Google SketchUp Overview

Google SketchUp is a 2D & 3D sketching tool. To quote the Google SketchUp website "Google SketchUp is software that you can use to create, modify and share 3D models. It's easier to learn than other 3D modeling programs, which is why so many people are already using it." But viewing SketchUp as a simple sketching or modeling tool would sell it very short, as I will explain on my Google SketchUp Overview page. However, in addition to my overview, you may also want to read the article that first made me aware of SketchUp. I discovered it while reading Fine Woodworking Magazine,  December 2007, No. 194, "A Quick Course In SketchUp", page 78. It is a good short course in designing with SketchUp. In addition, I have provided a Beginner's SketchUp Tutorial in eight parts which can be accessed below.

Beginner's SketchUp Tutorial

This eight part tutorial uses a Bedside Table I designed and crafted as a vehicle for learning SketchUp. A photograph of the completed table is shown at left. I supply all the dimensions and walk the novice through the entire modeling, dimensioning, texturing and rendering of a computer generated image shown right (click on image to enlarge). At the end of the tutorial you have a complete set of shop drawings which can be used to craft the table. No prior knowledge of Google SketchUp is required. Click on the smiley face for the part and type viewing you desire.

An Intermediate Google SketchUp Tutorial

As a follow-on to my eight part tutorial for beginner’s, titled Drawing A Bedside Table, I am posting an intermediate level tutorial which will focus on methods for drawing furniture pieces that contain curves. This tutorial begins with simple circular curves and builds in each installment to complex Bezier curved pieces. Each installment uses an actual furniture piece I’ve designed and built or designed with intention to build. I provide the SketchUp model for the entire piece on my Free Plans page so that anyone who wishes, can download the entire design. Click on the smiley face for the part and type viewing you desire.

LayOut 2 Tutoials

When you purchase a Google SketchUp Pro license you get features unlocked not in the free version. In addition you get two additional applications: Style Builder and LayOut 2. Style Builder is an application that allows you to create your own drawing styles. I haven't used it, and its not likely I will in the near future. Style Builder seems most suited to architects and marketing types.

LayOut 2 is another story. I have used it on a couple of projects to create shop drawings from my SketchUp models. LayOut 2 is a presentation package that can be used stand alone or tightly coupled with SketchUp. Using it stand alone you have many of the 2D drawing, lettering, labeling and dimensioning features of SketchUp. To create shop drawings I use it tightly coupled with SketchUp.

Below are some basic tutorials I have created to help the newly licenced user of SketchUp Pro to get started using LayOut 2.

Note, some of these tutoorials are not yet completed. If there is no hyperlinked smiley face in the Blog Page column that tutorial is not yet completed but will be soon.

My Favorite Ruby Scripts - Didier Bur's Projection Pack Series

Project Selected Point Perpendicular To Selected Line
Project Selected Point Perpendicular To Selected Plane
Project Selected Lines Perpendicular To Selected Plane
Project Selected Line Perpendicular To Plane
Project Selected Faces Perpendicular To Plane
Project Selected Faces On Plane Along Vector
Create Lines At Intersection Of Selected Faces
Push/Pull Selected Faces Along Vector
Push/Pull Selected Faces Along Their Normals
Push/Pull Faces Randomly Within An Interval (This may actually have a place in woodworking)
Extrude Selected Lines Along Vector

CutList 4.0.7 Ruby Script Connects SketchUp & CutList Plus

This page shows you how to download, install, and use a Ruby script that provides the capability to create a cut list, either in Microsoft Excel or the very popular CutList Plus. It also provides some tips on how to place commands on desired menus instead of the default Plugins menu.

IDX Renditioner for Google SketchUp

IDX Renditioner is a plug-in offered by IMSI/Design for Google SketchUp. IDX Renditioner provides photorealistic renderings of SketchUp models. This is an example rendering of my Cherry Chest Of Drawers model created by IMSI/Design Senior Director William Manning.

Printing To Scale In SketchUp

I am often asked how you print shop drawings to scale in SketchUp. I have usually answered this question with an email. However, to save work I recently posted a blog detailing how this is done. Click on the title above to access that blog.

A Tool & Methodology For Drawing Dovetails In SketchUp

A post that provides a simple Excel spreadsheet for calculating tail and pin details and provides a quick methodology for drawing dovetails with minimum repetition.

SketchUp 7 Is Out And Still Free

SketchUp 7 has been released. I have used it for a day and have some preliminary conclusions that I share in this blog.

My Favorite Ruby Scripts

This page lists my favorite Ruby Scripts with links to a download site. Visit this page to obtain these scripts.