SketchUp Level 1 - Essentials Course Outline

Overview
Dive into the world of 3D modeling with this hands-on, beginner-friendly SketchUp course. Over three days you’ll explore the essential tools and techniques for creating, editing, and presenting 3D models. Learn the fundamentals of SketchUp’s intuitive interface, master basic navigation, and create accurate, professional-quality designs.

Topics include:
Introduction to SketchUp, interface overview, basic shapes, and modeling techniques.
Advanced modeling, grouping, components, and importing/exporting files.
Applying materials, creating scenes, generating layouts, and presenting your projects.
Introduction to Layout
Introduction to Plugins
Material and 3D model libraries

By the end of this course, you’ll have the confidence to bring your ideas to life in 3D and a solid foundation for future exploration in SketchUp. Perfect for designers, hobbyists, and professionals looking to expand their skill set.No prior 3D modeling experience is required. Students are encouraged to bring their own projects to work on during practice sessions.

Prerequisite
No prior experience needed.

Course Outline

Introduction to SketchUp
Overview of SketchUp and its applications
Navigating the interface: toolbars, trays, and workspace setup
Using navigation tools: orbit, pan, and zoom
Setting up templates and units (imperial vs. metric)

Basic Drawing and Modeling
Drawing tools: Line, rectangle, circle, and polygon
Push/Pull tool for creating 3D objects
Using the offset and follow-me tools for additional shapes

Groups, Components, and Organization
Differences between groups and components
Creating, editing, and managing components
Model organization: Tags, scenes, and the Outliner

Intermediate Modeling and Precision Tools
Modifying Geometry
Scaling, rotating, and moving objects
Using the inference system for precise modeling
Intersecting and combining geometry

Model Organization and Materials
Working with guides and dimensions
Applying materials and textures
Adjusting material properties (color, scale)

Working with Extensions
Introduction to the Extension Warehouse
Installing and using essential beginner plugins (e.g., Solid Inspector, Cleanup3)
Practical applications of extensions in modeling

Practical Applications and Documentation
Modeling Real-World Objects
Step-by-step modeling of a simple object or room
Best practices for scaling to real-world dimensions

Introduction to Layout and Presentation
Basics of SketchUp Layout: setting up views and scales
Adding dimensions, annotations, and labels
Exporting PDF and image files for presentations

Guided practice: Creating a complete model from start to finish
Individual troubleshooting and tips for improvement

Wrap-Up and Q&A
Recap and resources, plugins and continued learning
Case studies
State of the industry

View outline in Word

XSKUP1

Attend hands-on, instructor-led SketchUp Level 1 - Essentials training classes at ONLC's more than 300 locations. Not near one of our locations? Attend these same live classes from your home/office PC via our Remote Classroom Instruction (RCI) technology.

For additional training options, check out our list of SketchUp Courses and select the one that's right for you.