SketchUp Tips for Architecture – Part 2
Part 2 – Check out part 1 here!
6. Save views and visibilities with scenes
When you have a series of views that you’re going to come back to, save them as scenes for quick navigation. Scenes can store everything from camera views to section cuts. Eventually, they’ll be very important for setting up your model in Layout as well.
Check out this video for more info – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB3YiDLmd4k
7. Model using keyboard and mouse shortcuts
Modeling with keyboard and mouse shortcuts to access various tools will save you a significant amount of time. Use the middle mouse button on a three button to orbit, then pan by holding the shift key.
8. Adjust your auto-save time to back up your model. Save to a dropbox folder to work from multiple computers.
You can set up the duration between which your model saves by going in and adjusting your backup settings. In addition, if you save your file in an online location, like dropbox, you can access it from multiple locations.
9. Use styles to check for flipped faces
It’s always a good practice to make sure the front side of faces in your model are facing outward. Otherwise, you can run into issues with rendering programs and other problems. You can use SketchUp’s styles to check for front and back face issues.
Check out this video for more info – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4kMtxcwZpk
10. Use color by axis to make sure objects are on-axis
One of the most frustrating things in SketchUp can be when you try to model along an axis and your line gets drawn slightly off axis. Your faces won’t work properly, and everything becomes a bit of a mess. However, you can use color by axis to check your lines to make sure they’re on axis.
About Justin Geis
Hi, I'm Justin Geis, and I'm the founder of The SketchUp Essentials. I started using SketchUp as part of my work as a general contractor in 2008. I quickly realized the power of the software and started using it for personal projects. I started The SketchUp Essentials as a place to share easy to follow SketchUp tutorials and tips to help everyone harness the power of 3D Modeling in their lives. When not working with SketchUp, I enjoy playing soccer and spending time with my wife and our two dogs.
