SketchUp Free is a new way to use SketchUp for free. Intentionally, it's not the same as our desktop software because, going forward, we're designing our free application for home and hobby use. To start modeling in SketchUp Free click here. SketchUp Free is completely free to non-commercial users. Google SketchUp is a free, easy-to-learn 3D-modeling program with a few simple tools to let you create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions, woodworking projects, and even space ships. Versionless: Browser-based software means you don't need to update it. With SketchUp for Web, you're always running the latest version. Storage and backups: Your models are saved to the web by default, and you get 10MB of free storage. SketchUp Free is the simplest free 3D modeling software on the web — no strings attached. Bring your 3D design online, and have your SketchUp projects with you wherever you go. You don't need thousands of bells and whistles to draw in 3D. All you need is your idea, and room to draw. We still have SketchUp Make 2017 available for free download here. Be sure to download Make, not Pro, for the free version. This can be used on Mac or Windows OS for personal projects. It includes 30 days of Pro, after which the Pro features will turn off and you'll have the free Make version. If you depend on SketchUp's professional modeling and documentation features for your work, we hope you'll consider purchasing SketchUp Pro.
In SketchUp for Web, your models are saved to and stored in Trimble Connect, a web-based storage and collaboration service. This is different from the desktop version of SketchUp, but there are several advantages to using Trimble Connect as a web-based file system (as opposed to the file system in your computer). Here's how managing files works between SketchUp for Web and Trimble Connect:
Table of Contents
Saving files
After you've created a new model, one of the first things you may want to do is save it to Trimble Connect. Follow these steps:
- After creating a new model, click either the 'Untitled' file name or the 'Save' command in the upper left of your screen. In either case, a Trimble Connect dialog will open.
- In the Trimble Connect dialog, first, choose a Project to save your model in. With a Free subscription, you have access to one project, simply called 'SketchUp.' With paid subscriptions, you can create more projects at web.connect.trimble.com. Within a project, you can click the 'Add folder' button to organize your work within a project.
- When you've picked a location in Trimble Connect, click the Save Here button.
Now, as you continue modeling, SketchUp for Web will auto-save your model every few minutes. You can also trigger a manual save by clicking the Save command in the top left of your screen. It's always a good idea to do a manual save before closing SketchUp.
Opening files and recent files
When you launch SketchUp for Web, you'll have the option to open a model from the Home tab (using the Open button or by choosing a recent file), or the Trimble Connect tab. While modeling, you can return to the Home tab or Trimble Connect tab, by clicking the 'hamburger' menu icon in the very top left of your screen. You can also choose the 'Open' command in the File operations menu ().
Recent files
If you choose to open a recent file -- a model that you recently opened or saved in SketchUp for Web -- simply double-click its listing in the Home tab (or single-click its file name). This is probably the fastest way to resume working on a model saved in Trimble Connect.
Your list of recent files is actually cached (or stored) in the browser that you SketchUp for Web with. If you clear your browser cache, use another browser, or use another device, you won't see your recent files. If this happens, don't worry, just use the Trimble Connect tab to find and open your file.
Open files from Trimble Connect
When you choose to Open a file from Trimble Connect, you'll need to navigate to Project where you saved your file -- probably the SketchUp folder if you have a Free subscription -- to find your file. When you do, just double-click it's listing or single-click its name. If you have a lot of files stored in your Project, you may find it useful to change from the default thumbnail view to list view (). In list view, you can sort your file list by name, last modified date, or file size. This can make it a bit easier to find things in a large project. In either list view or thumbnail view, each model has a file options menu. From here, you can choose to open, delete, view file details, or view revision history. These options are also available in the Home tab. |
Revision History
Every time you save a model -- and every time SketchUp for Web auto-saves -- a new version of your model called a revision, is sent to Trimble Connect. So in effect, there is a back-up file that you can always restore. This is very helpful if your model becomes corrupted, if you add geometry or components that make your model difficult to operate, or if you want to revert back to an earlier, simpler version of your model. Here's how it works:
To access revision history for a model, navigate to that model in either the Home tab (if it's a recently accessed file) or in Trimble Connect. Open the file options menu (the three-dot icon) and click 'History'. This will reveal a list of revisions for your file on the right side of your screen.
