The VCB displays dimensional information while you draw, and can accept typed values as well. The right side of the status bar contains the Value Control Box (VCB). The left side of the Status Bar provides command prompts and SketchUp status messages. The Status Bar is the long gray rectangular area at the bottom of the Drawing window. The majority of SketchUp's tools, commands, and settings are available through the menus. When you start SketchUp, a blank Drawing Window will appear, with the name Untitled. The Title Bar (at the top of the Drawing Window) contains the standard Windows controls (close, minimize, and maximize) on the right, and the name of the document open in the window. Scanning through the menu system can give you a good overview of SketchUp's features.ĭrawing WindowThe Drawing Window is where you create and visualize your model. Many commands in SketchUp are accessible via both tool buttons, as well as by the pull-down menu system. This is a great way to discover advanced capabilities within each of SketchUp tools. The left side displays tips about each drawing tool as well as special functions which are accessible via modifier keys. The Status Bar is located at the bottom edge of the SketchUp Drawing window.

Context HelpĬlicking on the Context Help button (the big question mark) in the Standard Toolbar and then immediately clicking on any tool button, dialog box, or menu command will open the online reference material to the appropriate topic.

Or you can go directly to the webpage listed below to access those Video Tutorials:Ī SketchUP user guides (version 4) can be accessed here. Your computer will try to go online and access streaming versions of the tutorials from the SketchUp web site. Video Tutorials is perhaps the best way to learn SketchUp, You can view them directly through the Help Menu: Menu Access: ( Help > View Tutorials ). The following information helps you learn SketchUp more effectively. It was designed to offer the spontaneity of hand drawing with the speed and flexibility of digital media. SketchUp is a simple, powerful tool for creating, viewing, and modifying 3D ideas quickly and easily. Tutorial 4 - SketchUp / Massing and Terrain

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