Welcome to ONLC Training Centers

SketchUp Training Classes & Courses

Learn SketchUp with live, instructor-led SketchUp courses from ONLC Training Centers! Sketchup is 3D modeling software that lets you render just about anything you can imagine.

SketchUp has drawing capabilities for multiple applications including architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film and video game design. This intuitive modeling program lets you create 3D models easily with its "Push and Pull" method. The program includes drawing layout functionality, surface rendering, and supports some third-party plugins. There's also an extensive database of user-created models available for download.

SketchUp also offers a range of creative tools to help users bring their visions to life. For example, SketchUp includes a range of texturing, lighting, and rendering tools to help create a realistic model. It also has an easy to use interface for creating scenes and animations to add to your model. Additionally, users can access the 3D Warehouse, where they can find a range of assets from SketchUp and other 3D content creators. This makes it easy to find assets for your project and quickly add them to your model.

Attend SketchUp training with ONLC to have the guidance of a professional online instructor who not only leads but supports students learning SketchUp throughout the class lessons. Hands-on exercises and labs ensure learning so you'll be ready to use SketchUp with ease.

Instructor-led SketchUp Courses (ILT)

Click for FAQs about our remote instructor-led training

ILT training courses are live and hands-on led and supported by an online professional instructor. You can ask questions and participate in class discussions simply by speaking up. This training is fully interactive . ILT classes can be attended from your own location using your own equipment OR from any of ONLC's hundreds of centers coast to coast for an interruption-free environment.  

Extra Value & Savings with Our Sketchup Training

Value-adds when you train with ONLC

You get more with ONLC! Train with confidence knowing ONLC has a money-back satisfaction guarantee plus the option see a class a 2nd time with our free refresher course . These ONLC value-adds are available when students attend our public, instructor-led training SketchUp classes. We also have volume discounts which provide savings for those needing multiple courses or to get multiple people trained. The more you purchase, the higher your learning discount. See Savings Options .

Sketchup Group Training: Online or Onsite

Group Training from ONLC
Get your team up to speed on Sketchup with group training from ONLC. There are several training options plus we can customize content to meet your specific needs, schedule and budget! Whether training is for a group of 10 or a division of 1,000, ONLC has the skills, experienced trainers and support staff to make your Sketchup training effective and successful. To discuss see Group Training and request a price quote.

 

SketchUp Classes & Training Schedule

SketchUp Level 1 - Essentials

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

Dates Times Location Price
1/8/25 - 1/10/25 Live Online from our site or yours. $1,195

2/3/25 - 2/5/25 Live Online from our site or yours. $1,195

3/5/25 - 3/7/25 Live Online from our site or yours. $1,195

3/31/25 - 4/2/25 Live Online from our site or yours. $1,195

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SketchUp Level 2 - Advanced Sketchup with Focus on Layout, Construction and Manufacturing

Overview
Unlock the potential of SketchUp for practical applications in this focused 2-day workshop. Tailored for professionals and makers, this course emphasizes how to use SketchUp for creating detailed layouts, designing for construction, and preparing models for 3D printing and manufacturing workflows.

Explore SketchUp’s Layout tool for professional documentation, scaled drawings, and construction workflows. Learn to organize models and use plugins for your specific workflow.

Dive into modeling optimization for 3D printing and manufacturing. Understand file preparation, exporting models in compatible formats, and avoiding common pitfalls in complex modeling

This is usually a smaller class than the beginner class, so topics are more customized to students' needs.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have the skills to create precise designs for real-world applications, from construction projects to modeling for manufacturing modeling. This course is ideal for architects, builders, and makers looking to bridge the gap between digital design and physical creation.

Prerequisite
Sketchup 1 or Intermediate Sketchup knowledge required

Course Outline

Efficiently creating accurate models
Ensuring model accuracy
Scaling and adjusting dimensions.
Aligning to real-world coordinates.
Working with intersecting geometry.
Leveraging plugins for construction and manufacturing
Time Saving Tricks
Setting up templates
Organization for productivity
Customization for productivity

onstruction Drawings with Layout
Intro to Layout for SketchUp: Overview and interface.
Importing SketchUp models into Layout.
Setting up views, scales, and dimensions.
Adding annotations, scrapbook items and
Setting up title blocks
Saving templates
Printing and exporting construction documents (PDFs, CAD).

Intro to Digital Manufacturing
Preparing Models for Manufacturing
Ensuring model solidity for 3D printing or CNC.
Exporting STL and DXF files for production.
Using extensions to generate parts lists.

Wrap-Up and Q&A
Case studies
State of the industry
Tips for continued learning (resources, plugins, and community forums).

