Sketchup tutorial
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Introduction
Setting up the environment
Links
The free sketchup version can be much enhanced with so-called plugins. To install a Plugin, copy its files directly to the sketchup plugins directory, e.g c:\programs\google\google sketchup 8\plugins. When you restart plugins you then will have additional tools. Usually there should be a new tool palette.
Indexes
In order to find good plugins, there are several web sites, e.g.:
- Register at Sketchup U cation and go to the list or search. We suggest to look at Must have Ruby plugins. I got:
- Join push / pull (to extrude several objects, found in "must have Ruby plugins")
- JS Align - align along 1 of the three axis (found through Search in the education forum)
- A surface tool plugin (allow to draw on curved surfaces, found in "must have Ruby plugins")
Free and free for education plugins
Artisan
- Artisan for Sketchup. $40
- This is a subdivision / sculpt tool for "organic" forms like characters
1001bit tools
- 1001bit tools, free for education.
- This plugin provides a large series tools for architects. Recommended.
Commercial plugins
Slice modeler
- SketchUp SliceModeler v1.4 $10 or more. Translates a 3D form into vertical x and y slices that you then can print flat for later assembly)
Google building maker
- If you plan to create very simple 3D buildings for inclusion in Google Earth, e.g. a cube with some pictures and its side walls, then have a look at Google building maker and then read Building Maker Getting Started Guide.
Acknowledgements
Various objects shown were found in the Google warehouse:
- Swimming pool by Conan
- Palm trees by best-lemming