SketchUp:
The Definitive Guide
to Getting Started
(Updated for 2019)

If you’re a professional, you need SketchUp Pro

SketchUp Pro has all of the tools and features that you're going to need to do your job.

If you're not sure you need Pro, just check out the video below.

It covers the 10 SketchUp Pro features that design professionals depend on to get the job done.

If you see a feature you need, then you know you need SketchUp Pro.

Super easy.

How much is SketchUp Pro going to cost you?

There are a few costs to be aware of when you're thinking about buying SketchUp Pro:

Is a free trial available? (Yes, a 30-day free trial)

Yes! SketchUp offers a 30-day free trial of SketchUp Pro.

What are the recommended hardware & software requirements?

First, it's important to note that SketchUp Pro works on desktop or laptop computers that are running either Windows or MacOS operating systems.

SketchUp Pro does not work on mobile devices running Android or iOS operating systems.

Whether you have a desktop or laptop computer, here are the recommended specifications for running SketchUp Pro:

If your computer doesn't meet the recommended specifications above, check the SketchUp website to see if it meets their minimum requirements.

Where do I go to download and install SketchUp Pro?

After you’ve confirmed that your computer meets the requirements, go here to download SketchUp Pro.

If you need any help installing or authorizing SketchUp Pro, go here.

What about SketchUp Free?

You may be tempted to see if you can get away with using SketchUp Free, because, well, it’s FREE!

For a professional, that would be a mistake.  

Because while SketchUp Free has the same core 3D modeling tools as SketchUp Pro and SketchUp Shop, it's missing a number of features you'll eventually need.

Take a look:

Of course, you might still want to try SketchUp Free for yourself before committing to SketchUp Pro or SketchUp Shop.

If so, first check that your computer meets SketchUp’s hardware and software requirements:

Once you’ve done that, click here to launch SketchUp Free.

Watch This First!

We created a free SketchUp tutorial that we recommend you watch before you get started with SketchUp Pro.

The video tutorial covers 7 critical concepts that self taught users either don't know or have had to learn the hard way.

Watch it, and your future self will thank you.  

Now, let's talk about how to master the fundamentals.

Before we do that, we want to share a story that one of our former students, a Residential Architect named Tom, told us before he took a class with us:

Lots of people make the same mistake Tom made. But it's completely avoidable.

You just need to invest in some training.

If you’re serious about learning SketchUp...

You need take a well-structured class with a curriculum designed to give you a comprehensive introduction to SketchUp.

Good news: We have a course called The Complete Intro to SketchUp that does exactly that!  

It's in our Video Course Library, along with other courses on more advanced professional topics. All of the courses are based on in-person classes we teach that cost between $1200 and $1500 to attend. We've just broken them down into bite-sized video tutorials that provide a more convenient and economical way for professionals to take our classes.

You can find out more about our Video Course Library here.

Now, if you're the kind of person that needs to be sitting in a classroom with an instructor, tell us where you're located and we'll see if we can make a recommendation.

If you can't afford to invest in professional training...

We'd recommend starting with the free tutorials on SketchUp's website.

You might also want to check out YouTube. Just be careful: When you're new to SketchUp, it's hard to tell the difference between a good tutorial and one that teaches you the wrong way to do something.

Once you’ve got a solid foundation, you’re ready to build professional skills

That’s where Chapter 4 comes into play…

Import As-Built Drawings or Reference Files

Often, at the start of your project, you’ll need to reference other sketches, drawings and files.

SketchUp has an Import feature that allows you to bring these sorts of reference files right into your 3D modeling environment.

This helps you do things like:

Bring-in a site plan or a floor plan and build your SketchUp model right on top of it.

Add images that you can trace over or just use as a reference right inside your 3D model

Or work with folks using other CAD programs by importing files they created in another application.

Here’s a complete list of the file types you can import:

Visualize exactly where the Sunlight and Shadows will be

Beyond knowing how your 3D model will situate into the environment around it, it can be important to know what will be in sunlight or in shadows for a given date and time.

Once you’ve geolocated your model, you can use SketchUp’s Shadows feature to set the date and time.

And then you can make design decisions that will provide more shade, or let more sunlight in.

Want to see how sunlight and shadows will track across the environment over the course of the day or year?

No problem:

You can create shadow studies that animate the path of the shadows from morning to evening.

Download free, pre-made SketchUp Models from the 3D Warehouse

In SketchUp, you don’t need to draw everything from scratch. Not when you can grab 3D models of almost anything you could possibly need from the 3D Warehouse.

