Pierre Cruise

Designing 3D objects can be fun, especially when using SketchUp. With its easy-to-use functions and features, almost everybody – from newbie folks to the most advanced designers – can use SketchUp to create and share designs. From chairs to desks to outdoor objects and buildings, SketchUp is well-equipped to design them

And wouldn’t it be a lot more fun if you learn a new thing or two to help you with your work flow? That’s where this article comes in handy. Below are some of the best tips from SketchUp experts for use by casual hobbyists and serious artists alike.

For the noobs

Before you go on and start using SketchUp, it is best that you first take the following steps:

· Master the basics. Everything starts out with the basics. Without them, how can you build a steady foundation? Be familiar with all the functions SketchUp has to offer. When you’re starting to get the gist of it, learn the keyboard shortcuts to make your work faster and more efficient.
· Learn whenever you can. The Internet is brimming with tons of guides and tutorials for SketchUp. Perhaps the quickest way to find them is through Google. Use these tutorials and learn the things the experts have to offer.
· Use pre-made objects. If you’re having trouble starting from scratch, you can download pre-made objects online. The most common source of free pre-made objects is in the Google 3D Warehouse. It is a repository of works made by other designers using SketchUp. And you can share your work there as well.
· Master the objects. SketchUp’s “Push/Pull” technology is one of its trademark features – you can do a lot of things with it. When you master this feature, you’re on your way to the intermediate level.

For the geeks

Since you already have a more advanced knowledge of SketchUp, you can then upgrade your techniques by doing the following:

· Customization. SketchUp can be tweaked to your preferences by editing shortcuts and panels so that you can freely use those features you commonly use. A seasoned SketchUp artist would more or less have his/her own set of keyboard shortcuts.
· Use the Auto Save feature. The more things you add to your projects (e.g. scripts), the more prone SketchUp is going to crash. It may not be a regular event, but it does happen. To avoid losing your work, make sure that you enable the Auto Save feature.
· Use scripts. SketchUp is compatible with a lot of different scripts and plug-ins that can help you with your work. Don’t just settle for the program on its own – scripts are abundant online and most of them are free.

After knowing all these tips, you’re well on your way to being a SketchUp guru. So keep on making those designs and share them for everyone to see!

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About the Author:
Pierre Angela Cruz is a Marketing Consultant for Open Brook. An Excellent source of information and reviews about Outdoor and Patio Furniture