What is SketchUp?

SketchUp is a 3D design application that allows us to design almost anything in real 3D. We can design houses, braais, pipelines, buildings etc.

We can rotate around an object in 3D, we can zoom in, zoom out and we can pan if the design is large and doesn't fit into our screen.

Here are the basics that you must learn in order to start using the program.

​The SketchUp user interface

​The SketchUp user interface

The BLUE axis is the Z axis. It allows us to move along the VERTICAL plane (UP or DOWN). To lock a movement to the Z axis, we use either the UP or DOWN key on the keyboard while drawing.

​​BLUE axis

​The RED axis is the X axis. It allows us to move along the red guide line in the drawing area. We use the RIGHT arrow button on the keyboard to lock the Y axis when drawing.

​​RED axis

​The GREEN axis is the Y axis. It allows us to draw along the green guide line in the UI. To lock in the Y axis, we use the LEFT arrow key.

GREEN axis