SketchUp

WHAT IS IT?

SketchUp is a 3D drawing tool that is relatively easy for students to learn. Because it uses very accurate measurements, it can draw plans to precise scale, and allow the user to envision what their project will look like fairly realistically BEFORE committing material and labour building it.

Getting Started with a NEW FILE

Create a TIJ1O - Sketchup folder on your Google Drive - this is where you will store your Sketchup Work
Log in to https://www.sketchup.com/products/sketchup-for-schools with your Google Account. BOOKMARK this site! (P.S. where it asks if your school is part of a G suite, you say YES)
Name your Project right away using a proper naming convention - ie SmithJ Sketchup Intro Project01
Select the TIJ1O folder. to store your file If you STILL haven't made one, store in the main "root" folder for now, and move it a proper location later

HOW TO GET STARTED:

Bookmark https://www.sketchup.com/products/sketchup-for-schools - it's convenient and stores your work on your Google Drive. Note that the interface may not match that of older tutorials

You can also consult the Sketchup Quick Reference Sheet for handy keyboard shortcuts

Alternative versions

MY.SKETCHUP.COM - An online version for non-educational users
SKETCHUP FREE Installable Desktop version. FREE from Trimble at http://www.sketchup.com/
SKETCHUP PRO
GOOGLE SKETCHUP 8 - Desktop version. The school computers have an installer with the older version of Google Sketchup 8 which these tutorials are based on. It's your best bet if using these tutorials.

1. Learn the WORKSPACE

On the main workscreen, you have :

1. The X,Y,Z Axes (RGB) and the "Origin"
2. The File Management menu
3. The Toolbar
4. The Status bar (with UNDO and REDO)
5. The Measurement Dialogue
6. The Options menu

2. Basic Navigation Tips

Spacebar activates SELECT
1. Drag LEFT, only enclosed elements are selected
2. Drag RIGHT, any connected elements are selected
O activates ORBIT (Pan and Tilt)
1. SHIFT to Strafe/Elevate
VIEWS
1. The Eight Points of View
2. Perspective vs Parallel Projections
3. Saving Views as Scenes
MOUSE BUTTONS:
1. Left uses current tool
2. Wheelmouse lets you ZOOM / Press to ORBIT
3. Right activates CONTEXTUAL MENU

The JMSS ISO Doghouse

3. Start 3D Modelling!

What's an ISOMETRIC Graphic?

An ISOMETRIC view represents a 3 dimensional object using just one image. It has the following qualities:

3 Sides: You can see three sides of the object, and can use the gridlines to deduce their relative sizes.
Parallel Projection: The gridlines are all parallel to each other, so there is no "perspective" or vanishing point

STEP 1: Figure out the dimensions

Assume each grid mark represents is one foot, figure out how big the object is on the left. How tall is it? How deep, and how wide? You may want to use pencil and paper to write these dimensions down.

We'll start modelling it in Sketchup from the bottom up.

STEP 2: Draw the "Footprint" in Sketchup

Delete the "Dr Temple Grandin" reference character if need be
Choose the RECTANGLE tool and click once to start at the ORIGIN
Drag to the right and forma rectangle, but DON'T click
Type the desired X,Z dimensions of the "footprint": 12, 8 - notice that these dimensions show up in the MEASUREMENT dialogue
Hit the ENTER key to complete the shape

STEP 3: Create some GUIDELINES

Choose the TAPE MEASURE tool
Drag a guideline from the left edge, and type 4' to place it at the four foot mark
Drag other guidelines to help you re-create the dimensions you'll need

STEP 4: Draw the LINES

Use the LINE tool to sketch the "cut-out" areas from the base of the object
Use the ERASER tool to cut them away

STEP 5: PUSH and PULL 3D shapes

Use the PUSH/PULL tool and pull the faces upwards, typing the precise measurement and hitting ENTER

Other Tips:

Always start your drawings from the ORIGIN

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