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Sketch Up was my first attempt at 3D. It was a good step to getting started. You need a book to really learn what it can do. This book is low cost and very worthwhile.
You can do a lot with the free version of Sketch Up but it has some problems accurately creating planes. I was always trying to heal them. If you need to do 3D solids modeling try the free version of Alibre, but you will definitely need the $300 tutorials there though. If you need to do 3D architecture take a look at TurboCAD Pro with Architectural extensions.Google SketchUp For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
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I recently taught a Google Sketchup introductory class to my Woodworking group - after sampling some of the video tutorials Aidan has available I sought out and purchased the book that references them (this book!). I've found it invaluable as a reference and recommend it to anyone thinking about using Sketchup - it's well written, simply presented and provides ample guidance for the self-learner. It also provided me with some good ideas on presentation when delivering a classroom session on the topic. I plan to present several more classes in Sketchup with a focus on the woodworker and small project design. The book can be used as reference with little adaptation. Sketchup is one of those programs that can be taken in small chunks for a beginner to get up and designing, or it can be explored in depth to produce some stunning presentations, integrated into an entire project plan with examples, production details, animation and movement, multiple perspectives and even cutlists for woodworkers (using the Cutlist plugin). Kudos to the conception and execution and to Aidan Chopra, both the writer of this guide and the Google Sketchup advocate.
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I started using sketchup for the past 6 months to illustrate and study my designs before having to make final models. I purchased this book with a knowledge base of the program so it was not a "break-through" guide that it might be to someone else. In any case, this book is a clear guide to this program and what's even better is that the author provides free guided videos on Youtube.com to further assist this book.
This book won't reveal any special tricks or teach expert methods if there are any, but it should definitely be read for any users of sketchup who want to solidify their knowledge base of Sketchup. The only reason I left one star out is because it was as "in-depth" as I hoped~
www.biblioarch.com
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This book helped me to understand the concepts around the Sketchup software. Although I am still doing the tutorials I have been able to model the greenhouse I am building.
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Google SketchUp for Dummies is one of the best references I've seen for any software help. Author explains complex 3D concepts in layman terms almost anyone can understand. Practice using his guidance and you'll be amazed at what you can build in SketchUp. Keep this book handy...you'll wonder how you did without it!
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