Book Image

Taking SketchUp Pro to the Next Level

By : Aaron Dietzen aka 'The SketchUp Guy'
Book Image

Taking SketchUp Pro to the Next Level

By: Aaron Dietzen aka 'The SketchUp Guy'

Overview of this book

Anyone who’s worked with it will know that SketchUp is the quickest and easiest way to create 3D models. While its approachable interface makes it super easy to learn, this book will show you how the extremely capable SketchUp software can take you far beyond what you may have initially thought possible. Get ready to level up from a basic user to becoming a SketchUp ninja! Each chapter will take you through the capabilities of SketchUp, challenging you to use tools in innovative ways. This includes organizing your model, modifying native commands, customizing your interface, utilizing inferencing, and much more. Additionally, you’ll learn about the extensions that can be added to SketchUp to supplement the tools you have been using, allowing you to make your 3D modeling process quicker, easier, and more powerful. By the end of this SketchUp book, you’ll have an enhanced understanding of how to use the impressive range of tools and be on your way to customizing SketchUp for your one-of-a-kind workflow.
Table of Contents (21 chapters)
1
Part 1: Getting More Out of Native Tools
7
Part 2: Customizing SketchUp and Making It Your Own
13
Part 3: Extending SketchUp’s Capabilities for Modeling

3D Mice

Unlike traditional mice which are used to move your cursor on the screen, a 3D mouse will move your camera through 3D space. This device is not a replacement for your regular mouse, but a piece of equipment that can work alongside it. A 3D mouse is not technically a “must have” device to run SketchUp, but more and more professional users are adding them to their standard gear for good reason. 3D mice come in different shapes and sizes, but all center around the basic functionality of a puck that can move in 6 different axes. These movements are translated into camera or model movements inside of SketchUp, allowing you to spin around a model as if you were holding it right in your hand, or flying around a model like you would in a helicopter.

Before we dive into the advantages that a 3D mouse can bring to your SketchUp game, I want to again say that I am just giving you an idea of what is available when it comes to these peripherals. I have no association with...