SketchUp Case Study - Creating a 3D Model

SketchUp is a 3D modeling computer software used for various applications such as architectural, interior design, engineering, film, and video game design. This comprehensive explanation is on working with various tools, layers, 3D designs and object modeling.

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SketchUp 2016 is a fairly popular 3D modeling program, although not the first priority for most modelers. Still, it has its benefits and advantages that make it one of the best programs for certain applications. Here, we look at what this program is all about and teach you everything you need to know about it.

An introduction to SketchUp pro 2016

SketchUp 2016 is essentially one of the many products that Google provides. It is a powerful 3D modeling software designed for drafters and architects. Like most Google products, SketchUp is an acquired one. Google purchased the original developer way back in 1999, and soon afterward released a free version as well as a Pro version, which is what this course focuses on.

But why did Google invest in SketchUp, to begin with? Well, it was basically to develop a 3D world for its 2D Google Maps. A free and easy-to-use modeling program allowed it to access a huge community of amateur designers willing to contribute to the development of its maps.

The Free and Pro versions

The free version is a good starting point for newbies looking to dabble with 3D modeling as a hobby. It lets you create a 3D drawing similar to real life objects very easily. You can use aerial photos from Google Earth, use a CAD file or a photo of an object to create 3D drawings. The details can be as intricate as you want it to be. You can share the models that you make through the 3D Warehouse of Google, or export your work in the form of movies or other formats.

The Pro version comes with additional tools for more professional modeling. With these tools, you can create photorealistic models and include significant metadata for use in professional grade modeling programs. You can also animate objects and add your models to other animation programs.

The Technical Requirements

For the free and paid versions, the recommended computer specifications are 2 GB of RAM, 500 MB of drive space and a processor with a cycle speed of over 2 GHz. You also need a 3D-class graphics card with at least 512 MB of memory. The minimal specifications are much lower but you can face significant lag if you work with just the bare minimum. With these recommended specifications, you should be able to work on SketchUp pro 2016 without facing lags or frustrations.

What is new with SketchUp pro 2016

The course focuses on SketchUp pro 2016, the latest version of the program that comes with some useful new features that you should be familiar with.

To begin with, the program’s Rotate, Offset, Protractor and Move tools have been improved slightly for better usability. The Rotate tool, in particular, has been combined in the Move tool, which makes it easier to locate and select an axis. For beginners such as you, this can save a lot of time and frustration. For experienced users, this translates to a faster workflow.

The Icons have increased in resolution and have been rendered using vector graphics, so they size better, look better and read better on screens with a high dots-per-inch (DPI) count. Also, the Windows versions get new Customizable Utility Trays. This is a new tool that aims to give users greater flexibility, although experienced users may take a while to get used to it. It enables you to customize your workflow entirely, by organizing and group the utility dialogs to stack them inside collapsible trays or make them stand alone.

Another minor but important change in SketchUp pro 2016 is the ability to inference the arc center point and circle. One of the biggest challenges in this program has been locating the center point, but this update seems to address this once and for all, just so long as you inference the edge before you start searching for the center point.

The SketchUp pro 2016 version also comes with a wider range of textures and categories, including a new grass texture. Improvements have been made in the perpendicular and parallel inference displays, making it much easier to extend the off-axis plane edges. Moreover, the new version recognizes intersection points that have hidden section planes, allowing you to snap to SketchUp model elements in LayOut as well.

LayOut

One of the biggest changes in the program is the improvements in the Layer tool. Most importantly, the program now maintains all the original layers when you copy and paste something. The PDF export feature has been improved, which is another big improvement. You can finally make smaller PDF exports without sacrificing the output resolution too much. For instance, a 40 MB PDF using LayOut 2015 has been reduced to 3 MB in the 2016 version, without a reduction in quality.

The new version makes it easier to assign entities to certain layers, with just a single right click. Before this, you could only assign entities to the layer that you had currently selected it. You can also group objects on various layers and maintain the same layer management.

The Layout references have been optimized for the cloud, so your projects on LayOut can update and reference files stored and synced on cloud storage services like Google Drive, Trimble Connect Sync, and Dropbox, for better collaboration. You can also differentiate between non-shared and shared layers. Shared layers are those that you assign to automatically generate on each page. These layers are now highlighted red when you select or draw elements on a layer, to help users understand when they manipulate or create entities in a shared layer. Another nice little improvement is the added small dimension leaders, ensuring that text does not interfere with the extension lines or arrows.

Finally, Layout also now runs faster with SketchUp Pro 2016. While not as quick as it should be, especially for pages with lots of information, the increase in performance is noticeable and a welcome addition and improvement to the program. The dimension lines and numbers are also well-arranged inside the SketchUp model, displaying neatly on hybrid or vector.

3D Warehouse

Lots of changes have also been made to Google’s 3D Warehouse. You can swap or reload a component with an alternative from the warehouse. If you swap or reload, or select an updated version of the same component, all instances of the component in question are updated in all the files open. This is a huge plus point for most people who work extensively on the software.

Trimble

Another huge improvement in the 2016 version is the full integration of Trimble Connect into the program. This enables users to remove, update and upload their SketchUp 2016 files using folders from Trimble Connect Project. You can even now update and pull in reference SketchUp models while you are modeling like they were locally hosted. This makes SketchUp more connected than before. It makes the program a much better collaboration tool, allowing you to communicate and interact with collaborators anywhere across the world.