When you mouseover a certain revision in the list, you'll see an action button: Open revision.
If you choose to open a revision, this older version of your file will load into the modeler. In this state, any changes you make in this older version will be temporary until you choose to save your progress. When you are reviewing a revision, you can choose to save your revision as a copy of the original model (with a different name) by using the Save or Save As commands.
You can also choose to restore a revision using the Restore command in the blue status flag that displays on the left-hand side of the modeling window.
Auto-save and temporary back-up files
In SketchUp for Web, there are several mechanisms for ensuring that your modeling work is resilient to problems like file corruption, browser crashes, and Internet connectivity.
Auto-save
By default, every five minutes, SketchUp for Web will auto-save your modeling progress. If you keep an eye on the Save button in the upper-left, you may notice this auto-save behavior. When an auto-save happens, your file is saved in two important ways: First, a temporary, local back-up of your file is saved in your web browser cache. Second, if you have already saved your model to Trimble Connect, auto-save will send your file to Connect as a new revision. (The same thing will happen anytime you manually click the Save command).
Temporary back-up file
In addition to updating your Trimble Connect file record, auto-save also updates the temporary back-up file of your model stored in your web browser cache. So, if you haven't yet saved a model to Trimble Connect, your modeling progress is saved in this temporary back-up file after the first auto-save. Still, it's a good idea to save your file when you start modeling.
If you exit SketchUp for Web without saving -- or if your web browser crashes -- the next time you open SketchUp, the app will prompt you that a recovered file has been found and give you the option to open this last saved temporary back-up.
Similarly, if you lose Internet connectivity while modeling and close SketchUp for Web before you regain connectivity, you should still be prompted to recover your back-up file. If you notice that you have lost connectivity while using SketchUp, it's a good idea to download your model as a back-up file.
When you are prompted to load a recovered file, the model will load but will not be associated with the file you've saved in Trimble Connect. If you want to recover the progress, use the Save As command to overwrite your saved file in Trimble Connect. Your last saved version is always available in Trimble Connect revision history, just in case you aren't sure what to do with a recovered file.
Opening from and downloading to your computer
If you prefer to work with SketchUp files stored locally on your computer, this is possible in SketchUp for Web.
Opening local files
To open SketchUp model stored on your computer, follow these steps:
- Go to the Home tab, by clicking the 'hamburger' menu icon in the very top left of your screen. (The Home tab is also the first screen that loads when you start up SketchUp for Web).
- Click the Open button, and select 'My computer'
- Navigate and select to your desired file. Click 'Open'
With this method, your model will load into SketchUp for Web as a temporary file. Until you click 'Save', your file will not be uploaded to Trimble Connect. If you don't want to save your model in Connect, follow the instructions below to download your model back to your device.
Downloading files
If you need a copy of your SketchUp file -- or prefer to save and store your files locally -- you can always download the model you are working on to your computer. Follow these steps: Multitrack player windows free.
- Make sure the model you want to download is loaded in the modeling window.
- Open the file operations menu at the top of your screen
- Select the 'Download' command. You'll be prompted to choose a SKP version to download. If you plan to re-upload your model to SketchUp for Web, you can choose any version. If you want to use your file in a desktop version of SketchUp, you'll want to pick a version that corresponds to that desktop version.
- Click OK to download your model.
If you have a passion for architecture or want to design your next DIY project, then learning SketchUp is a great place to start.
While SketchUp is an intuitive drafting and 3D design tool, users can still benefit from undertaking one of the many online courses available.
Because of this, I have rounded up some of the best online SketchUp course that anyone can take from the comfort of their own home. Let's begin!
Top 11 Best Online SketchUp Courses, Classes & Training 2021
1. Sketchup For Beginners – How To Create Your First 3D House (Skillshare)
Mastering SketchUp can seem complicated for beginners. However, this first part of a 3-part course offers the basics skills of SketchUp for students to build on and has very practical structured classes.
It teaches students how to install SketchUp which then follows by familiarizing students with the software's interface. It also walks students through using the selection tool of the program, placing walls, doors, windows, and elements.
During this process, the instructor (taught by Alek Stanojevic) also shows students how to build a real-world 3D model using the software.
