@Last Software makes learning how to use SketchUp easy with its online training. The training package includes many QuickTime movies, allowing the viewer to select where he or she wants to go. There are also sample projects to see the power of what SketchUp can do. You can download a free trial version.

At the homepage shown above, you'll read: "Developed for the conceptual stages of design, this powerful, easy-to-learn software allows for quick and easy 3D form creation, modification and communication," and they're not exaggerating. While in Boston, I saw a demo of the software and it blew me away. It looked simple enough to try it. So, I decided to build a project.

I proceeded to draw my apartment, build walls, windows, place furniture, select textures, etc. With the Pencil tool I was able to draw the dimensions of the wall. The Orbit Camera tool allows you to rotate the 2D shape into 3D space. You can also make it into 3D using the Push/Pull tool. This tool is useful for stretching faces quickly although it works only on surfaces and not edges. While making my drawing, the status bar indicated the lengths but not the angles. However there is a Protractor tool that allows you to enter exact angle measurements and which snaps to position on the faces of an object.

The result was not a work of art, but it was accurate and to scale. The ready-made furniture didn't exactly match what I had so I had to build my own. When I was finished, SketchUp made me look like an expert. The copious tutorials were very helpful, the built-in support is outstanding, and the Help is at your fingertips.

SketchUp offers an elegant way of drawing and extruding shapes. It is very good. Though it is designed to be used easily by beginners, its price tends to make it a product for the serious user or professional. For the average user, the price keeps this from being a five-apple product.

Reviewer: Maria O. Arguello Maria O. Arguello has been a Pennsylvania resident since 1970. She is a native of Nicaragua but became an American citizen in 1964. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola University of New Orleans and her Master of Science degree from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Since retiring from the Philadelphia School System as a science teacher and science department head, her newfound time has allowed her to become more involved with her Mac and the User Group Community. Maria is president and vendor liaison of the Main Line Macintosh Users Group (MLMUG), where she has also served as member-at-large and as special events coordinator. She is the Apple Regional Liaison for Online Groups.

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© 2004 by Maria O. Arguello & MLMUG
Posted 09/28/04
Updated 10/02/04