Why sketchup

Our outstanding community of passionate experts have answers to your questions. Help Center. On the Files panel, which is selected by default in the left-hand sidebar, select one of the templates shown such as Architectural Inches or Woodworking Inches. You see additional options, as shown in the following figure. The bold text describes the type of work for which the preset was created.

The units appear below the style name. After you select a template, the modeling window appears with your selected template applied. After you become comfortable creating 3D models in SketchUp, you can create a custom template that reflects your preferences. Tip: Did the Measurements box disappear? The most likely reason is that your SketchUp window size is larger than your available screen viewing area.

To recover your view of the Measurements box, click the Maximize button in the title bar. Note: On the left side of the status bar, you find buttons to geolocate and claim credit. These options help you work with advanced SketchUp features that are beyond the scope of this article.

Note: Looking for the LayOut quick reference cards? Click here. Tip: No matter what tool is selected, holding down the scroll wheel activates the Orbit tool until you release the scroll wheel. Tip: After you save a model, you can reopen it later and continue working on it. Or if your model is complete, you can show it off by exporting it as a graphic or creating a virtual walk-through. Get Started for Free. How can that happen? Here are some typical examples of Sketchup design models from around the web.

Advantage 2. Advantage 3. SketchUp allows you to render surfaces in an array of "styles". Pick from a variety of architecture that best suits your design and pleases your client.

Advantage 4. SketchUp makes it easy to integrate with software that furnishes additional capabilities. For example not an exhaustive list :. I think SU is a great tool and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to do 3D modeling. Components vs. Symmetry in a model and the use of mirroring, via the Flip Along command, has as much to do with the specific model as with SketchUp. You can use SketchUp for years and never go near the 3DW, but it is a handy resource. Well they really are TWO different things.

Yes both can do 3D modeling. SU could not do plans until the release of Layout. SU can not do real curves either. All curves in SU are just segmented lines with more line segments do simulate smoothness. Also all 3D objects in SU are surfaces with abilities to act like solids within the included tool sets. The trick for newbies is remembering to use groups and components. I myself use both. Some times I use them together and sometimes, depending on the task I use one and not the other.

Sketchup can model 3d environments very quickly and with a very small set of tools. And it has a very intuitive navigation system which makes modelling quite enjoyable and interactive. Results just seem to come about faster and are more flexible.

I used Autocad for years and thinking about the command-line system makes me cringe.