Google Sketchup

What is Sketchup SketchUp is a very powerful 3-D modeling software of the type used by architects and drafters. In three dimensional computer graphics, 3D modeling is the procedure of developing a 3D model using specialized software (we are using Google Sketchup).

What is Sketchup The program is downloaded from the internet. There is a free version and a pro version. We will be using the free version.

Basic 3d Solid Modeling Vocabulary

Face Any surface of an object

Extrusion A push or pull on any shape or a face of an object You can add or remove (extrude) material with an extrusion.

The side shape that the arrow is pointing to is extruded 1” in this figure. Side Shape

This is the basic toolbar located at the top of the screen when Sketchup is running. The next slides will explain what each is used for.

Select Tool –Use the Select tool to specify the entities you will modify when using other tools or commands

Line Tool –Use the Line tool to draw edges or Line entities.

Rectangle Tool –Use the Rectangle Tool to draw rectangular Face entities, specified by clicking at two opposite corners of the desired shape.

Circle Tool –Use the Circle Tool to draw circle entities

Arc Tool –Use the Arc Tool to draw Arc entities, comprised of multiple line segments (which can be edited as a single arc).

Make Component Tool –Components are like mini-models within your main model, and they can represent anything - furniture, plants, vehicles - anything.

Eraser Tool –The Eraser tool is used to erase entities in the drawing area.

Measure Tool –Used to measure accurate dimensions

Paint Bucket Tool –Used to color

Push/Pull Tool –Use the Push/Pull Tool to push and pull faces to add volume to or subtract volume from your models.

Move Tool –Used to move items

Rotate Tool –Use the Rotate tool to rotate, stretch, distort, or copy entities along a rounded path.

Offset Tool –Use the Offset tool to create copies of lines and faces at a uniform distance from the originals.

Orbit Tool –Use the Orbit Tool to rotate the camera about the model and is often used while drawing to quickly change your view in between drawing operations.

Pan Tool –Use the Pan Tool to move the camera (your view) vertically and horizontally.

Zoom Tool –Use the Zoom Tool to move the camera (your view) in or out.

Zoom Extents Tool –Use the Zoom Extents Tool to zoom your view to a distance where the whole model is visible and centered in the drawing area.

The stairs above have a length of ten inches (10”). The length is measured along the x-axis (red line) Length

The stairs above have a width of five inches (5”). The width is measured along the y-axis (green line) width

The stairs above have a height of ten inches (10”). The height is measured along the z-axis (blue line). height

Each step above has a height of 2.5 inches. The height is also known as the rise. Step Height

Each step also measures 2.5 inches from the front to back of the tread. The width is also known as the run. Step Width

The initial shape you have to draw for this object is a rectangle.

You then use the various drawing tools to form the stairs.