3D Warehouse is a website that contains millions of SketchUp models that are free to download directly into your 3D model.

For example:

If you’re modeling a building, you can search for all of the products and materials you’d like to include.

You can even search for brand names - many companies offer their entire product catalog, and other SketchUp users contribute real-world products as well.

So you can go from your bare 3D model,

to one that’s all dressed-up and ready to go without having to create everything yourself.

But the Warehouse isn’t just for building products:

• Architects can find scale figures.
• Landscape designers can find trees, grasses and bushes.
• Urban planners can find buildings and city blocks.
• And construction industry professionals can find 3D construction detail models.

If you can dream it, it’s probably already on the 3D Warehouse.

To start browsing and downloading 3D models, you can visit the 3D Warehouse website, or access it directly inside SketchUp:

Give SketchUp Superpowers with Extensions

With your phone, you’ve been told “there’s an app for that!”.

Well, with SketchUp, you have a similar situation:

You can add apps called “Extensions” to give SketchUp new powers to solve a wide variety of problems.

You can add Extensions that do simple, useful things like round or bevel corners.

Or you can find ones that do harder things like create complex, organic shapes.

Or even ones that analyze the energy performance of your model.

Basically, anytime you run into a problem you can’t seem to solve with SketchUp’s native tools, there are two main places to search for extensions that can help: SketchUp's Extension Warehouse and Sketchucation's Plugin Store.

Turn your 3D SketchUp Model into 2D Presentation Documents with LayOut

Once you’ve created a 3D model in SketchUp, chances are that you’ll need to produce a set of scaled drawings or presentation documents.

And whether you need to create a dimensioned floor plan, a series of labeled diagrams and details, or a full set of detailed construction documents - LayOut is the tool for the job.

Here's how it works:

In SketchUp, you set-up a scene of your model - a plan view for example.

Then in LayOut, you document that view by adding dimensions, labels and text.

And in LayOut, you also have tools for creating custom graphics, importing photos, creating title blocks... and basically anything else you might need to create a compelling presentation.

(Note: If you want to learn more about using LayOut to create detailed construction documents, jump to Chapter 6)

LayOut is a powerful application in-and-of-itself and we highly recommend that you invest time into learning the fundamentals well.

As with learning SketchUp, if you’re serious about using LayOut on the job, you should either search for a class from a trusted instructor, or opt for an online video course library membership (which includes LayOut classes).

Create Watertight Models with the Solid Tools

Some jobs require you to create a “Solid” model. A solid model is commonly described as a watertight model.

Take a cube for example:

If it has all six sides in tact, and they are all attached at the edges, it’s a solid.

But if it is missing a side,

or the edges don’t meet up,

water would leak out (if it was filled with virtual water!), which means it would not be a solid.

This sort of thing is important when you want to create a 3D model that can be 3D printed.

Or when you’re relying on getting accurate volume calculations.

Enter the Solid Tools: They help you take existing solids and combine them to create more complicated solid models.

For example:

You can use one solid to cut another to create accurate joinery.

Or you can take an object made of several parts and combine them into a single, solid outer shell for 3D printing.

(Note: For more information about 3D printing, jump to Chapter 8: Creating Models for 3D Printing)

Know exactly what will be in the frame of your shot with the Advanced Camera Tools

When you’re working in SketchUp, you’re essentially looking through a camera at your 3D model.

But what kind of camera?

And where exactly is it located?

If these questions are important to you, then you need the Advanced Camera Tools.

These tools allow you to specify the exact camera type you want to look through - say a 35mm digital camera for example.

Then you see black bars that indicate which parts of your model will be in the shot given the position of your camera.

And they place a physical camera in your model so you can actually see where the camera would sit.

This feature is incredibly useful for Production Designers, Art Directors and Set Designers in the Film, Stage & Entertainment industries as they can visualize which elements of the set will be seen on camera before having to build it out.

There are two ways the Advanced Camera Tools help you specify which type of camera you’ll be using:

1) You can select from a list of cameras

2) Or, you can create your own custom camera, specifying the Focal Length, Aspect Ratio and Image Width

Once you’ve selected your camera, you have access to traditional camera moves such as Pan, Roll, Tilt, Dolly, Truck and Pedestal.

Add useful Information to your Model & create helpful Reports

When SketchUp looks at this model, what do you think it sees?

