SketchUp is a free 3D modeling software that has several uses ranging from architectural design, interior design, civil and mechanical engineering, and video game design. There is a free web-based version available, SketchUp Free. For powerful computers, SketchUp offers trial versions of their software, SketchUp Pro.

What can it do?

• Export a 2D image of the object you’ve created
• Various templates for different applications (engineering, architecture, carpentry, etc)
• Color and texture tools
• Library of free 3D models to speed up work

Uses in a Course

• Create 3D representations of real or imaginary objects.
• An artist can model a piece they might like to create.
• Engineering and architectural representations of objects.
• Students can re-create a venue or building from the past for understand historical architecture and society.

Things to Consider Before Using SketchUp

• There is a significant learning curb to learn how to draw in 3D
• It can get confusing for beginners which plain you are on (X,YZ axis)
• Web-browser version isn’t as secure software as it can change at anytime

Access

• SketchUp is available as a web-based software.
• SketchUp Pro has a downloadable trail version for Windows 10 and Mac.

Additional Help

• Student Technology Assistants are available to help at the Digital Media Bar in Andrews Library in the CoRE.
• Educational Technology can support and train in SketchUp.
• SketchUp has official documentation and video tutorials.
• SketchUp has a user forum to interact with other users.