Sketchup tutorial: Difference between revisions
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== Setting up the environment == | == Setting up the environment == | ||
== | == Extensions, nodels and related software == | ||
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. After restarting plugins you then will have additional tools. Usually there should be a new tool palette. | |||
Another time saving strategy is to import existing models. A lot can be found in the [http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse Google 3D Warehouse]. | |||
=== Indexes === | '''Use SketchUp Components from the Warehous''' | ||
* Within Google Sketchup you have direct access to components that are part of the warehouse: Select Window -> Components. | |||
* Click the Select tab to make sure you're viewing the Select panel. | |||
* Click the "Navigation" button (it looks like an upside-down triangle). | |||
* Select a Bonus Pack, such as "Architecture, or "Landscape." A list of related component collections is displayed. | |||
In prior version of Google Sketchup, these models were available as zip file for download | |||
Otherwise, you can import just any model: | |||
* File -> 3D Warehouse -> Get models | |||
=== Google warehouse === | |||
=== Indexes for extensions === | |||
In order to find good plugins, there are several web sites, e.g.: | In order to find good plugins, there are several web sites, e.g.: | ||
| Line 35: | Line 51: | ||
=== Commercial plugins === | === Commercial plugins === | ||
'''CADSpan''' | |||
* [http://www.cadspan.com/tools CADspan] Includes a resurferface (to create a watertight model), export to STL. A '''free''' version is available for pesonal use and small applications. | |||
''' Slice modeler''' | ''' Slice modeler''' | ||
* [http://www.public-art-international.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/53/products_id/200 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) | * [http://www.public-art-international.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/53/products_id/200 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 [http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/buildingmaker Google building maker] and then read [http://sketchup.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=154082 Building Maker Getting Started Guide]. | * 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 [http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/buildingmaker Google building maker] and then read [http://sketchup.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=154082 Building Maker Getting Started Guide]. | ||
Revision as of 14:29, 3 April 2011
Introduction
Setting up the environment
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. After restarting plugins you then will have additional tools. Usually there should be a new tool palette.
Another time saving strategy is to import existing models. A lot can be found in the Google 3D Warehouse.
Use SketchUp Components from the Warehous
- Within Google Sketchup you have direct access to components that are part of the warehouse: Select Window -> Components.
- Click the Select tab to make sure you're viewing the Select panel.
- Click the "Navigation" button (it looks like an upside-down triangle).
- Select a Bonus Pack, such as "Architecture, or "Landscape." A list of related component collections is displayed.
In prior version of Google Sketchup, these models were available as zip file for download
Otherwise, you can import just any model:
- File -> 3D Warehouse -> Get models
Google warehouse
Indexes for extensions
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
CADSpan
- CADspan Includes a resurferface (to create a watertight model), export to STL. A free version is available for pesonal use and small applications.
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