Why Learn SketchUp?

SketchUp is a popular 3D modeling application that can be used to create and manipulate 3D models. Have you ever explored all of the things SketchUp can do? It is a popular tool in many different types of design including architecture, landscaping, interior design, mechanical engineering, and video game design. Here, you’ll learn more about the types of careers that benefit from SketchUp and how it can enhance your professional life. Regardless of your overall goals, learning SketchUp is a valuable and impressive skill to add to your resume. 

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.

Common Professional Uses for SketchUp

SketchUp is used in a number of different design industries. It is a popular tool for Architects and Interior Designers. They use it to create detailed models of their designs, and also to analyze their designs to look for potential flaws. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a federal agency that collects and analyzes labor market statistics, between 2022 and 2023, Architects will see 5 percent job growth, which is faster than the average job growth rate of 3 percent. The agency says, “Architects are expected to be needed to make plans and designs, particularly in sustainable design, for the construction and renovation of homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and other structures.” BLS notes that a significant percentage of architects–about 13 percent–are self-employed. BLS predicts 4 percent job growth in interior design over the next ten years. It notes, “As the demand for renovation projects increases, homeowners and companies are expected to need services provided by interior designers to help create safe and functional spaces. A greater focus on building codes, as well as the need to design spaces that meet accessibility standards, may also help to create jobs for these workers.” 

Civil and Mechanical Engineers often utilize this application too. It allows them to create a simulated version of their design and see whether or not it has any major flaws. This way, they can avoid problems before they actually create the product. BLS predicts that mechanical engineering jobs will increase by 10 percent over the next decade. It explains, “As manufacturing processes incorporate more complex automation machinery, mechanical engineers are expected to be needed to help plan for and design this equipment.” Civil engineering jobs are expected to increase by 5 percent. According to BLS, “With continued investment in U.S. infrastructure, civil engineers will be needed to manage projects that meet society's need for upgrading bridges, roads, water systems, buildings, and other structures.”

SketchUp is also used in many other industries that involve design. Video Game Designers use it to create scenes and graphics that help them bring a story to life. Product Designers also use it to create detailed models of their designs and to test them for functionality. Other fields using SketchUp include industrial design, woodworking, metalworking, and steel fabrication.

A User-Friendly 3D Modeling Option

One thing that makes SketchUp popular among designers is that it is relatively easy to use. Its interface and tools are intuitive and fairly easy to work with, even if you have no experience with 3D modeling. In contrast, some other modeling programs--like AutoCAD--can be much more difficult to learn if you don’t know anything about 3D modeling. SketchUp also has a large library of 3D models that you can use to speed up your work process. By using these models, you won’t have to create everything from scratch. Finally, this application is compatible with a number of other types of software, which means that you can easily transfer data between different programs. If you want to learn SketchUp, taking a live class will make the learning process even easier. For instance, Noble Desktop offers a SketchUp Pro Bootcamp that is designed to give you hands-on experience using this application, and will get you ready to start building 3D models. 

A Versatile Application

In addition to being relatively easy to use, SketchUp is an extremely versatile program. There are many different extensions that can be used with SketchUp, to add functionality and to customize your designs. These extensions are created by third-party developers, but are easily installed in SketchUp, giving users a variety of additional tools, and helping them customize SketchUp to their specific needs. For example, there are extensions that allow users to add a variety of realistic-looking textures to their models, like metal, stone, or wood. Other extensions include extensions for animation, for modifying existing geometry, for automating tedious or time-consuming tasks, and for adding a variety of custom drawing tools.

A Valuable Design Tool

SketchUp can be a valuable tool if you plan to work in any type of design industry. For most types of design, building 3D models is an important part of the process. By creating a model, you can easily and accurately share your designs with a variety of different stakeholders. This allows them to see exactly what the design will look like and suggest any changes before you actually start building that design. As a designer, it's also important for you to understand what your design will look like in the real world so that you can more easily find any flaws, and make changes earlier in the design process, when they are likely to be less costly. 

How to Start Learning SketchUp

One of the best ways to learn SketchUp is to enroll in a live SketchUp class. There are many advantages associated with a live class. Most live classes are led by experienced instructors who also have professional industry experience. They can answer your questions and provide feedback in real time. They can also share insights about industry trends, best practices, and challenges that you are likely to encounter. Another benefit of taking a live class is that you’ll be learning along with a group of peers, which can help you learn more quickly and more effectively. Peer interactions can also lead to valuable networking opportunities. Live classes often come in two formats; in-person and live online.

Another learning option is an on-demand SketchUp class through a website like Udemy, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning. On-demand courses are made up of a series of pre-recorded lessons and exercises, and students work through this material at their own pace, without the guidance of a live instructor. There is a lot of flexibility in this format since you don’t have to follow along with a group. You can set your own learning schedule, stopping and starting whenever you want to, and you can pause or rewind sections of the course that you need more time with, or fast-forward through material that you have already mastered. However, with a self-paced, on-demand class, you won’t have access to real-time guidance and feedback from an instructor. Self-paced classes also tend to require a higher level of motivation.

Finally, free online resources are also a good way to learn some SketchUp skills. For instance, 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. Some schools also provide free learning resources. For instance, Noble Desktop has 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 Noble seminar, and gives you an overview of many different types of design and the tools used in each field.

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.