Dates Times Location Price
1/13/25 - 1/14/25 Live Online from our site or yours. $795

2/10/25 - 2/11/25 Live Online from our site or yours. $795

3/10/25 - 3/11/25 Live Online from our site or yours. $795

4/8/25 - 4/9/25 Live Online from our site or yours. $795

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SketchUp Level 3 - Advanced Sketchup with Focus on Visualisation & Photorealistic Rendering

Overview
Elevate your SketchUp models with stunning, photorealistic renders in this 2-day workshop. Designed for beginners and intermediate users, this class provides an introduction to industry-leading rendering tools like Enscape, V-Ray, Twinmotion, and Lumion. We will get hands-on with rendering and practice some key concepts.

Topics Include
Advanced Sketchup techniques needed to prepare your models for rendering
Overview of rendering principles and workflow.
Basics of rendering for SketchUp, including material setup, lighting, and rendering scenes.
Introduction to real-time rendering, environmental settings, and animation tools.
Learn instant renders, virtual walkthroughs, and presentation techniques.
Compare rendering tools to determine the best fit for your projects, with time to refine and render your own models.

This is usually a smaller class than the beginner class, so topics are more customized to students' needs.

By the end of the course, you’ll understand the strengths of each rendering tool and how to use them effectively to bring your SketchUp designs to life. Perfect for architects, interior designers, product designers and hobbyists seeking to enhance their visualization skills.

Prerequisite
Sketchup 1 or Intermediate Sketchup knowledge required

Course Outline

Understanding Rendering Basics
What is rendering? Overview of rendering concepts (lighting, materials, and realism).
Introduction to rendering tools compatible with SketchUp: V-Ray, Twinmotion, and Enscape.
Setting up a SketchUp model for rendering: cleaning geometry, organizing scenes, and layers/tags.

Overview of Common Rendering Software
V-Ray: Industry-standard rendering tool with advanced material and lighting controls.
Twinmotion: Real-time rendering software with a focus on interactivity and animation.
Enscape: Fast and intuitive real-time renderer with seamless SketchUp integration.
Comparison of software features, use cases, and system requirements.
Choosing the right rendering software for different project types (realism, speed, animation).

Materials and Textures
Applying and editing materials in SketchUp vs Rendering engines
Importing custom textures and working with many kinds of mapping.
Enhancing material realism with reflectivity, transparency, bump maps and more

Introduction to Lighting
Overview of natural and artificial lighting in renders.
Setting up sunlight and shadow parameters in SketchUp.
Using rendering tools to add and adjust artificial lights.

Camera Angles and Scene Composition
Setting up camera views and perspectives in SketchUp.
Framing scenes for impactful visuals.
Animating walkthroughs and flyovers using rendering tools.

Rendering Workflow and Settings
Configuring rendering settings for speed and quality (resolution, output formats).
Understanding and optimizing render times.
Post-processing options with rendering tools (color grading, effects).

Final Project and Best Practices
Students render a prepared SketchUp scene, applying lighting, materials, and camera settings.
Troubleshooting common rendering issues.
Exporting final renders and creating a portfolio-ready presentation.

Wrap-Up and Resources
Tips for choosing the right rendering tool for different needs.
Recommendations for continued learning (tutorials, forums, and documentation).

Q&A and feedback
Dates Times Location Price
1/15/25 - 1/16/25 Live Online from our site or yours. $795

2/12/25 - 2/13/25 Live Online from our site or yours. $795

3/12/25 - 3/13/25 Live Online from our site or yours. $795

4/10/25 - 4/11/25 Live Online from our site or yours. $795

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 Related Courses
  See other 2D / 3D modeling software classes at ONLC

Why You Should Learn SketchUp with ONLC...

  • Savings

    More SketchUp Training, Less Money.

    Get maximum buying power and flexibility with ONLC Learning Credits.
    Save up to 35% on end-user and technical courses in the learning format you want.
    (See ONLC Learning Credits link)
  • Extensive Library

    More Topics, One Provider!

    With our extensive class library you can do all of your training with us. One stop shopping!
    Our curriculum has intro through advanced level, specialty titles, boot camps, preps and more.
    (See Courses Topics link)
  • Free Retake

    More SketchUp Learning—Free Refresher Course!

    Had an off day so you didn't catch everything the first time?
    You may repeat the same live, instructor-led class one time without charge within a year.
    (See Retake details link)
  • Risk Free

    More Confidence.

    With our Money Back Guarantee link you can get a refund if not satisfied with our live, instructor-led training.
    ONLC is committed to quality training.
    (See details & restrictions link)
  • Schedule

    More Class Dates.

    Our public schedule of hands-on, instructor-led classes makes it easy to attend a fully interactive online class.
    (See All Course Topics link)
  • Our Place or Yours

    More Training Locations.

