SketchUp - Tutorial for Beginners in 13 MINUTES! [ FULL GUIDE ]

Tutorial: Getting Started with Trimble SketchUp

Step 1: Accessing SketchUp Free

1. Log in with a Trimble Account to access SketchUp Free.
2. Once logged in, the main Home page will open with various options.
3. You can choose to start a new project by selecting "Create new" or "Start modeling" on the main workspace.

Step 2: Drawing Basics

1. Enable any drawing tool from the toolbar on the left side.
2. Use the Line tool to draw consecutive line segments, adjusting the length with your cursor or by typing a specific value.
3. Finish drawing by pressing the Escape key or closing the shape to connect the last point to the starting point.

Step 3: Drawing Tools and Options

1. Utilize the Freehand tool for freehand drawing and the Arc tools for drawing arcs.
2. Drop regular shapes like Rectangle, Circle, and Polygon tools by selecting two points on the preview.
3. Adjust the default measurement units in the Model Info panel on the right.

Step 4: Adding Text and Visual Aids

1. Use the 3D Text tool to add 2D or 3D text with customizable font, style, and size.
2. Explore visual aids like colored segments and shapes, snappings, and guidelines to enhance your drawing experience.
3. Manage display options in the Display panel to customize your workspace.

Step 5: Advanced Drawing Techniques

1. Add extrusion to 2D objects with fill using the Push/Pull tool.
2. Create 3D objects with the Follow Me tool by selecting a 2D section and a 2D path.
3. Explore drawing complex 3D objects face by face using various tools.

Step 6: Working with 3D Models

1. Browse and import pre-made 3D models from the 3D Warehouse panel.
2. Use the Pan and Orbit tools to navigate and view your 3D models.
3. Manage components and text in the Components panel for easy editing.

Step 7: Editing and Selection

1. Select and edit objects using the Move, Rotate, and Scale tools.
2. Group objects together for easier selection and editing.
3. Use the Offset tool to add a 2D contour at a fixed distance from the original object perimeter.

Step 8: Applying Materials and Saving Projects

1. Apply materials to objects for realistic textures using the Entity Info panel.
2. Save your project as an .skp file by clicking on the Save button in the top left corner.
3. Access up to 10GB of cloud storage with the free plan to save and reopen your projects.

Step 9: Creating Visual Presentations

1. Customize the visual style of your models using the Styles panel.
2. Create animations with your model in the Scenes panel by setting different viewpoints and transitions.
3. Save and present your models for great visual presentations.

By following these steps, you can start creating quick and accurate CAD drawings using Trimble SketchUp Free. Explore the features and tools to unleash your creativity in CAD design.