The 2016 version, thus, focuses primarily on improving collaboration for SketchUp users. It also improves existing tools and makes the program faster and more powerful, especially the all-important LayOut tool that makes up a big part of this course. All these improvements make the workflow much more efficient and make SketchUp that much more important to learn.

LayOut, in particular, has the biggest improvements, with a lot of its previous frustrations and limitations being addressed in the SketchUp 2016 version. This makes SketchUp all the more powerful a tool for professionals to invest their time on. With that said, let’s take a closer look at the course itself.

Sketchup pro 2016 Course Curriculum

Section 1: Introduction

Here, we get introduced to the program and all there is to it. We also dive in directly into the most important component in SketchUp, which is the LayOut module. The two are designed to work together. You can insert models into LayOut documents and design the document to showcase the best features of your 3D model.

1 Introduction to Sketchup PRO 2016

2 Layout Module

3 Layout Module Continue

Section 2: Layout Module

Here, we jump into the LayOut module in detail, exploring the powerful addition to the program that makes it such a dynamic presentation tool. The layout can work like a simple graphic design module or can function as a complex showcase of your SketchUp models. You can use it to look into multiple models, focus on the key details, add dimensions, graphics, and notes, and so much more.

4 Floor Plan

5 Preferences

6 Start Basic Shapes

7 Arc_Bulge-Dimensions

Section 3: Object Modelling

3D modeling is the core function of SketchUp. If you plan to use this program, you will be spending a majority of your time building objects. This section teaches you the entire process of creating your 3D models, starting with the basics.

8 Object Modelling

9 Sphere and Tube

10 Components-Styles-Dynamic Object-Scene

Section 4: Tools Review

The previous sections have focused on creating and modifying models, but this section discusses navigation and moving around the models that you make. Knowing this can help maximize your efficiency when you work on view and navigation tools.

11 Tools Review

12 Rotating Faces

Section 5: 3D from 3D Warehouse

Google’s 3D Warehouse is essentially its version of YouTube specifically for 3D models. It is a freely available and accessible web service from which you can find, download or upload 3D models for SketchUp, Collada or Google Earth formats. It has millions of 3D models that cover almost everything you would need to see in 3D. This section focuses on how to use this incredible resource to the fullest.

13 3D from 3D Warehouse

14 Encore Creating Project

Section 6: Conclusion of Sketchup PRO 2016

This final section concludes the training course, but keep in mind that SketchUp is a vast and very powerful tool. It takes time and effort to explore and tap into the full potential of this program. Once you do, there are lots of things you can do with it.

15 Conclusion of Sketchup PRO 2016

16 Conclusion of Sketchup PRO 2016 Continue

Requirements/Prerequisites

Here are some of the things you need to know before you enroll in the SketchUp Pro 2016 training course:

1. You need to know how to use computers and work in them, and preferably the basics of 3D modeling
2. You need to have creative flair and the ability to visualize in three dimensions
3. You should be interested in learning how to create 3D models, buildings and more

Target Audience For Training

The SketchUp Pro 2016 course is designed for a clear target audience, specifically:

1. Students and working professionals who want to learn 3D modeling
2. Working professionals with existing 3D modeling knowledge, looking to expand their skillset and learn a new program
3. Anyone interested in learning the program and contributing to the 3D Warehouse platform

SketchUp Pro 2016 FAQs – General Questions

• Q: Is this course suitable for me?

Take a look at the prerequisites and the target audience for the SketchUp Pro 2016 training course. If you think you meet the criteria, then this will definitely be suited for you. The course provides a great platform from where you can get introduced to SketchUp. From here, you can get all the knowledge needed to explore the program further and use it to its fullest capabilities.

• Q: Is there a particular order to follow?

The sections in this SketchUp course cover major parts of the software program and are designed to be followed one after another. It is highly recommended that you go through the entire course in the recommended order, from the first to sixth section. This gives you a good foundation from which you can work on SketchUp Pro 2016 as soon as you finish the course.

• Q: Where would I apply this?

SketchUp Pro 2016 is primarily used for building construction and design in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry. That was its first focus. The program has also been used for other Maker communities like inventors, artists, woodworkers, and carpenters. Moreover, it has been extensively used in the entertainment industry, including game development.

SketchUp Pro 2016 – Course Testimonials

Robin T

As an architect, I’m always trying to expand my skills and learn whatever I can to create better designs. Going through this course opened up huge opportunities for me. It helped me learn what I feel is an essential software for the AEC field.

James J

I’ve been a woodworker for close to seven years now, and I’ve explored quite a lot of projects in these years. I started off as an amateur, and I feel like I’ve progressed a lot. But completing this course gave me a huge leap in skills and confidence. I can use this software to visualize whatever projects I am cooking up in my mind, and it has helped me double my output and efficiency.

John H

Let me be honest; SketchUp was the last program in my mind as a game designer. I never gave it much thought until a close friend of mine suggested this course to me. After finishing the course, I realized just how much potential this program has. I’ve now been using this program extensively for my own pet gaming project, and I’ve pitched this at my office as well!

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