SKETCHUP HINTS
* Must use laptop or desktop, iPads are NOT compatible with SketchUp...... YET!
(Trimble is developing an iPad version of Sketchup: My SketchUp:
hopefully as robust as the original- hopefully out in early 2017
Read more: https://my.sketchup.com/ )
* It is easier to draw using a MOUSE than a track pad
* Use METRIC measurement (for the practice and clearer display)
*To change from US Standard (Feet) to Metric (Meters),
choose HELP (toolbar), then WELCOME TO SKETCHUP
* COMMAND Z = undo
* Use the Large Tool Set (VIEW-->TOOLBARS-->LARGE TOOL SET),
or modify top bar (VIEW)
* Record student/computer number so they can access saved projects
* If students zooms out so far they cannot see their building,
try CAMERA (toolbar) --> ZOOM EXTENTS
* Create triangles (or any polygon) using POLYGON TOOL
(looks like a pentagon), immediately type the number of sides you desire
& hit enter, then draw
* Draw reference lines/shapes to help center components, then erase them later
* Moving the cursor across an edge, a blue dot will help locate the center
* Instead of just dragging a length and width (rectangle), click a start point,
move the mouse a little, then TYPE the desired dimensions,
hit RETURN (ENTER)
* ORBIT above (looking down) to draw on the ground, ORBIT horizontally
(see horizon) to draw upwards
* Use TAPE MEASURE to create helpful aligning tick-marks
* To fill-in columns evenly: Place first column using MOVE, then press
ALT (Control on PC comp) and PULL a copy of the column out to
other end (along colored line= straight)- SNAP to edge of step, then type
/ # columns to fill IN BETWEEN
ex. /16 (then hit return or enter)
>>Column must be highlighted
(double click), and you must be
using the MOVE tool
* Beware GET MODEL: pre-made components are helpful (gargoyles,
stained glass, pediment friezes), but students can get obsessed
* One may reverse-engineer approximate measurements from elevations with some indication of scale (like a human figure) using a ruler and fractions (ex. using a MaCaulay book)
* Do not fear mistakes, students regularly discover unpredictable wonders
(like a helix!)
* User-made Youtube SketchUp tutorials are often quite helpful
(search by building or shape)
* Must use laptop or desktop, iPads are NOT compatible with SketchUp...... YET!
(Trimble is developing an iPad version of Sketchup: My SketchUp:
hopefully as robust as the original- hopefully out in early 2017
Read more: https://my.sketchup.com/ )
* It is easier to draw using a MOUSE than a track pad
* Use METRIC measurement (for the practice and clearer display)
*To change from US Standard (Feet) to Metric (Meters),
choose HELP (toolbar), then WELCOME TO SKETCHUP
* COMMAND Z = undo
* Use the Large Tool Set (VIEW-->TOOLBARS-->LARGE TOOL SET),
or modify top bar (VIEW)
* Record student/computer number so they can access saved projects
* If students zooms out so far they cannot see their building,
try CAMERA (toolbar) --> ZOOM EXTENTS
* Create triangles (or any polygon) using POLYGON TOOL
(looks like a pentagon), immediately type the number of sides you desire
& hit enter, then draw
* Draw reference lines/shapes to help center components, then erase them later
* Moving the cursor across an edge, a blue dot will help locate the center
* Instead of just dragging a length and width (rectangle), click a start point,
move the mouse a little, then TYPE the desired dimensions,
hit RETURN (ENTER)
* ORBIT above (looking down) to draw on the ground, ORBIT horizontally
(see horizon) to draw upwards
* Use TAPE MEASURE to create helpful aligning tick-marks
* To fill-in columns evenly: Place first column using MOVE, then press
ALT (Control on PC comp) and PULL a copy of the column out to
other end (along colored line= straight)- SNAP to edge of step, then type
/ # columns to fill IN BETWEEN
ex. /16 (then hit return or enter)
>>Column must be highlighted
(double click), and you must be
using the MOVE tool
* Beware GET MODEL: pre-made components are helpful (gargoyles,
stained glass, pediment friezes), but students can get obsessed
* One may reverse-engineer approximate measurements from elevations with some indication of scale (like a human figure) using a ruler and fractions (ex. using a MaCaulay book)
* Do not fear mistakes, students regularly discover unpredictable wonders
(like a helix!)
* User-made Youtube SketchUp tutorials are often quite helpful
(search by building or shape)
by David McDavitt, M.Ed.