SketchUp is one of the most popular 3D modeling and design programs in the world. And while it’s more commonly used by professionals in the architecture and engineering industries, it’s a great tool for anyone who wants to create 3D models and designs.
Want to design mock-ups for a home renovation project? SketchUp is perfect for that. On the other hand, maybe you’re an aspiring furniture designer, or you just love to tinker around with 3D printing. SketchUp can help you with that, too!
Best of all, there are so many ways to learn SketchUp online. Whether you prefer watching video tutorials, listening to podcasts, or taking your time reading case studies and guides, there’s definitely a SketchUp learning resource out there for you.
Read on to discover 10 of the best at-home learning resources from SketchUp.
How to Start Learning Sketchup
In case you’re wondering, “Can I learn SketchUp for free?” The answer is a resounding yes!
Aside from SketchUp’s own tutorials (which are excellent, by the way), the SketchUp user community is also super generous with their time and knowledge.
For instance, YouTube is packed with SketchUp walkthroughs, how-tos, and even whole channels dedicated to the program. Likewise, googling “SketchUp tutorials” will pull up millions of results from every corner of the internet.
What we’re saying is that you can definitely learn SketchUp online without spending a dime!
Learn Sketchup Online
To help you get started, we gathered 10 learning resources from SketchUp you can try right now. We include a bit of everything, from fundamentals to more specialized learning, extensions, and more.
These are all available online, and most of them are for free. Learning SketchUp at home lets you set your own pace. Go as fast or as slow as you want, skip around, and come back to topics later if you need to. We do recommend bookmarking them for easy reference, though.
Ready to get started? Let’s jump in!
1. Learn Sketchup Fundamentals
This SketchUp Fundamentals course is an official and free course from Trimble. It’s a comprehensive introduction to SketchUp, and it covers everything from the interface to modeling techniques.
The course curriculum contains 12 sections, starting with Downloads. This includes the exercise files you’ll need to follow along with the course. You can also jump into the “Quick Start” section, which is a series of short video tutorials covering basic concepts like SketchUp Navigation, Component Bases, Applying Color, and more.
If you’re a total newbie to SketchUp, we suggest following the course in order. But if you’re already familiar with the basics and just need a refresher, feel free to jump around and check out the sections that you want to review.
2. Learn some Sketchup Quick Wins
SketchUp Quick Wins are some of our favorite SketchUp tutorials! In less than 60 seconds, you can learn a new SketchUp skill that will make you a more productive and efficient SketchUp user.
This SketchUp Quick Win video, for instance, will teach you how to use the Push/Pull tool and modifier key to make new geometry. The video is only 0:41 seconds long, complete with an example and walkthrough.
Tip: After watching the Quick Win video, head over to the comments section! It’s usually filled with nuggets of wisdom from the SketchUp community.
3. Develop your Sketchup Skills
You’ll want to save this one if you’re a beginner! SketchUp created an entire YouTube playlist geared toward helping you develop your budding SketchUp skills.The SketchUp Skill Builder playlist contains over 287 videos at more or less 10 minutes each. Watch and learn useful techniques like how to model stair handrails, move walls, peel a cube, rotate with move, and other cool skills.
4. Discover the Sketchup Podcast
This one’s for all the auditory learners out there. The SketchUp Podcast is a great way to keep up with the SketchUp community while you’re on the go.
The podcast features interviews with SketchUp users and community members, as well as discussions about the latest SketchUp news. You can listen to it on your favorite podcasting app or on the SketchUp website. You can also save them for later if you prefer to binge-listen!
5. Learn from Customer Case Studies
Ever wished you had a SketchUp mentor guiding your way? SketchUp’s Street Cred series is close enough!
Street Cred is a series of case studies that feature veteran SketchUp users and how they’re using the software in their workflows. We love the sheer variety of case study topics – they really show you limitless ways you can use SketchUp in your profession.
Some of our favorites include how a comic artist uses SketchUp for his debut, real-life construction projects that used SketchUp for pre-visualization, and an in-depth look at how real companies use SketchUp in their design-build processes.
6. Make the most of the Sketchup Youtube Channel
The SketchUp YouTube channel is a goldmine of SketchUp content, and we highly recommend subscribing to it!
SketchUp’s content creators have a way of making even the most complex topics digestible. Aside from tutorials (Quick Wins, Skill Builder, Square One), there are also other interesting playlists like Success Stories from SketchUp users from around the world.
On top of that, they also host SketchUp Live, a live stream show where SketchUp experts share tips, tricks, and insights about the software.
7. Make the Most of Your Sketchup Pro Subscription
Finally gave in and got a SketchUp Pro subscription? It’s one of the best investments you’ll ever make! Start maximizing your subscription by learning the awesome features that only Pro users have access to, such as Trimble Connect, SketchUp Viewer, and SketchUp LayOut.
Describe other products people have access to as a SketchUp Pro Subscriber!
8. Find the Best Extensions and Plugins
SketchUp already has lots of powerful features, but extensions open up even more ways to customize your experience! From one-click rendering and mirroring to productivity boosters, there’s an extension for just about everything.
Not sure where to start? The Sketchup Extension Inspection YT playlist is a fantastic resource that does all the research for you! The playlist showcases some of the most useful plugins out there, such as the 3D Offset plugin, Material Resizer, Visual Merge, and so many more.
9. Learn how to make and customise 2D components
This basic tutorial is a super fun one! The SketchUp Skill Builder: Drawing a 2D Figure tutorial will teach you how to create and customise 2D components using the Line and Paint Bucket tools.
Of course, you’ll need the perfect subject – and that’s you! Pick a favorite photo of yourself, hit play, and you’ll have your own scale figure before you know it.
10. Excellent Sketchup Youtube Channels for Architects and Designers
Hungry for more SketchUp content? Here’s a giant list of 40 SketchUp YouTube channels for you! This list is loaded with SketchUp users from the US to Asia and beyond, all of whom use SketchUp in their own projects.
The majority of the topics cover interior design and architecture subjects, so if you’re in those industries, you’ll definitely find this list useful.
Final Thoughts
These 10 resources are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to learning SketchUp online. With so many amazing content creators out there, the only limit is your own willingness to learn! So what are you waiting for? Start exploring and level up your SketchUp skills today!