Overall, this is one of the best online SketchUp courses to get a solid understanding of the architectural software. Also by being hosted on Skillshare, users can take this course for FREE when activating the 2-month free trial (cancel anytime).
When you launch SketchUp for Web, you'll have the option to open a model from the Home tab (using the Open button or by choosing a recent file), or the Trimble Connect tab. While modeling, you can return to the Home tab or Trimble Connect tab, by clicking the 'hamburger' menu icon in the very top left of your screen. You can also choose the 'Open' command in the File operations menu ().
Recent files
If you choose to open a recent file -- a model that you recently opened or saved in SketchUp for Web -- simply double-click its listing in the Home tab (or single-click its file name). This is probably the fastest way to resume working on a model saved in Trimble Connect.
Your list of recent files is actually cached (or stored) in the browser that you SketchUp for Web with. If you clear your browser cache, use another browser, or use another device, you won't see your recent files. If this happens, don't worry, just use the Trimble Connect tab to find and open your file.
Open files from Trimble Connect
When you choose to Open a file from Trimble Connect, you'll need to navigate to Project where you saved your file -- probably the SketchUp folder if you have a Free subscription -- to find your file. When you do, just double-click it's listing or single-click its name. If you have a lot of files stored in your Project, you may find it useful to change from the default thumbnail view to list view (). In list view, you can sort your file list by name, last modified date, or file size. This can make it a bit easier to find things in a large project. In either list view or thumbnail view, each model has a file options menu. From here, you can choose to open, delete, view file details, or view revision history. These options are also available in the Home tab. |
Revision History
Every time you save a model -- and every time SketchUp for Web auto-saves -- a new version of your model called a revision, is sent to Trimble Connect. So in effect, there is a back-up file that you can always restore. This is very helpful if your model becomes corrupted, if you add geometry or components that make your model difficult to operate, or if you want to revert back to an earlier, simpler version of your model. Here's how it works:
To access revision history for a model, navigate to that model in either the Home tab (if it's a recently accessed file) or in Trimble Connect. Open the file options menu (the three-dot icon) and click 'History'. This will reveal a list of revisions for your file on the right side of your screen.
When you mouseover a certain revision in the list, you'll see an action button: Open revision.
If you choose to open a revision, this older version of your file will load into the modeler. In this state, any changes you make in this older version will be temporary until you choose to save your progress. When you are reviewing a revision, you can choose to save your revision as a copy of the original model (with a different name) by using the Save or Save As commands.
You can also choose to restore a revision using the Restore command in the blue status flag that displays on the left-hand side of the modeling window.
Auto-save and temporary back-up files
In SketchUp for Web, there are several mechanisms for ensuring that your modeling work is resilient to problems like file corruption, browser crashes, and Internet connectivity.
Auto-save
By default, every five minutes, SketchUp for Web will auto-save your modeling progress. If you keep an eye on the Save button in the upper-left, you may notice this auto-save behavior. When an auto-save happens, your file is saved in two important ways: First, a temporary, local back-up of your file is saved in your web browser cache. Second, if you have already saved your model to Trimble Connect, auto-save will send your file to Connect as a new revision. (The same thing will happen anytime you manually click the Save command).
Temporary back-up file
In addition to updating your Trimble Connect file record, auto-save also updates the temporary back-up file of your model stored in your web browser cache. So, if you haven't yet saved a model to Trimble Connect, your modeling progress is saved in this temporary back-up file after the first auto-save. Still, it's a good idea to save your file when you start modeling.
If you exit SketchUp for Web without saving -- or if your web browser crashes -- the next time you open SketchUp, the app will prompt you that a recovered file has been found and give you the option to open this last saved temporary back-up.
Similarly, if you lose Internet connectivity while modeling and close SketchUp for Web before you regain connectivity, you should still be prompted to recover your back-up file. If you notice that you have lost connectivity while using SketchUp, it's a good idea to download your model as a back-up file.
When you are prompted to load a recovered file, the model will load but will not be associated with the file you've saved in Trimble Connect. If you want to recover the progress, use the Save As command to overwrite your saved file in Trimble Connect. Your last saved version is always available in Trimble Connect revision history, just in case you aren't sure what to do with a recovered file.
