SketchUp support
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Set up SketchUp and learn the essentials.
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Articles in this category
Accessibility
SketchUp provides accessibility features for users with specialized needs where possible. The Accessibility section in Preferences is where you will find options that make SketchUp’s color-based modeling cues even more accessible.
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Creating and Editing Shortcuts
SketchUp shortcut settings and their limitations.
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Default Keyboard Shortcuts
Using shortcuts is a great way to model efficiently, and SketchUp’s default shortcuts can help you get started.
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Dialog Boxes and Trays
Manage SketchUp dialog boxes and trays, including independent macOS windows.
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Drawing
Customise SketchUp drawing and Line tool click settings.
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Entity Context Menus
SketchUp’s context menus offer different options depending on what type of entity you are working with. Knowing what’s available when you context click an entity can help you skip a few clicks and model with better precision. Note: Not all context menu options will be available for every entity of the same type.
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Files
Set local save locations in Files.
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General
The General tab contains a few different categories, each with options that adjust SketchUp’s basic functionality.
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Getting Started in SketchUp
Learn the basics and create your first SketchUp model.
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Getting Started with AI Render
AI Render requires a Go, Pro or Studio subscription, internet access and AI Credits.
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Getting Started with Gaussian Splats
With the Gaussian Splatting extension, you can view and manipulate high-resolution, photorealistic 3D environments in your SketchUp models. To help you, we’ll walk you through installing the extension and loading up your first splat.
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Getting Started with Sefaira
Sefaira plugin installation and support.
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Getting Started with Trimble Site Contractor
Trimble Site Contractor (TSC) is a SketchUp for Desktop extension that helps integrate SketchUp with Trimble Siteworks. It converts 3D geometry into accurate, reliable, and actionable field data for layout and earth-moving workflows.
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Graphics
SketchUp graphics settings for your device.
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Importing and Exporting Shortcuts
SketchUp saves your shortcut preferences when you make any changes. If you use SketchUp on different computers, or are upgrading to a new one, you may want to export those preferences and import them into SketchUp on the new device.
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Improving Performance
SketchUp system requirements and performance practices.
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Managing Dialog Boxes in Mac OS
Manage independent SketchUp dialog boxes on macOS.
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Managing Dialog Boxes in Windows
Manage Windows dialog boxes in SketchUp trays.
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Managing Units of Measurement
Set measurement units and precision in Model Info.
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Model Templates
The template you choose when you first create a new model determines a lot of your model’s settings. SketchUp includes a few templates that represent the most common applications including architecture, construction, urban planning, and landscaping among others.
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Navigating the SketchUp Interface
Find SketchUp tools and interface features.
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Opening a Saved Model
Open a saved model from Welcome > Recent Files.
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Preferences
Customise SketchUp in Windows Preferences or macOS Settings.
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Quick Reference Cards
Quick-reference cards for SketchUp and LayOut shortcuts and icons.
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Saving a Model
Save .skp models for supported SketchUp versions.
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Searching in SketchUp
Find SketchUp tools with Search.
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Shortcuts
Assign tool and command shortcuts in Preferences.
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SketchUp Compatibility Considerations
View SketchUp's supported operating systems, including macOS and Windows compatibility, unsupported virtual environments, and multi-monitor display guidelines.
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SketchUp Hardware and Software Requirements
SketchUp hardware/software requirements; internet access is required for subscription authorisation.
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Tips and Tricks
Tips for common beginner SketchUp problems.
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Toolbars
SketchUp’s tools are sorted into several toolbars. The Getting Started toolbar is the default toolbar seen when opening a new model. All other toolbars can be activated using the View menu.In the example below we’ve activated the Standard, Styles, Large Toolset, and Warehouse toolbars.
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Using SketchUp
Use SketchUp modelling tools.
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Using SketchUp in Virtual Environments
SketchUp virtualisation policy, performance limits and support restrictions.
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Using Your Mouse
Use a three-button scroll-wheel mouse in SketchUp.
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Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires any Information and Communication Technology (ICT) developed, procured, maintained, or used by federal agencies to meet certain accessibility standards.
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