SketchUp for beginners

What SketchUp is, how to navigate and draw accurately with inference, push/pull modelling, and keeping geometry clean with groups and components.

4 lessons · about 0.9 hours · free

SketchUp basics

1. 1. What is SketchUp?

   SketchUp is a fast, intuitive 3D modelling program popular for architectural concepts, interiors, landscaping and woodworking. Learn what it’s good at and which version to use.

   • • Describe what SketchUp is used for
   • • Understand the free and paid versions
   • • Compare SketchUp with BIM and CAD tools

   10 min

2. 2. Navigation and the inference engine

   SketchUp’s inference engine is its secret weapon: it snaps to axes, points and edges while you draw. Learn to navigate and use inference for accurate modelling.

   • • Orbit, pan and zoom fluently
   • • Read axis colours and inference cues
   • • Lock inferences with arrow keys and Shift

   14 min

3. 3. Drawing and push/pull

   Draw closed shapes to make faces, then push/pull faces into 3D. It’s how almost everything in SketchUp begins — from buildings to furniture.

   • • Create faces from closed edges
   • • Push/pull to exact distances
   • • Cut openings through walls

   16 min

4. 4. Groups and components

   Loose SketchUp geometry sticks to everything it touches. Groups and components are how you keep parts separate, reusable and easy to edit — the most important habit in SketchUp.

   • • Explain sticky geometry
   • • Create groups and components
   • • Edit components so all copies update

   16 min