suasive_sketchup

By now you should have a fairly clear understanding of the basics of SketchUp. Now its time to expand that knowledge a little with the focus on getting things done a little faster.

We're going to review the following 8 videos:

Part 1: Components
Part 2: Copy and Arrays
Part 3: Mirror
Part 4: Layers
Part 5: Inferencing
Part 6: Accuracy
Part 7: Autofold
Part 8: Intersect with Model
Part 9: Inference Locking

Each part will have a video to watch. Watch each one in its entirety and experiment with each concept in the 3D house model or other models you may have saved by now. From now on its up to you to experiment with each concept (no more guided tutorials).

You may find it useful to open both sketchup and this lesson and arrange them side by side (see below image) so you can easily move back and forth between the lesson and SketchUp as you go (maximizing/restoring down sketchup as you need). But we will leave that up to your own preference.





Part 1: Components

Shows the basics of components in Google SketchUp with tips and best practices.




Part 2: Copy and Arrays

You can create quick and easy copies as well as repeated copies, or arrays.

Video Outline:
- Making one copy
- Creating multiple copies or arrays
- Changing the number of copies
- External vs Internal arrays
- Creating circular arrays



Part 3: Mirror

Although there isn't an actual mirror tool in SketchUp, it is easy to mirror anything with the scale tool.

Video Outline:
- Mirror objects using the scale tool
- Use modifier keys
- Mirror symmetrical components or shapes for efficiency



Part 4: Layers

Using layers in SketchUp is different than many other applications. This video covers how you should use layers, the layer dialog box as well as some layer tips.



Part 5: Inferencing

The way SketchUp infers to other geometry is one of the key features that makes working in SketchUp so fast and easy. It is a key concept that every SketchUp user should understand, and takes some practice to become proficient in, but you'll be so much better for doing so.



Part 6: Accuracy

This video covers multiple tools in showing how you can be accurate and precise in SketchUp.



Part 7: Autofold

Autofold is part of the move tool, activated by pressing the Alt key or Apple key on a Mac. Autofold let's you move a point, edge or surface in any direction automatically creating fold edges as needed to do so.



Part 8: Intersect with Model

Video Outline:
- What is Intersect with Model?
- Basic intersections
- Intersecting options
- Intersecting tips



Part 9: Inference Locking

Inference locking is the ability to draw or move in only one locked direction in SketchUp. This video will teach you how to use this technique and show a few examples of inference locking in use.



You should now have an idea how quickly you can model and explore concepts in Sketchup using the variety of intuitive tools built into the program.

Got a question? Ask us. Have comments? Post them or tell us. As always, I’m here to help.

Best regards,
Christopher Glebe, www.suasivevisual.com

Videos and tutorials produced by Google for Sketchup. For more information go to Google Sketchup.