Google SketchUp: The Missing Manual

Description

If you want to learn to create 3-D models using Google SketchUp, this Missing Manual is the ideal place to start. Filled with step-by-step tutorials, this entertaining, reader-friendly guide will have you creating detailed 3-D objects, including building plans, furniture, landscaping plans -- even characters for computer games -- in no time.

Google SketchUp: The Missing Manual offers a hands-on tour of the program, with crystal-clear instructions for using every feature and lots of real-world examples to help you pick up the practical skills you need. Learn to use the basic tools, build and animate models, and place your objects in Google Earth. With this book, you will:

* Learn your way around the SketchUp workspace, and explore the differences between working in 2-D and 3-D
* Build simple 3-D shapes, save them as reusable components, and use SketchUp's Outliner to show or hide them as you work
* Tackle a complicated model building with lots of detail, and discover timesaving tools for using many components
* Animate the model by creating an interior walkthrough of your building
* Dress up your model with realistic material shading and shadows, and place it in Google Earth

 It's easy to get started. Just download the program from Google.com, and follow the instructions in this book. You'll become a SketchUp master in a jiffy.

CONTENTS:

The Missing CreditsIntroductionPart I: Basic SketchUp Skills
* Chapter 1: Building a Bench: Your First SketchUp Model
* Chapter 2: Starting Off in Two Dimensions
* Chapter 3: Drawing in Three DimensionsPart II: Building a House
* Chapter 4: Drawing a Basic House
* Chapter 5: Working Smarter with Groups and Components
* Chapter 6: Changing Styles and Applying Materials
* Chapter 7: Organizing with Outliner and LayersPart III: Advanced Construction Techniques
* Chapter 8: Drawing a Hipped Roof and Using Follow Me
* Chapter 9: Advanced Techniques for Groups and Components
* Chapter 10: Matching Your Photos in SketchUpPart IV: Adding Realism and Movement
* Chapter 11: Adding Shadows and Placing Your Model in Google Earth
* Chapter 12: Saving Views and Animating with ScenesPart V: Saving, Printing, and Sharing Projects
* Chapter 13: Importing, Exporting, and Printing
* Chapter 14: Finding, Creating, and Sharing Components
* Chapter 15: Designing Edge Styles in Style Builder (SketchUp Pro)
* Chapter 16: Presenting Your Model with LayOut (SketchUp Pro)Part VI: Appendixes
* Installing SketchUp and Getting Help
* SketchUp Menu by MenuColophon