SketchUp how-to guides
Each guide answers one question, opens with a direct answer, and documents the native SketchUp method before naming any extension. 18 guides across 3 districts.
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Architecture
Turn a drawing into a building. Set a plan to scale, raise walls, cut openings, resolve roofs, and shape the ground the building sits on.
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Set a floor plan to the correct scale
BeginnerHow do I import a floor plan into SketchUp at the right scale?
Native: File > Import, Tape Measure, Lock, Layers/Tags · Extensions: LizArk
Read the guide -
Draw walls from a traced plan
BeginnerWhat is the fastest reliable way to build walls over a floor plan?
Native: Line, Rectangle, Push/Pull, Offset, Groups · Extensions: LizArk, Profile Builder 4
Read the guide -
Cut door and window openings
BeginnerHow do I cut a window or door opening through a SketchUp wall?
Native: Rectangle, Push/Pull, Cutting components, Tape Measure · Extensions: LizArk, 1001bit Pro
Read the guide -
Build a hip or gable roof
IntermediateHow do I model a pitched roof in SketchUp?
Native: Line, Move, Protractor, Follow Me, Intersect Faces · Extensions: 1001bit Pro, Joint Push Pull Interactive, LizArk
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Make terrain from contour lines
IntermediateHow do I turn contour lines into a 3D terrain surface in SketchUp?
Native: Sandbox From Contours, Sandbox Drape, Sandbox Smoove, Move · Extensions: Artisan Organic Toolset
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Model stairs that actually fit
IntermediateHow do I model a staircase in SketchUp with correct riser and tread dimensions?
Native: Rectangle, Push/Pull, Move + Copy array, Components · Extensions: 1001bit Pro, Profile Builder 4
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Interiors
Fit out the inside. Bring in furniture without wrecking performance, control materials, run trim and cabinetry, and get drawings and quantities back out.
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Place furniture without slowing the model down
BeginnerWhy does SketchUp get slow when I add furniture, and how do I stop it?
Native: Model Info > Statistics, Components, Tags, Outliner · Extensions: Skimp, CleanUp³
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Control materials and texture placement
Beginner Native onlyHow do I apply and align textures properly in SketchUp?
Native: Paint Bucket, Texture > Position, Materials tray, Eyedropper
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Run trim, skirting, and cabinetry
IntermediateHow do I model skirting and cornice that follows the room?
Native: Follow Me, Line, Arc, Offset, Groups · Extensions: Profile Builder 4, Joint Push Pull Interactive
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Produce sections and elevations
IntermediateHow do I get section and elevation drawings out of a SketchUp model?
Native: Section Plane, Parallel Projection, Scenes, Create Group from Slice, LayOut · Extensions: Curic Section
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Get quantities out of a model
AdvancedCan SketchUp give me areas, volumes, and material quantities?
Native: Entity Info, Generate Report, Tags, Component naming · Extensions: Quantifier Pro
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Round and bevel edges
IntermediateHow do I round off or chamfer edges in SketchUp?
Native: Arc, Follow Me, Soften/Smooth Edges, 2 Point Arc · Extensions: FredoCorner, Artisan Organic Toolset
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Visualization
Make it presentable. Repair a heavy model, lock down scenes and camera, render it, populate it, and hand something a client can actually open.
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Fix a heavy, slow model
IntermediateMy SketchUp model has become unusably slow. How do I fix it?
Native: Model Info > Statistics, Outliner, Purge Unused, Styles, Tags · Extensions: CleanUp³, Skimp
Read the guide -
Repair solids for 3D printing and CNC
AdvancedWhy is my group not a solid, and how do I make it watertight?
Native: Entity Info, Fix Problems, Solid Tools, Hidden Geometry · Extensions: Solid Inspector², CleanUp³
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Model organic and sculpted forms
AdvancedHow do I model curved, organic shapes in SketchUp?
Native: Follow Me, Sandbox Smoove, Soften/Smooth Edges, Scale · Extensions: Artisan Organic Toolset
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Render your first presentable image
BeginnerHow do I get a good-looking image out of SketchUp?
Native: Camera > Field of View, Position Camera, Shadows, Styles, Export 2D Graphic · Extensions: Enscape, V-Ray for SketchUp
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Light an interior scene
AdvancedWhy do my interior renders look dark and flat?
Native: Shadows, Solar North toolbar, Position Camera, Styles · Extensions: Enscape, V-Ray for SketchUp
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Add entourage and context
IntermediateHow do I add trees, people, and cars without destroying performance?
Native: Face-me components, Tags, 3D Warehouse, Scale · Extensions: Skatter, Skimp
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