    We have hundreds of centers coast to coast with fully-equipped, interruption-free, training rooms,
    especially beneficial if you can't participate from your own place due to cybersecurity restrictions.
    (Find ONLC centers near you link)

    Prefer to learn from your own place? We have that too!
    (See home/office details link)

Frequently Asked Questions About Learning SketchUp

Can you learn SketchUp on your own?

Yes, you can learn SketchUp on your own. SketchUp is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive tools, making it accessible even for beginners. There are plenty of free tutorials, videos, and online resources available to help you get started. However, taking a structured training course can significantly speed up the learning process, help you avoid common mistakes, and provide you with expert insights that self-learning might miss.

How long does it take to learn to use SketchUp?

The time it takes to learn SketchUp varies depending on your prior experience and how you plan to use the software. For basic modeling, most people can achieve a good level of proficiency within a few days to a week of consistent practice. For more advanced features, like creating detailed architectural designs or animations, it may take a few weeks to several months to master.

Is SketchUp easier to learn than AutoCAD?

SketchUp is generally considered easier to learn than AutoCAD. SketchUp's focus on 3D modeling and its intuitive drag-and-drop interface make it more accessible for beginners, especially those without a technical background. AutoCAD, on the other hand, is more complex and has a steeper learning curve, particularly for 2D drafting and detailed architectural work.

Is SketchUp free to use, or do I need a paid version?

SketchUp offers both free and paid versions. The free version, called SketchUp Free, is web-based and provides basic modeling tools suitable for hobbyists and casual users. For more advanced features, such as exporting CAD files, creating detailed reports, and using extensions, you'll need a paid version like SketchUp Pro or SketchUp Studio.

What industries use SketchUp the most?

SketchUp is widely used across various industries, including architecture, interior design, construction, urban planning, and landscape architecture. It is also popular in the fields of film and stage design, game development, and product design due to its versatility in creating both simple and complex 3D models.

What are the main features of SketchUp?

SketchUp offers a range of features that make it a powerful tool for 3D modeling. Key features include easy-to-use drawing tools, a 3D warehouse for importing and sharing models, customizable templates, advanced rendering options, and support for extensions that add specialized tools and functionality. SketchUp Pro also includes LayOut for creating 2D presentations and detailed documentation.

Can I use SketchUp for professional architectural design?

Yes, SketchUp is widely used in professional architectural design. Its intuitive modeling capabilities, combined with powerful rendering and presentation tools, make it ideal for creating conceptual designs, detailed plans, and 3D visualizations. While it may not replace more technical CAD software for construction documents, SketchUp is an excellent choice for early-stage design and client presentations.

What is the difference between SketchUp and SketchUp Pro?

SketchUp is a versatile 3D modeling tool available in both free and paid versions. The free version, SketchUp Free, is web-based and provides essential tools for simple 3D modeling. SketchUp Pro, the paid version, includes additional features like advanced modeling tools, the ability to create 2D documentation with LayOut, import/export options for CAD files, and access to professional extensions. SketchUp Pro is designed for professionals who need more control and functionality in their projects.

SketchUp News & Offers

Call an ONLC Education Advisor for certification and course selection assistance

Education Advisors for Personal Guidance
Our Education Advisors can answer questions you may have about our classes and training options. Our Advisors can help you find training is right for your career goals. ONLC's Education Advisors are available weekdays at our toll free number or via CHAT (icon on this page).

 

Train at any ONLC center

Hundreds of ONLC Centers Coast to Coast for Sketchup Training
We offer every live, online instructor-led (ILT) class at each of our centers on every date. Our training rooms are outfitted with the equipment needed for training and provide an interruption-free space so you can concentrate fully on learning. Find an ONLC center near you click link.

 

Train at Home

Live Sketchup Classes from Home
Attend our live, instructor-led classes from the comfort and convenience of your own home. The setup is really easy and you don't have to have the class software on your device. Follow our easy setup video click link. After viewing, if you're still not sure about the setup contact an ONLC Advisor toll free for assistance.

 

Group training available from ONLC

Group Training Option
ONLC offers complete learning solutions so training coordinators can quickly and successfully upskill their teams while maintaining their budget. Training can be via our public class schedule or private sessions delivered virtually or onsite. We can also customize content to meet the client's specific needs and technologies. To discuss our group training options and to receive a price quote complete our quick Group Training Request form or call 1.800.288.8221 (weekdays).

Questions about our SketchUp courses?

To register for training by phone or for more information contact an ONLC Education Advisor weekdays via chat or phone:

1.800.288.8221

SketchUp® trademark notices.

Locations

Looking for SketchUp training near me? Check our our list of locations below where you can go to attend a SketchUp class.

ONLC TRAINING CENTERS
800-288-8221
www.onlc.com