Overview
This lecture introduces the basics of getting started in SketchUp, focusing on setting up the workspace, using drawing tools, manipulating objects, and navigating the drawing area.
Setting Up the SketchUp Workspace
- Start SketchUp in 2D or plan view by selecting the appropriate template (inches for English system, millimeters or meters for Metric system).
- Change workspace or units anytime by navigating to Window > Preference, then choosing the desired system.
Drawing and Selecting Geometry
- SketchUp recognizes endpoints, edges, and faces of shapes for manipulation.
- Move endpoints, edges, and faces by left-clicking, releasing, dragging, and then left-clicking again.
- Use drawing tools (line, rectangle, circle, polygon) by selecting the tool, left-clicking to start, releasing, dragging, and left-clicking to finish.
- End drawing commands by pressing the Spacebar.
Mastering Mouse Techniques
- Always use the left-click, release, drag, left-click, release sequence when interacting with geometry.
- Practice moving geometry accurately to master mouse control in SketchUp.
Grouping Objects
- When geometric objects touch, their edges will stick together unless grouped separately.
- Create a group by triple-clicking an object, right-clicking with the selection tool inside, and choosing 'Make Group.'
- Grouped objects do not stick to other groups when moved, allowing for easier manipulation.
Moving and Selecting Multiple Objects
- Move multiple edges by holding Shift while selecting each edge, then move as usual.
- The move command works for endpoints, edges, and faces.
Navigating the Drawing Area
- Zoom in/out by rolling the mouse’s center wheel forward or backward.
- Use the Zoom tool, Zoom window, or Zoom Extents for different zooming options.
- Pan the view by holding the center wheel and pressing Shift or by using the hand tool.
- Orbit by holding the center wheel or using the Orbit tool for 360° viewing.
- To rotate the view, click the center wheel and slide the mouse left/right or back/forth.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Endpoint — A corner or end of a line or shape in SketchUp.
- Edge — The line segment between two endpoints.
- Face — The surface area enclosed by edges in SketchUp.
- Group — A collection of geometry merged together to prevent sticking with other geometry.
- Orbit Tool — A tool to rotate the drawing area for different viewing angles.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice drawing and moving shapes using proper mouse techniques.
- Create and group shapes to understand object management.
- Experiment with navigation tools: zoom, pan, and orbit.