Sketchup Introduction

Google Sketchup was created to be a 3D modeling program that is powerful, but easy to use. It was first brought by @last Software, a tech company co-founded in 1999 by Brad Schell. With an original release date in August 2000, Schell and his team developed Sketchup as a 3D modeling tool for Architects, designers, and filmmakers.At the A/E/C SYSTEMS Fall 2000 exhibit hall hosted by Digital Media Net, Sketchup won the Community Choice Award.

The History of Sketchup :

The Acquisition

As a result of the collaboration for the Google Earth plug-in, Google was so impressed with the work of @last software and purchased the company in March, 2006.

 

Google Sketchup 6

On January 9, 2007, SketchUp 6 was released, featuring new tools as well as the beta version of Google SketchUp Layout. The Layout includes 2D vector tools, and tools page layout intended to make it easier for professionals to make presentations without collaboration with third-party presentation program.

 

Google Sketchup 7

Google Sketchup 7 was announced on November 17th, 2008, and brought with it the introduction of dynamic components. Dynamic components was a big leap for Sketchup, allowing models to have properties assigned to them. These properties can change many aspects of a model on the fly, making your model interactive.

  





Google Sketchup 8

 Sketchup 8 is the most current version of Sketchup. Released September 1st, 2010, it includes many refinements and some new features. The Pro version includes the “Solid Tools”.

 

 

 

 

 

 Function & Usability 

SketchUp is one of many software to make either 2D or 3D imaging. It's very simple, and easy to use.  SketchUp is used by architect, film maker, game maker, graphic designer, and even illustrator to make 3D image.

 

Advantages & Disadvantages

Google Sketchup has advantages like :

1. Simple interface
2. Proven easy to be used by a rookie
3. Tools which are very easy to remember
4. Many Open Source Plugin
5. Light weight program for a 3D program
6. There is an import feature from pdf, jpg, 3ds, dwg,, etc
7. 3D warehouse for easy components
8. It's Free but can make satisfying results
9. Compatible for low end computers

While the disadvantages are :

1. Its proven hard to be use for a more complex modeling even when plugin is used.
2. It will crash when rendering a lot of patch and vertex surfaces for example “importing a human model from 3ds max to sketchup”
3. Less Modern tools than other 3D programs

Other 3D Programs

Other than Google Sketchup, there are other 3D programs like :
   SolidWorks


             Blender 3D

  Auto CAD




And many other similar 3D programs

Interface & Tools

Google Sketchup Interfaces



 Tools & It's Function

 

 1.Make Component: Unlike the Group, Make Component is used
  to combine objects
2.Paint Bucket: Used for coloring or insert material on the object.
3.Eraser: To delete an image or material.
4.Rectangle: To draw a box-shaped object
5.Line: To draw a straight line.
6.Circle: To draw a rounded object.
7.Arc: To draw semicircle.
8.Polygon: To draw a polygon object
9.Freehand: to draw freely.
10.Move: To move the object.
11.Push / Pull: To push or change the object into a 3-dimensional.
12.Rotate: To rotate the object.
13.Follow Me: To encourage the customized object.
14.Scale: To change the small size of the object on the scale.
15.Offset: Duplicate object lines are adjusted.
16.Tape Measure Tool: Used to measure.
17.Dimension: Used to give dimension to the object.
18.Protractor: To Measure oblique angles and create Construction Line entities.
19.Text Tool: To insert text.
20.Axes: Move or reorient drawing axes.
21.3D Text: Make a 3-dimensional text.
22.Orbit: To rotate the object view.
23.Pan: Move the object view vertically and horizontally
24.Zoom: To zoom in or out on the object view.
25.Zoom Extents: To magnify objects one screen.
26.Previous: Undo preview
27.Next: Redo preview
28.Position the camera: Position the camera (your view)
29.Look Around: Pivot camera (your view) from a stationary point.
30.Walk: Walk through (touring) models.
31.Section Plane: Create cutting section allows you to see the effect of the geometry in the model.

   

Design Examples

Here are some of the finished designs from google sketchup 

 

 

Video Tutorials

Here are some video tutorials to make some designs on Sketchup 

Exercises

Crossword Puzzle 

Multiple Choices
https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=mtczndewoqbzgq 

True / False
https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=mtcznde0nqnkhh

Matching
https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=mtcznde1nav4e3

Short Answer
https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=mtcznde4mwmvt3

Essay
https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=mtcznde5mqz3u1

Last Assignment
Make a Ring in Google Sketchup as Shown in picture below. The way of making it is similar in making a sphere