Menu and navigation window.
3. Enter the name of your document in the Save document.
4. Select a format to save your project from the Format
menu.
5. Click the Save button in the right corner of the dialog
box.
6. Check to make sure that your document is stored at the
intended location.
![]() |
Figure 13 file save
|
No comments
if you have any doubts, please let me know