SketchUp is a tool for creating geometry. We use SketchUp to create geometry that represents real-world stuff. And naturally, we desperately want SketchUp to understand what our 3D models represent!

But out of the box, SketchUp doesn’t know anything about what we’ve created. It thinks the dresser is just a bunch of geometry.

Fortunately, SketchUp’s Classification and Reporting features can help us bridge the communication gap.

These features allow you to label objects with information about what they are.

Then, you can generate a report of the objects in your model and it will include the information you added.

• Interior Designers can use these features to create product and materials schedules.
• Contractors can use them for creating estimates and job quotes.
• Woodworkers can use them to general a materials list.
• Civil Engineers can perform quantity takeoffs.
• Architects can add IFC classifications and share the model with colleagues who use sophisticated BIM (Building Information Modeling) software.

And the list goes on.

Really, how you use these features will depend heavily on the type of work you do. So long as you input the right kind of information into your model, you can output reports that help you get the job done.

There are a few ways to input data:

1) Add data to Components via Advanced Attributes

2) Add data to Dynamic Components

3) Create your own Schema and add via Components Advanced Attributes

SketchUp comes preloaded with the IFC 2x3 schema. (IFC stands for Industry Foundation Classes, an open data model standard for building information.)

What’s a schema, you might ask?

It’s like an outline of how a group of things fits together.

So the IFC 2x3 schema allows people involved in Building Information Modeling to share data in a standardized way - where a “door” in one software can be understood to be a “door” in another software.

If that’s important to you, you can classify objects via Advanced Attributes since the IFC 2x3 schema comes preloaded.

But what if you have another classification system, or schema, in mind?

Let’s say you have a catalog of Furniture and inside you have the furniture types of bed, dresser and nightstand. You could create a Furniture schema that allowed you to standardize the tagging of objects.

After adding data, create your report

When you've finished adding data to your SketchUp model, you can create a report template and generate a .csv report. It will contain all of the information you added, plus other things SketchUp already knows about your model such as quantity, length, volume and more.

(Note: For more information on reporting, jump down to Chapter 7: Creating Estimates, Takeoffs and More)

Program SketchUp to solve harder problems with the Ruby API

As you can probably tell by now, SketchUp is a very powerful tool that can do a number of amazing things.

If you take a closer look underneath the hood, you’ll see that SketchUp is equipped with a powerful plain text programming language called Ruby

Ok, but why should you care?

In SketchUp, you have access to a Ruby API (Application Programming Interface).

That means you can write lines of Ruby code that program SketchUp to do things.

What kind of things?

Well, there are three general types of problems the Ruby API can help you solve:

1) Automate repetitive tasks

For starters, you can program SketchUp to automate the kinds of tasks where you find yourself clicking hundreds of times in a fairly repeatable pattern.

For example, a project might require you to Push Pull thousands of shapes to various, specific sizes. A little bit of Ruby code could save a ton of time.

2) Customize data & reporting functions

You could also write some Ruby code to augment data reporting efforts.

For example, an contractor might want to program SketchUp to push bill of materials information into another project management software.

3) Create Computational Geometry

Finally, you can write Ruby code to help you produce "computational geometry" or 3D shapes and patterns that are nearly impossible to create by hand.

For example, an Architect might want to create and use mathmatecally derived patterns in their design.

Rather than figure out how to create these types of complex patterns by hand, it's far easier to write Ruby code that uses math functions to automatically create perfect patterns.

But these are just a few examples. You are only limited by your imagination.

If writing custom Ruby scripts is your kinda thing, be sure to take a look at the SketchUp Ruby API documentation and this list of helpful learning resources.

How Photorealistic Rendering works in SketchUp

Whenever you need to see more realistic light and reflections in your model, you’ll need a rendering extension.

An extension helps you turn a less realistic looking 3D model like this…

...into a photorealistic picture like this!

Want to learn how to render your SketchUp models?

We made a video that gives a solid introduction:

After you watch the video, you'll be ready to give rendering a try but you'll be faced with a challenging decision.

Which rendering extension should you buy?

The next section will help you make the right choice.

Watch this BEFORE you create your first rendering

We created a free SketchUp tutorial that you should watch before you start rendering.

We talk specifically about V-Ray for SketchUp in the video but it applies to all rendering extensions.

(It covers an important step that people often miss)

Watch it and you'll learn 5 things to do in this step to avoid getting underwhelming results.  

Now, let's talk about how to master your rendering extension.

As you set out to learn your rendering extension, I want to share what our students say they wished they knew when they first learned how to render:

Be careful not to make the mistake of heading down the wrong path and trying to learn everything on your own.

