How Long Does it Take to Learn SketchUp?

Like many aspiring designers, you might want to learn SketchUp but worry that it will take too much time. Most people say that SketchUp is a relatively beginner-friendly program and that most people can learn within a matter of months. Of course, this depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn SketchUp and some resources to help speed the process along.

What is SketchUp?

SketchUp is a 3D modeling application. It can be used to create and manipulate 3D and 2D models for use in a wide variety of design fields including interior design, architecture, video game design, mechanical engineering, and landscaping. It can also be used to create and download models for 3D printers. This application is owned by Trimble Inc. It has a free version and a pro version and is used by both hobbyists and professionals.

Most users say that SketchUp is relatively easy to learn and use. One unique feature of the application is that you can push and pull shapes into 3D models. You can also add textures, colors, and styles to your models to make them look more realistic and appealing. SketchUp has a large library of pre-built models and objects that users can download, and it supports many plug-ins. In addition, it has a large community of users who share models and tips online.

What Can You Do with SketchUp?

SketchUp is a modeling program that can be used to visualize a variety of different types of designs. You start with basic shapes and use the many tools included in this application to create 3D models of buildings, landscapes, furniture, and other objects. You can add details to these models, such as lighting, shadows, and textures, to make them look realistic. SketchUp also provides access to many pre-built models that can speed up your work process, and a variety of extensions that you can use to customize your designs.

As a designer, you can use SketchUp to get a better understanding of what your design will look like. Visualizing your design is also a great way to test its function and look for potential flaws. If you want to make changes to your designs, doing so in SketchUp is relatively easy too. Another benefit of using SketchUp is that you can share your designs with clients and team members. This is important because design is typically a collaborative activity. By creating models, you can help everyone involved gain a clear understanding of the design. You can also collaborate with team members in other locations.

Average Time it Takes to Learn SketchUp

The time it takes to learn SketchUp varies widely, but most people say that it is possible to learn the basics--such as using basic tools and creating simple shapes--within a few weeks. If you spend a lot of time learning and practicing, you may be able to master these basic concepts even more quickly. After that, it depends on what level of proficiency you want to attain. If you want to be able to use the application’s advanced features and create complex models, it’s likely to take you a number of months. To fully master the application, including all of its plugins, it could take up to a year.

Other Factors

There are a number of factors that will have an impact on the amount of time it takes you to learn SketchUp. These include whether or not you already have experience with design or 3D modeling, what type of class you take, and how much time you devote to practice.

Prior Experience

The amount of time it takes to learn SketchUp will partly depend on the experience that you already have. Most people say that SketchUp is relatively beginner-friendly, however, if you know something about design, you’re likely to learn more quickly. If you already have some experience with 3D modeling, you are also likely to master this application more quickly.

How You Learn

The way that you learn SketchUp will also have a significant impact on how long it takes you to master this application. Most people find that the quickest and most effective way to learn is to take a live SketchUp class. With a live class, you’ll be guided by an experienced instructor, and you’ll be able to ask questions and get feedback. All of this can help you master the application more quickly. You can also learn SketchUp by taking an on-demand class, or self-teaching, however, these learning methods are likely to take longer.

Practice

Learning a new skill requires practice, and mastering SketchUp is no exception. By practicing, you can reinforce and sharpen the things that you learn in a class. Most SketchUp users say that they attained proficiency in this application through many hours of practice. 

Ongoing Learning

While most people are able to learn SketchUp in a number of months, it is also important to remember that the learning process will never be completely over. Technology and trends change over time, and this means that you’ll always need to continue learning in order to keep your skills up-to-date.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

SketchUp has a reputation for being relatively easy to learn and use. Most people say that you can learn the interface and master the basic tools within a matter of weeks. However, there are a lot of different tools, and mastering all of them can be more difficult. In addition, the application has many extensions, which provide additional functions, and these can also be more difficult to master. With time and practice though, almost anyone will be able to learn SketchUp.

SketchUp was specifically designed to be beginner-friendly, and in most cases, there are no prerequisites for learning it. Since it is a design program, it can be helpful to have a background in design, however, this is not essential. SketchUp is a 3D modeling application, so it can also be beneficial to have some 3D modeling experience, however, in most cases, this is not a prerequisite either.

The cost of SketchUp will vary, depending on the version that you want to use. SketchUp Free is a free version of the application, which is designed for personal use. There are also a number of different pay versions, which include more features than the free version. Each of these is available for a free seven-day trial, and after that, a yearly subscription is required. SketchUp Go is $119 per year, SketchUp Pro is $349 per year, and the Windows Only version is $749 per year. SketchUp also offers plans for students and educators, at $55 per year. Another consideration related to cost is the price of learning the application. You can teach yourself, using free online resources. However, most people find that the quickest and most effective way to learn is by enrolling in a paid SketchUp class. Class prices vary by school, with most costing somewhere between a few hundred and a thousand dollars.

Watch a Free SketchUp Online Course

If you’re new to Sketchup, free introductory online resources are a great way to learn some basic skills. Noble Desktop has many free seminars, tutorials, guides, and blog posts on a wide variety of different design-related topics. Get Started in Design: Graphic, Web, UX/UI & Motion is a popular free seminar, and gives you an overview of many different types of design and the tools used in each of these fields. In this course, you can get a better idea of what designers do, and the types of apps that they use. Graphic Design Fundamentals is another free Noble Desktop seminar. It covers what Graphic Designers do, and how to get started in this field. You can learn about what types of classes you can take, and how to begin building a portfolio.

There are also a number of other places to find free resources. Some schools offer limited free courses. For instance, LinkedIn Learning has a short course called “Learning SketchUp for Free,” and Udemy has a number of free courses including “The Quick Basics of SketchUp Free!” SketchUp’s website offers free resources for users, including a number of resources on how to set up this application and how to get started using it. Its website also contains a forum called the SketchUp Community, where you can consult with other users. 

Learn SketchUp with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

If you want to learn SketchUp, you’ll find a comprehensive, beginner-friendly course offered by Noble Desktop. The SketchUp Pro Bootcamp is a multi-day class that is designed to give you hands-on experience using this application and will get you ready to start building 3D models. It covers a wide range of topics including interface navigation, drawing shapes, adding volume, and transforming elements. You’ll also learn to connect and generate forms, generate 3D text, and export models to Google Earth. Noble Desktop is located in New York City, where it offers in-person classes. However, all of its classes also run in a live online format. Students can even access recordings of each class session for up to a month after the session. This school is licensed by the New York State Education Department. Its courses come with a certificate of completion, and students also have the option of a free course retake within one year.

Noble also offers a number of live AutoCAD classes. These include AutoCAD Level 1, which is a short class that covers AutoCAD’s basic drawing and editing tools; AutoCAD Level 2, which covers more advanced and technical projects; and AutoCAD Level 3, which is an advanced course that provides students with instruction in annotation, dynamic blocks and attributes, collaboration and publishing, and customization. Students looking for a more comprehensive class might also consider the AutoCAD Masterclass. This course takes students from beginner to advanced, and students will work on a number of projects that allow them to practice their skills. Noble also has an AutoDesk Certification Program that is designed for students who want to earn the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting. This course includes three AutoCAD classes and six hours of private tutoring. The course fee includes the exam, proctoring, and a free exam retake if needed.