Opening from and downloading to your computer
If you prefer to work with SketchUp files stored locally on your computer, this is possible in SketchUp for Web.
Opening local files
To open SketchUp model stored on your computer, follow these steps:
- Go to the Home tab, by clicking the 'hamburger' menu icon in the very top left of your screen. (The Home tab is also the first screen that loads when you start up SketchUp for Web).
- Click the Open button, and select 'My computer'
- Navigate and select to your desired file. Click 'Open'
With this method, your model will load into SketchUp for Web as a temporary file. Until you click 'Save', your file will not be uploaded to Trimble Connect. If you don't want to save your model in Connect, follow the instructions below to download your model back to your device.
Downloading files
If you need a copy of your SketchUp file -- or prefer to save and store your files locally -- you can always download the model you are working on to your computer. Follow these steps: Multitrack player windows free.
- Make sure the model you want to download is loaded in the modeling window.
- Open the file operations menu at the top of your screen
- Select the 'Download' command. You'll be prompted to choose a SKP version to download. If you plan to re-upload your model to SketchUp for Web, you can choose any version. If you want to use your file in a desktop version of SketchUp, you'll want to pick a version that corresponds to that desktop version.
- Click OK to download your model.
If you have a passion for architecture or want to design your next DIY project, then learning SketchUp is a great place to start.
While SketchUp is an intuitive drafting and 3D design tool, users can still benefit from undertaking one of the many online courses available.
Because of this, I have rounded up some of the best online SketchUp course that anyone can take from the comfort of their own home. Let's begin!
Top 11 Best Online SketchUp Courses, Classes & Training 2021
1. Sketchup For Beginners – How To Create Your First 3D House (Skillshare)
Mastering SketchUp can seem complicated for beginners. However, this first part of a 3-part course offers the basics skills of SketchUp for students to build on and has very practical structured classes.
It teaches students how to install SketchUp which then follows by familiarizing students with the software's interface. It also walks students through using the selection tool of the program, placing walls, doors, windows, and elements.
During this process, the instructor (taught by Alek Stanojevic) also shows students how to build a real-world 3D model using the software.
Overall, this is one of the best online SketchUp courses to get a solid understanding of the architectural software. Also by being hosted on Skillshare, users can take this course for FREE when activating the 2-month free trial (cancel anytime).
- Shows students how to install the SketchUp software
- Presents the interface of the software with its multiple tools
- Teaches students how to use the selection tool
- Includes a lesson on creating the first 3D element of a house
- Part of a complete house-planning course
- Adhered to by over 2.000 students
2. SketchUp Architect From 2D plans to 3D models (Skillshare)
Up next on my list is a comprehensive 4-hour course that teaches students how to build a 3D model from a 2D plan. By the end of the course, students will know how to create their 3D homes from regular sketches.
The course starts with a lesson on how to important into SketchUp from CAD. Styles and layers of editing are covered in the second lesson. Sandbox tools and contours are detailed next. Lesson number 4 teaches students how to build slabs and the walls of the house. All openings such as windows and doors are detailed in the following lesson.
Driveways are detailed in their lesson. The same attention to detail is given to infinite pools which also enjoy a separate lesson. Roofs enjoy a long 14-minute lesson. Adding a fireplace is also included in the course. Modifying model and heating surfaces follow this lesson. Lessons on fences and landscaping follow. Creating a standard pool is also detailed by the course.
Twilight lighting has its lesson towards the end of the course. Saving all the images is important all of this work is detailed in the last lesson which also takes a look at rendering a nearby environment.
- Shows a real example of transforming 3D sketches from 2D plans
- Presented by a SketchUp Architect creator
- Split into 19 manageable lessons
- All steps are described at beginner level
- Suitable for future architects
- The course is useful for those building a new home
3. Master SketchUp – A Definitive Guide From Infinite Skills (Udemy)
This Udemy course teaches using practical examples. With over 5 hours of training, it dives deeper into SketchUp, one of the most popular programs for 3D home plans. This course is split into 10 modules which are then detailed in multiple sub-lessons.3
The introductory module allows students to set up their toolbar properly. In the second module, students are shown how basic tools work. This includes the circle tool and the polygon tool. In the third module, students learn about creating different types of roofs.
