Google SketchUp®

Google SketchUp® is a 3D drawing program available for free from Google®. You must have a copy of Google SketchUp® installed on your computer before you can install and use the DrawMetal™ plugins.

At the SketchUp® web site, you can read a description of SketchUp®, get a demonstration, learn computer hardware requirements, and download a copy of the free version (or purchase a copy of the professional version).

Don't overlook the bonus packs or the warehouse of SketchUp® models.

 

SketchUp® Plugins

Plugins are a means to add features to SketchUp®.  There are many plugins available - both for free and for a fee.  Plugins are written in the Ruby computer programming language and are often referred to as "Ruby plugins" or "Ruby scripts".

The Ruby Library Depot is a great source for numerous free plugins.


Learn SketchUp®

There are many SketchUp® tutorials available. After installing the product, the Intro tutorial under the Self-Paced Tutorials option on the SketchUp® Help menu (Help > Self-Paced Tutorials > Intro ) provides a basic introduction.

In addition, there is a Video Tutorials option on the SketchUp® Help menu and videos on You Tube™ here.

Excellent books are available for purchase.  SketchUp® For Dummies, the highly rated book by Aidan Chopra, provides a very clear introduction.  Aidan has also posted many great video tutorials on You Tube™ here.

Bonnie Roskes offers the very comprehensive text Google SketchUp 6: Basic and Advanced Exercises.  This book is great for hands-on learning by example.

Google also offers training classes.

 

Still More SketchUp® Resources

Click here to access the comprehensive Google SketchUp® Resources page.  It offers numerous links to all things  SketchUp®: tutorials, books, plugin compilations, models, textures, etc.  (Requires a Google account to log in.)

Click here to access the Google Group for SketchUp®.

Click here for the Official Google SketchUp® Blog.

Click here to access SketchUCation, an excellent discussion forum.

Click here to access a SketchUp® wiki with links to a number of tutorials.