Google SketchUp: A Free 3D Modelling Software
Google SketchUp is a free 3D modelling software intended for the conceptual phases of design. It provides all the necessary tools to create 3D models which can be shared in various ways, such as the publishing through Google Earth service. Google SketchUp is an easy to use 3D modelling software, and besides its simplicity in usage, one can find various resources, like video tutorials, an extensive Help Center and a worldwide user community, which represent an impressive number of alternatives for a quick start with SketchUp.
Practically, users are enabled to model any 3D shape or sketch, the only limit being your imagination. Here are a few examples: “Redecorate your living room. Design a new piece of furniture. Model your city for Google Earth. Create a skatepark for your hometown, then export an animation and share it on YouTube”.
The models can be built from scratch or for new ideas, ready made ones are available for free download Google 3D Warehouse, a searchable repositories of Google SketchUp compatible 3D models.
These are a few highlights from the new list of features introduced into the latest version of Google SketchUp (Google SketchUp 7):
-With edges that automatically break other edges where they cross, objects that are smart enough to know how they should behave when you interact with them, and drawing hints that are clearer and more consistent, Google SketchUp 7 is the most intuitive SketchUp ever.
-When you draw a line that crosses another line on the same plane, both lines are split where they meet. Most folks think this is how SketchUp should have worked from the start. Well, now it does. Say goodbye to tracing over edges to make them split.
-New Dynamic Components are special: they’re programmed to know what they are. When you use the Scale tool on a dynamic staircase, it automatically adds or removes steps as you make it bigger or smaller. No more stretching, no more distortion.
-In SketchUp 7, you can search for models in the Google 3D Warehouse right from the Component browser, take credit for what you contribute, keep track of your collaborators, and generally bask in the glow of knowing you’re part of the worldwide 3D community.
Google SketchUp modelling software is available for free download for the following operating systems: Windows XP/Vista and Mac OS X (10.4+). Linux users have the possibility to run the Windows version with Wine.
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