From the 4th module onwards, lessons get a bit technical. Students learn how to measure walls and create opening such as doors. Proper model organizing such as layering for visibility is covered in the 5th module.
In the 6th module, students start to import and edit textures. The ceiling enjoys its module next. Various types of staircases are detailed in the following module. The course continues with fireplaces and mantle columns. The kitchen space and model furniture have their lessons. Exporting options including the creation of photorealistic rendering concludes the course.
- Goes into detail on all major areas of the rendering
- Includes over 5 hours of training
- Adds downloadable resource
- The course offers a certificate of completion
- Enjoyed by thousands of enrolled students
- Created by an e-learning Canadian company
4. SketchUp BootCamp: Creating Interiors with SketchUp (Udemy)
The course aims to be one of the few fun methods of learning SketchUp. It covers the basics of the software together with instructions on the best practices. Presented in videos totaling more than 4 hours, the training course is mainly addressed to those planning to get into the design or for those who want to plan their new home themselves.
Step-by-step instructions characterize the program. Students also get to experiment with mini-projects along the way. At the end of the course, all students can create a building floorplan and work with groups or layers.
They will also know how to work with dynamic components and create sections and elevation. Special attention is given to kitchen designs. As a special addition, the course offers information on working with shadows.
- Presented by a certified SketchUp instructor
- Splits the 4.5 hours of training into short video presentations
- Includes 8 downloadable resources for extra information
- Hosted by Udemy's on-demand learning platform
- Offers a certificate of completion
- All steps are based on the free SketchUp version
5. SketchUp Weekly (Lynda/ LinkedIn Learning)
Hosted on Lynda.com, this extensive course has more than 14.000 views. It is useful for architecture students, CAD, and SketchUp users. Its advanced learning techniques are presented in short lessons which total overall 6 hours of learning.
The first module is dedicated to cleaning up CAD with a few useful extensions. The following module is dedicated to modeling walls and using math for precise forms. Controlling softening and smoothing is next. Photographic entourages and creating depth of field effects with fog are presented in 2 short 15-minutes lessons.
Animating section planes and mastering arrays are presented next. Using a tape measure is also presented in the course. Creating stairs is covered with a separate lesson. Fredo6's Bezier Spline is presented next. From controlling objects to animating sections, the tools are presented in its full potential.
Other tools are also covered towards the end of the course. SketchUp and Revit are used together via IFC. Sandbox tools and the FredoScale are presented at the end.
- Leverages SketchUp extensions
- Shares best practices on the SketchUp toolset
- Improves CAD drawings
- Uses math to model precise forms
- Suitable for intermediates
- Presented by a specialized CAD and 3D trainer
6. SketchUp for Architecture (Lynda/ LinkedIn Learning)
Following a typical residential building project, the course is aimed specifically at architects. It teaches students how to transform drawings into 3D presentations. Such presentations are the final versions of the 3D model's clients get to see.
With over 5 hours of training, the course already has more than 37.000 views. At the end of the course, students can adjust typical SketchUp settings and install plugins. They create components and import CAD drawings.
Modeling a house is the project which puts all of this theory into practice. Students add walls, doors, and windows. They create textures and complete the home with a roof. The interior of the home is modeled next. Before going into exporting the files, students are given landscaping tips.
- Split into 10 modules totaling more than 5 hours of training
- Popular on Lynda.com with 37.000 views
- Presented by an international architecture lecturer
- Includes exercises for students
- Introduces a geolocation module
- Covers interior furnishings
7. Google SketchUp for 3D Modelling (Alison)
Google SketchUp is a free version of the 3D modeling program and it is specifically made for architects and civil engineers. At the end of the course, enrolled students know how to use their tools and measures accurately. They know how to use different views of the model. Students also learn how to change various components if needed.
There's a certificate of completion awarded at the end of the course. But for this certificate to be awarded, students need to score 80% or higher in each assignment. Unlike most similar courses, the Google SketchUp for 3D modeling lasts 1 to 2 hours.
