Product Description

Google SketchUp is the exciting free software package that makes 3D available to everybody. Whether you need to build 3D models for work, or you’ve just always wanted to explore 3D modeling, Google SketchUp was made for you. Still, it does take a bit of understanding to get started, so turn to Google SketchUp 7 For Dummies.

In classic For Dummies tradition, Google SketchUp 7 For Dummies gets right to the point so you can start creating 3D models right away. You’ll learn to:

• Set up SketchUp, learn about edges and faces, use inferences and guides, and build your first model
• Establish a basic end–to–end workflow for creating and sharing models
• Model non–boxy objects like terrain, characters, bottles, and spheres
• Add details like stairs, gutters, and eaves
• Spruce up your models with styles and shadows to add effects, make objects pop, and enhance realism
• Use the LayOut function to draw with vector tools, add text and callouts, and print your work
• Design buildings and objects, export your models to other design programs or to Google Earth, and explore 3D animation

On the book’s companion Web site, you’ll also find a bonus chapter and videos demonstrating more about what you can do with Google SketchUp. Google SketchUp 7 For Dummies also shows you what SketchUp can and can’t do, and offers tips for solving common problems. Add a new dimension to your work today!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8313 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 456 pages

Review
"full of tips and techniques" (British Woodworking, October 2007)

From the Back Cover

SketchUp brings 3D to everybody! Find out how, and start creating 3D models today

Maybe you need to build 3D models for work, or maybe you′ve just always wanted to explore 3D modeling. Well, Google SketchUp was made for you, and here′s what you need to get up to speed right away. Learn to make buildings and other objects, print your models, export them to other programs (including Google Earth), create 3D animations, and more!

• Hit the ground running — set up SketchUp, learn about edges and faces, use inferences and guides, and build your first model

• Develop a workflow — set up basic end–to–end workflow for creating and sharing models with your friends, clients, and co–workers

• Beyond buildings — model non–boxy objects like terrain, simple characters, and household objects like furniture

• Take a different view — spruce up your models with styles and shadows to add effects, make objects pop, and enhance realism

• Create presentation documents — use LayOut in SketchUp Pro to add text, callouts, and images; draw with vector tools; and print models to scale

Open the book and find:

• What SketchUp can and can′t do

• How to add style to your model

• Tips for building different types of roofs

• How to add stairs, furniture, and landscaping

• Effects that add realism to your models

• How to build models for Google Earth

• Ways to solve common SketchUp problems

• Ten plugins, extensions, and resources to consider

About the Author

Aidan Chopra is the product evangelist for SketchUp at Google. He writes and edits SketchUpdate, a popular e–newsletter and blog that reaches hundreds of thousands of SketchUp users worldwide.

Customer Reviews

The SketchUp bible
This book is an invaluable reference if you need something more than the Google help files and video tutorials available through SketchUp. When used with Chopra's YouTube videos you can be using the software to model almost anything within a few hours of drawing your first lines. I've knocked a mark off because it doesn't cover the Sandbox tools which admittedly are only availble in the Pro version, but some information on basic operation of these tools would have been good. Otherwise worth every penny. I don't know how Chopra's new Wiley book on SketchUp compares but it would need to go much further than this if it were to be worth its much higher price tag.

SketchUp just gets better!
SketchUp has been a splendid program for a while now and its just getting better and better - this book supports SketchUp splendidly. Written in a style that is neither patronising or too technical it supports SketchUp really well. I am a fairly long term user of SketchUp but I found plenty in the book that I didn't know and I have enjoyed reading about one of my favourite programs - SketchUp.5/5

A great place to start
This book has been really useful at giving me an overview of what you can do in SketchUp 7 and how to do it. I found it easy to follow and understand. In some cases, descriptions and pictures aren't quite enough to explain how certain tools work, so I have looked at some video tutorials on the SketchUp site and used the instructor window in the programme it's self to see animated examples too. However, over all this is a brilliant and accessible book and I would definatley recommend it.