sketchuptutorial

sketchuptutorialaias sketchup wookshop - 2010 october 23

instructor - Scott Magic

sketchuptutorial

sketchuptutorial

outline

1. Google SketchUp Background2. Vector vs. Raster Digital Files3. SketchUp Pro vs. SketchUp [basic]4. Ruby Scripts - What are they?5. Information Managment6. Workflow Ideas7. SketchUp Tips8. Output 9. Presentations with Layout

next topic - Rendering Plug-Ins

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1. Google SketchUp Background http://sketchup.google.com/

Intuitive, fun and free for anyone to use We believe powerful software can also be a pleasure to use – the secret is intuitive tools that work the way you think they should. Apparently, millions of people agree. SketchUp was first released in August 2000 as a general purpose 3D content creation tool, with the tagline “3D for Everyone” and envisioning a software program “that would allow design professionals to draw the way they want by emulating the feel and freedom of working with pen and paper in a simple and elegant interface, that would be fun to use and easy to learn, and that would be used by designers to play with their designs in a way that is not possible with traditional design software. It also has user friendly buttons to make it easier to use.” Key to its early success was a shorter learning period than other 3D tools. In 2006, Google purchased SketchUp and has updated the program’s tools and functionality.

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2. Vector vs. Raster Files

vectoractive artwork with geometric data and snaps

programs

AutoCAD Adobe Illustrator

Coreldraw Rhino

SketchUp Vectorworks

file types

DWG, DXFEPS, AI

PDF

why use vector based files?

EditableAccuracy

Digital FabricationHigher Quality Printing

rasterpixel based data

programs

Adobe PhotoShop Web-based Images

file types

pngjpegtiffpdf

why use Raster based files?

Photo-based artworkImage editing

Non-linework based art

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3. SketchUp Pro vs. SketchUp SketchUp offers a basic and a professional versions.

SketchUp Pro has more power, tools, compatibility and workflow feautres that simplfy architectural design.

Here’s a list of advantages:

• High Resolution Image Files• Better lineweights• DXF, DWG import & exporting compatibility• Google Earth Geo-location Integration• Layout 3 - to make working drawings and ploting software• Much much more

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4. RubyScripts Add extra functionality to SketchUp

Ruby is a programming language that anyone can use to write plugins (scripts) for Google SketchUp. Once in-stalled, Ruby Scripts can add tools, simplify multi-step operations, and otherwise improve the way you work with SketchUp.

The good news is that you don’t need to know anything about Ruby scripting (or programming in general) to use Ruby Scripts that other people have created. To get started, you can find some pre-made Ruby Scripts that we made, below. For links to even more, check out the Ruby Scripts section of our Resources page.

If you’re interested in creating Ruby Scripts for Google SketchUp, please take a look at the Developers page for more information.

For technical support assistance with these scripts, visit the Google SketchUp Help Forum.

Installing Ruby Scripts

To install a Ruby Script, here’s what you need to do:

1. Download it onto your computer.2. If the downloaded file is zipped, unzip it. You can usually do this by double-clicking on it. Unzipped Ruby Script files have the following file extension: .rb3. Close SketchUp if it’s running.4. Copy the Ruby Script file into the right location for your operating system:

Windows: C:/Program Files/Google/Google SketchUp 8/Plugins

Mac OS X: ‘Hard Drive’/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/Plugins

Two great sites:

Smustard.com

Smustard is dedicated to providing SketchUp users with the tools they need to increase productivity and facilitate workflow. Smustard tools are plugins that add command features to simplify repetitive or difficult modeling manage-ment tasks - just ask the thousands of users in over 80 countries across all 6 continents!

Ruby Library Depot - http://rhin.crai.archi.fr/RubyLibraryDepot/

A big repository of Ruby Scripts from people all over the world. Choose from one of the ‘Menu’ options to start looking around.

Examples:

FUR - scatter toolSection CutParametricNurb ToolsGridsEllipseFillet

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5. Information Management Own and manage the data, don’t let it own you.

Establish a workflow and information management structure for all design projects. Manage files by type and content, avoid saving files to your desktop and creating large unmanaged folders.

Year - Project Number Project Name 2010-18 SketchUp Tutorial

Subfolders - Docs - Skp - Dwg - Photos - Presentations

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6. WorkflowDepending upon what is being presented, find a workflow that is precise, accurate and fast.

sketch

SketchUpAutoCAD

IllustratorLayout• Layout presentation graphics• Export files for laser cutting / CNC

InDesign

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7. SketchUp TipsRaw sketchup images are an abomination. In architecture, never present using the stock settings and or edge styles. Instead, shape your own graphic style using edges, surfaces, backgrounds for distinguish your work.

Standard Interface

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Step 1 - Set up StylesClick on “Window” pull down menu > Select Styles > Click “Edit” Tab

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Step 2 - Edit EdgesClick on “Edges” > Make Profiles 1 or 2 > Turn off Extension > Turn off Endpoints

Step 3 - Background > Select ground color > Select sky color

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Step 4 - Model Info Setup > Click on “window” pull down menu > Select “Model Info” > Click on “Geo-Location” - opens up google earth interface, or manually enter location of project

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Step 5 - Create layersUse layers to manage model and design, such as making unique layers for “Windows”, “site”, “roof” and so on.

Step 6 - Import sketches or dxf files into model>Click “File” pull down menu> Click “Import”> Click on “Format” Button> Select file type, .PDF, DWG, JPEG....> Click “OK”

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Groups vs. ComponentsAutoCAD users will be familiar with the idea of blocks.

In SketchUp, Groups help create a managable computer model. Groups are a one-time, non-repititive element. If you had an model element that was used in many instances, or repititive, turn the object into a Component

8. Output from SketchUpOne can export or save 2D and 3D file types directly from your model. Depending upon use, one can export to DXF for laser cutting or make a JPEG for a blog update.

On file types:

For Illustrator use .EPSFor laser cutting use 2000 .dxf fileFor web or layouts use .PNG or .JPEG file types

For creating layouts and drawings, follow the next section using Google LayOut to create amazingly looking presentations without much work.

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9. Google LayoutThis is one of the best kept secrets about SketchUp. One can make simple presentation sheets to working drawings within a few quick steps. Again, it depends on the accuracy and detail of one’s model. LayOut has countless page layouts, pre-made titleblocks, drawing tags and dimensioning that is easier to use than any other drafting software. The great thing is that the model can become 2d and 3d drawings in just a few steps. - Import SketchUp models directly into sheets- Add drawing tags, graphic scales and other entourage using SCRAPBOOKS.- Viewports can be scaled