Watching free tutorials on YouTube and elsewhere will make you feel like you know how to use your extension's tools and features.

But when it's time for a real project, you'll run into issues.

And you won't find tutorials for every unique issue you run into. Worse, you end up wasting a ton of time watching videos only to find that you are still struggling.

Luckily, there is a different path.

If you’re serious about learning your rendering extension...

You need to take a well-structured class with a curriculum that not only gives you a comprehensive introduction to your extension but also teaches you how to apply that knowledge when you are on a deadline on a real world project.

Good news: For several rendering extensions, we have courses that do exactly that!  

(V-Ray, Shaderlight and Podium specifically)

They are all in our Video Course Library, along with other courses on professional topics. The courses are based on in-person classes we teach that cost $1500 to attend. We've just broken them down into bite-sized video tutorials that provide a more convenient and economical way for professionals to take our classes.

You can find out more about our Video Course Library here.

Now, if you're the kind of person that needs to be sitting in a classroom with an instructor, tell us where you're located and we'll see if we can make a recommendation.

How SketchUp Pro and LayOut work together

At the end of the day, you’re required to produce design documentation and drawings that people around you depend on to get the job done.

SketchUp Pro makes that kind of stuff a breeze. Here’s how it works:

1) Create a 3D Model

You start by creating a well-organized, 3D model in SketchUp.

2) Set-up Scenes

While still in SketchUp, you set-up the exact views of your model that you need to document, and you save those views as Scenes.

3) Send to LayOut

Once you've dialed-in all of your Scenes, you're ready to send your SketchUp file to LayOut.

4) Set-up Viewports

In LayOut, you'll have a Viewport that's linked to your SketchUp file.

You can set-up as many Viewports as you need, making sure to set each to show one of the Scenes you set in SketchUp.

And while you're at it, you set the Scale of your floor plan and elevation Viewports too.

5) Document your SketchUp model with LayOut's tools

Whether you need to produce simple 2D plans and drawings, or a full set of detailed construction documents, LayOut has all the tools you need to get the job done. And, for many of you, there are extensions you can use that will make your workflow even easier.

7 things you should know before you start using LayOut

There are 7 features you need to master in SketchUp first to be successful in LayOut later:

1. Groups & Components
2. Layers
3. Styles
4. Camera Settings
5. Shadows & Fog Settings
6. Sections
7. Scenes

Once you know the ins and outs of these key features, you'll be ready to take LayOut out for a test-drive.

Now, let's talk about how to master LayOut

Like SketchUp, LayOut feels very approachable.

So much so that you're likely to think you can just figure it out on your own.

But, also like SketchUp, as soon as you try to use LayOut on a real project you'll discover that doing things the wrong way sends you down a path you'll wish you had avoided.

If you’re serious about learning LayOut...

You need to take a well-structured class with a curriculum designed to give you a comprehensive introduction.

Good news: We have a course called The Complete Intro to LayOut that does exactly that!  

It's in our Video Course Library, along with a number of other courses on professional topics. This course is based on an in-person class we teach that costs $1500 to attend. We've just broken it down into bite-sized video tutorials that provide a more convenient and economical way for professionals to take the class.

You can find out more about our Video Course Library here.

Now, if you're the kind of person that needs to be sitting in a classroom with an instructor, tell us where you're located and we'll see if we can make a recommendation.

If you can't afford to invest in professional training...

We'd recommend starting with the free tutorials on SketchUp's website and then check out one of the LayOut related books listed on SketchUp’s resource page.

What kind of reports does SketchUp create?

After creating a 3D model in SketchUp, you can use SketchUp's reporting tools to generate a report.

For example, you can produce a Bill of Materials.

Or you can perform a Quantity Takeoff.

But here's the thing, and this is important:

SketchUp doesn't have a Bill of Materials tool.

And it doesn't have a Quantity Takeoff feature.

What it has are general purpose reporting tools that you have to know how to use to be able to get what you want.

But, if you know what you’re doing in SketchUp, you can use its built-in reporting features to produce many different types of useful reports.

Get More Advanced Reporting Features with an Extension

SketchUp may not have a Bill of Materials tool, or tools for other specific report types. But often you'll find an extension that will have the more specific tools and features you need.

If you need more reporting power, here are a few extensions that could help:

Is SketchUp good for 3d printing?

The short answer: It depends.

