Google SketchUp 7 For Dummies [Paperback]

Aidan Chopra (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470277394 | ISBN-13: 978-0470277393 | Publication Date: March 9, 2009 | Edition: 1

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!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"full of tips and techniques" (British Woodworking, October 2007) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 472 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (March 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470277394
• ISBN-13: 978-0470277393
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #305,799 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More 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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for experienced users too., November 8, 2007

By 

L. Quaglio - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Google SketchUp For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers)) (Paperback)

I am a retired professional engineer, architect, and 3D graphics artist/instructor. I have been using SketchUp Pro for about 3 years mainly for creating Earth and space structures that I later import into Daz Bryce for rendering. This well written, light-hearted, and extremely thorough book is an essential asset for begineers and a valuable reference tool for anyone using SketchUp. Computer software manual writers can often times get over zealous with methods and confuse everyone but themselves. Fortunately Aidan Chopra is not one of those people. If you want to draw most anything you can imagine you need to do two things. First download the free version of SketchUp and second buy this book. You will be very pleased with both actions.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great - for beginners, September 1, 2007

By 

Robert M. Johnson (Cincinnati) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Google SketchUp For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers)) (Paperback)

I bought the book because I wanted to get started using SketchUp to draw a house construction plan. I wanted to see what the house would look like in 3-dimension. I reviewed the on-line training files and got a good understanding of what SketchUp could do, but, as one might expect, there was not a lot of "how-to-get-started" information.
The book is well written and easy to follow. It is set up based on a training theory I like, trial and error. The base example is a house sketch with vague dimensions. As you begin to follow the instructions, you make mistakes. You quickly learn how to erase your mistakes and re-start. After a bit, I began to have something worth saving. Once saved, it became a means of re-starting after "big" mistakes.
It is truly a learn-by-doing tool.
I haven't used the book for the more complex features of the program.
I got what I wanted and the price of the book was a small price to pay for the lesson.
I used to use MacDraw years ago on a Mac. This is the best casual drawing tool I've seen since then.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what the doctor ordered!, December 12, 2007

By 

David W. Malcom Sr. (Palm Springs, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Google SketchUp For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers)) (Paperback)

This book along with the online videos will get you up and running fast. It's see one, read one, now do one. The online videos are the key to doing the book as sometimes the books doesn't contain all the information for completing the project. So you have to write down the dimensions from the video into the book. This is what I did and I was able to follow along with the book and complete the projects. In a word "excellent."