sketchup

//Sketchup// N.Escobar M.Dugan media type="youtube" key="gsfH_cyXa1o" width="477" height="387" align="center"

SketchUp was developed by startup company //@Last Software//, which was co-founded in 1999 by Brad Schell, and Joe Esch [[|1]].  Sketchup ties into Google Earth, to help place buildings and other structures in certain spots on the map. This tool is good for architects and engineers.

Sketchup is in no way limited to architects or designers. Anyone can download this program for free from Google. This program is used for construction possibilities, interior design, as well as films and movies! 

Ten Beginner Tips for Google's Sketchup


 * 1) **Learn the keyboard shortcuts. F**ind a list [|here].
 * 2) **Watch tutorials.** You can learn a lot of the basics of SketchUp by watching some of the great tutorial videos out there, like the one posted above.
 * 3) **Customize.** Most important toolbars to customize areLayers, Standard and Tool Set.
 * 4) **Use the docking feature.** Drag and drop to move unused tools into the upper right hand corner.
 * 5) **Download pre-made objects.** You can find user generated [|material] to use in your models.
 * 6) **Edit pre-made objects.** Hit edit/component/explode and you’ll be able to play around with all the individual parts.
 * 7) **Use layers.** Layers in SketchUp can make tasks a lot easier and can make your models much clearer to work with.
 * 8) **Learn how to move objects.** The arrow keys reflect the direction, and shift can lock in movement along a particular plane.
 * 9) **Be creative.** Try out new things like scaling your drawings from a photo, designing crafts, and other fun projects.
 * 10) **Have fun.** Try new things out and you may even learn a thing or two.



IMPORTANT HYPERLINKS:

[|Examples of "Who uses Sketchup"]

[|Video - Customized Town created by Sketchup]

[|Industries]