Let's start by saying that SketchUp can be used to successfully create nearly any type of 3D printable model you might need.

However, it is not the very best tool to use when you need super precise curvature or perhaps more mechanical, functional real-world objects.

To be clear:

You can use SketchUp to create curvy or organic looking 3D models to be 3D printed. And they can turn out nicely.

But if you need mathematical precision and accuracy to those curves, perhaps a tool like Blender, Rhino or 3DS Max would be a better choice.

Similarly, you can use SketchUp to design 3D models of more mechanical, functional things to be 3D printed. And they can turn out nicely as well.

But if you're an engineer, perhaps a tool like Inventor or SolidWorks would be better for the task.

SketchUp is a great tool for getting started with 3D printing

So long as you're aware of SketchUp's limitations in the more advanced scenarios above, you can be confident that SketchUp is a great choice when you're just getting started with 3D printing.

And for many, even as they become experienced 3D printers, SketchUp can continue be the right tool for all of their needs.

The key is to learn the fundamentals for how to use SketchUp to create models that can be 3D printed.

Ready to invest some time in this topic?

Have a conversation with us! Tell us about what you're wanting to do in SketchUp, and we’ll make some recommendations about tools and training that can help you reach your goal.

How SketchUp fits into your CNC fabrication workflow

As we’ve mentioned before, it’s important that you start with a solid understanding of the fundamentals. This will allow you to build an accurate, organized SketchUp model that will make or break your success later.

Also, it may be necessary to add extensions that help you design and prepare your model specifically with CNC fabrication in mind.

If you need help finding the right extension for your specific situation, let us know and we'll gladly help.

Once you have a sound SketchUp model, you'll need to export a file that can be imported into your CAM program.

The types of files that a CAM program will accept varies by application.

If you need a .pdf, .eps, .dxf or .stl file, you can export those directly from SketchUp Pro.

Then of course, you'll bring the exported file into your CAM program, clean-up or tweak things as needed, generate your CNC control program and ultimately use it to run your machine.

In the end, you’ll end up with your SketchUp-to-CNC fabricated product!

Of course, the details of the entire process depend quite a bit on what you want to make and the types of CAM software and CNC router you are using.

What do Woodworkers love about SketchUp?

SketchUp is a fantastic planning tool for woodworkers. It can save you time, materials and money by letting you test your designs before you even make your first cut.

Specifically, these are the aspects of SketchUp that Woodworkers love:

1) Work the way you do

In SketchUp, you model in a way that is similar to how you work with wood in your shop:

You can use the Tape Measure, Protractor and Drawing tools to draw a piece of wood, take measurements and make marks.

Then you can use the Push Pull or Follow Me tools to cut, drill or carve each part.

2) Preview Joinery

You can model precisely how everything fits together, right down to the half blind dovetail joints.

3) Draw Complex Details with an extension

If you have SketchUp Pro, you can add extensions that help you draw more complex details.

Of course, every project is unique and may require unique tools.

If you need help finding the right extension for your specific situation, let us know and we'll gladly help.

4) Create Cut Lists with an Extension

Also in SketchUp Pro, you can add extensions that help you create cut lists.

Here are a few popular cut list extensions to choose from:

What exactly is Virtual Reality?

When you look at your SketchUp model on your computer screen, you are essentially viewing a 3D model on a flat 2D plane (the screen). That means that you aren’t really immersed in a 3D environment. Sure, you can orbit around and fly through your model, but it’s more like looking at a picture or a movie of a place rather than actually visiting the place and experiencing it first-hand.

With Virtual Reality (VR), you wear a headset that blocks out the real-world around you and replaces it with your SketchUp model.

Rather than orbit or zoom, you turn your head or walk to see different parts of the design.

And how is VR different than Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality (AR) is the same idea as VR, with one notable difference:

Instead of wearing a headset that blocks out your real-world environment, you wear one that allows you to see the space around you while also overlaying a “hologram” of your SketchUp model.

This can be powerful when you want to preview what a design would look like within the context of a real-world place.

What you’re going to need to experience your SketchUp model in AR

1) A SketchUp Model

Same as VR, you'll need to start by creating an accurate, well organized model in SketchUp.

2) An AR headset

At the moment, the only supported headset is the Hololens.

3) The SketchUp Viewer app for Hololens

Use SketchUp’s AR | VR Extension to convert the model to be viewable in Hololens.

Then, through the Hololens headset, you can see your SketchUp model overlayed on your surrounding environment at either full scale or as a scaled down tabletop model.