Mark Harrison - SketchUp For Dummies

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Here’s a shot in the dark: You’ve heard about SketchUp before and maybe even already tried it once or twice. In your first model, you got tripped up trying to move some object around, and ultimately, you just didn’t have time to figure things out. Sound familiar?

SketchUp is one of the most popular 3D modeling applications in the world, but most people who try it don’t quite figure things out. For a while, the tagline on SketchUp’s website was “The easiest way to draw in 3D.” We think this is accurate, but it’s also true that at a baseline, drawing in 3D may not be so easy!

The good news is that what you’ve heard is true: SketchUp is a fantastic way to get acquainted with 3D modeling. But it takes some oomph on your part to pick up something new.

The oomph is worth it. When SketchUp clicks, you can feel like you’ve uncovered a new superpower. Visualizing ideas is a gateway to playing with different concepts, refining those concepts into useful plans, and then building models as projects. With 3D models and 2D drawings, you up-level your power to make ideas real.

This is a book for people who are new to 3D modeling in SketchUp. We start by getting you set up and ready to go. We zero in on things that may trip you up, and we help you build a foundation for getting what you want out of SketchUp. Along the way, you may pick up a few technical things about polygon counts and Z-fighting, but we keep the jargon optional and focus on helping you think spatially and draw in 3D.

We don’t presume that you know anything about 3D modeling, much less 3D modeling with SketchUp. That said, we do make a few bold assumptions:

You’re familiar with your operating system and web browser.For example, we assume you know how to do basic things like locating files and opening web pages. If you’re trying to model with SketchUp and figure out how to use a computer at the same time, Wiley has some excellent books that can help you out. Visit https://www.dummies.com to browse for options.

You have a mouse with a scroll wheel.SketchUp all but requires you to have a scroll wheel mouse — especially when you’re just starting. We’re going to teach you how to wield this mouse as a SketchUp light saber, so you should be pretty excited. First tip: The cheaper the mouse, the better it works in SketchUp.

You are interested in architecture, home improvement, or remodeling.Sure, we could teach you SketchUp in the context of designing levels for virtual-reality video games, but we think most of you reading this book will get the most out of it if the context centers on building or house projects that need design, planning, and coordination. We hit some more out-there 3D modeling zones along the way; the book has excellent chapters on advanced 3D drawing and modeling for 3D printing. But we often show you basic concepts as though we were all working on a residential architecture or interior design project.