3D Sketching with Google Sketchup

Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling tool is very simple to use. It is available free at http://sketchup.google.com . Once the executable file is downloaded, double-click it to start the installation program. This operation requires two to three minutes. After installation, launch Google SketchUp. The learning center will open automatically, if you're not familiar with 3D software, we suggest you take a look at the advice.

SketchUp allows you to easily make very complex shapes with just a few clicks, thanks to an ergonomic interface.



To draw a house, click the "Rectangle" from the toolbar (point an icon with the mouse to display a tooltip, if you have trouble identifying the tools). Then the basic shape of your home, on the floor.

For more precision and speed, enter the dimensions in the text box in the lower right corner, just after your layout rectangle (eg "10 m 5 m 'or a floor area of 50 square meters). Confirm the values by pressing [Enter].

The shape you draw is for the time being, a rectangle. To become a home, you should first apply a volume. To do this, click the "Push / Pull" in the toolbar (or menu "Tools> Push / Pull"). Then click on your rectangle to select it. You can stretch up or down. If you are not comfortable with the mouse, you can once again enter a specific value in the text field.

Once the form is created and it is 3D modeling, it is interesting to navigate in your creation. SketchUp has three tools to watch your model in all the seams:
Orbit is used to turn around the subject.
Panoramic view moves laterally.
Zoom brings you closer or away from the form.

Feel free to turn around the object and see including the views from below and above!

With SketchUp, the level of realism that does not depend ultimately your creativity. To treat the details, add geometric shapes to the object. Each rectangle is independent and can be extended indefinitely. "Arc" is a very powerful tool: it lets you draw shapes that are rounded to give more realism to the object. You can also include cylindrical shapes with the tool "Circle."

Also draw simple lines with the tool "line", using benchmarks machines, which will match your traits with the edges of the rectangles. It is ideal to form the window frames for example. Note that the geometric shapes must be closed so you can stretch them or reduce them.

Tip: Google has set up a bank of 3D images public. You can get very elaborate figures by clicking on File> 3D Warehouse> Downloading models.

For now, the form that you have outlined the contours is an empty shell. For 3D modeling takes its full meaning, we must now apply textures. Select a surface model and click on the bucket of paint (Color) in the toolbar. A new window appears. It provides you with all the colors and textures predefined SketchUp. Pull down the menu to select the texture that suits your needs and put it on the area. You can add this manner of tiles, bricks and even apply transparency to your template!

However, despite the very real quality textures provided, you will get a better result using a real photo as a texture. To do this, click Choose File> Import. Select one of your pictures on the hard drive and select the radio button "Use as texture".

Plate now your image against the face of the model, expanding to the wife roughly its size. If the angle does not correspond exactly, choose the selection tool, right-click on the image and click on "Texture" and "Set". Enter the four handles and make them coincide with the edges of the texture. Then hold the left mouse button down and drag the edges to fit the contours of your model ...

If you really want to take advantage of this program, please feel free to dive into the software. In addition, there are forums devoted to SketchUp. To begin, click the "Help> SketchUp Community 'to access Google SketchUp forums : http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewforum.php?f=51).