Name:

Google SketchUp 7

Produced:

Google, USA

Operating system:

Windows, Mac, Linux

Native filetype:

SKP

Description:

Free-form modelling software

Next version release:

Homepage:

SketchUp

See also:

Free-form modelling

Google

Link:

LEARN, The Catalogue

Official Support 

\[http://sketchup.google.com/support/\]

Introduction:

SketchUp is a very popular free-form 3D modelling software.  It is very easy to use (perhaps the easiest on the market) and a good way to get started with digital modelling.  It is fast to use, relatively accurate and, most importantly perhaps, free to download from here

\[http://sketchup.google.com/download/\].

\[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_Information_Modeling\].

Primary functions:

SketchUp was developed in order to let designers ¿sketch¿ in 3D.  This notion of easy, light-hearted free-form modelling still remains central to the SketchUp experience.  Standard functions therefore for which SketchUp is used include:
1.     Massing (3D detailing, meshes)
2.     Rapid modelling.  Rapid modelling is often undertaken in SketchUp using a placed DWG to generate the model¿s foundation.
3.     As mediating software between your CAD package of choice and a final rendering package.  For example, using ArchiCAD to get up the plans or do the basic modelling for a project, putting the file through SketchUp for some added geometries and then exporting the final model into Max for rendering.
4.     Componenting. SketchUp¿s component tool is excellent for digital fabrication.
5.     Rendering.  There are many rendering plug-ins for SketchUp available online.  See for example SU Podium

\[http://www.suplugins.com/\].

\[http://sketchup.google.com/download/plugins.html\]

Primary outputs:

Primary outputs from SketchUp are:
1.     Print SketchUp has decent line-drawing export functions which can be improved by fine tuning the drawing in Illustrator. 
2.     Laser-cutting
3.     Video.  SketchUp is often used to make small video clips.
4.     3D printing
 

Usability:

As noted already, SketchUp is perhaps the easiest 3D modeller available to us.  It is recognised and awarded (in 2000) for having a very short learning period when compared with similar programs.  Expect to be able to execute standard functions and get around the interface easily within 20 minutes.
 
In part, SketchUp¿s ease of use is due to a very intuitive interface. The software is logical and highly usable.  It operates using graphic menus.  The interface feels simple and quick - in a good way.

The Pro version of SketchUp is very interoperable and uses all the major filetypes.  Also, note that SketchUp files, SKP, open directly in MicroStation without any intermediary steps.  This can be handing when you want to begin drafting you model, or fine tuning in some way.
  

Strengths/weaknesses:

Over and above those strengths and weaknesses listed already, SketchUp at present is:
+ + Excellently integrated with other Google apps such as GoogleEarth and Google 3D Warehouse

\[http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/ \] (for 3D model sharing).

Learning support:

Google provides official learning support

\[http://sketchup.google.com/training/videos.html\].

\[http://www.sketchucation.com/\]

\[http://www.architectionary.com/SketchupTutorials\]

Additional:

Google also offer a minor suite of additional software to accompany SketchUp:
1.     LayOut is still a little clunky, but it¿s a good plug-in in general.  The next version is expected to be better.
2.     Style Builder
3.     3D Warehouse
4.     Google Earth

Image gallery:

References:

External links:

Published:

First published Mon. 1 Feb. 2010