Since its being organized by Google, it already boasts more than 44.000 students. It is one of the shortest methods of learning how to transform an image into a 3D model.
- Strongly based on personal assignments
- Completed by more than 44.000 students
- Awards a Google certificate at the end of the course
- Teaches basic SketchUp tools
- Presents the transformation of an image into a model
- A framed certificate is included with free shipping
8. Design your Room Using Sketchup (Udemy)
This introductory SketchUp course simplified the learning process for students. It only focuses on creating the perfect room instead of describing the entire modeling of a residential building.
Even so, the course goes over a few of the most popular tools of the software and how they are put into practice. It sets up navigation, it shows students how to use these tools. Building walls and a room is presented in a separate lesson.
After the room is built, students are taken over a few decoration tips. They learn how to add lighting, colors, windows, and floors. These lessons are useful in bringing the room to life. A few technical skills are mastered at the end of the course. Flooring and window measurements are covered from this perspective. A final assignment concludes the course.
- Based on a short 1.5-hour presentation
- Allows lifetime course access through Udemy
- Teaches students how to model a room from scratch
- Offers a certificate of completion
- Includes a final assignment
- Presented by Rebeca Robeson, an interior designer, and YouTuber
9. SketchUp to LayOut (Udemy)
With 3.5 hours of video presentations, the course represents one of the options students and future architects have to master SketchUp. Using LayOut, it offers a better perspective mastering viewpoint.
At the end of the course, students know how to specifically optimize models for LayOut. They learn this with simple step-by-step instructions. Students also learn how to create a complete set of documents inside the LayOut.
A few advanced techniques are covered as well. They include creating section cuts, hatches, and effects. It also teaches students how to create personal styles right inside SketchUp.
- Includes 16 modules with 61 lectures
- Presented by a uniquely-experienced carpenter
- Includes 6 downloadable learning resources
- Dedicates 30 minutes of learning on project reviews
- Presents advanced techniques such as using the SectionCutFace plugin
- Teaches students how to use annotations
10. Learning SketchUp Free (Lynda/ LinkedIn Learning)
This course teaches students how to use SketchUp Free. This online-based software is a free version of the SketchUp pro and the presenter shows students the main differences between these two versions.
The program interface is presented logically so that students can make the most of it at any time. Drawing and working with basic components is described next. Manipulating objects in an organized way is another theme covered in the course.
Materials and textures are swiftly covered by this course. Furthermore, importing and exporting the final model is something students get to learn.
- Short course duration of 2 hours
- Presented by an animation director with clients such as Disney
- Sets up the basics of the free version of SketchUp
- Includes 7 modules with short lessons organized by topic
- Offers crucial tips on how to keep workflow organized
- Includes guidance on exercise and individual learning
11. SketchUp 101 (SketchUp for Interior Designers)
30 Day Free Trial Sketchup
This beginner-orientated course takes 3D work back to basics. It teaches students how to download SketchUp and navigate its toolbar. A drawing module with 10 lessons is presented next.
This module is specifically interesting in learning basic geometry, push/pull principles, tape measuring or editing groups. While the course is not as comprehensive as others, it aims to introduce beginner students to the world of SketchUp.
Sketchup Free Version
The guided learning is presented patiently by an interior designer. Based in California, Tammy has been designing for over 7 years and the tips on using SketchUp are rooted in her real-world experience.
Google Sketchup Free Online
- Teaches SketchUp with no previous experience required
- Offers a swift presentation of the navigation panel
- Presents basic drawing tools such as selection and the eraser tool
- Shows how to undo actions and start over
- Offers pointers on the axis alignment
- Allows enrolled students to complete the course at a personal pace
Are Online SketchUp Courses Worth It?
Sketchup Pro Free Trial
Sketchup has been inspiring architects for years. The two versions of the software include a downloadable option as well as an online-based option. But it can seem complicated to start using such complex software.
Future or current architects can always benefit from learning more about their 3D modeling. This is the main reason why SketchUp courses, classes, and training are such a powerful resource. They offered guided learning and the perspective of mastering the software at a personal pace.
SketchUp course can cover specifics such as designing a simple room. But they can also go in-depth and teach students how to model an entire home with landscaping. The following courses approach SketchUp learning from various perspectives.
