Getting Started with SketchUp Video 1

And also SketchUp's Skill Builders (these are quicker format tutorials around 5 minutes):

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[AprilWilkerson]

1:10 Picking a template 1:35 General features of SketchUp 1:50 Opening larger tool pallet 2:37 Rectangle Tool 4:05 How to click a mouse in SketchUp 4:44 Navigation Tools 5:36 General Push/Pull Tool 7:21 Over exaggerating 8:05 More Push/Pull features 9:31 Select Tool 11:02 Circle Tool 12:00 Line Tool 13:14 Tools snapping to the axes 14:00 Inference Points 14:40 Tape Measure Tool 15:16 Esc Key 15:34 Backing up a Step - Control Z 15:45 Guide Lines - Tape Measure Tool 18:50 Delete Guide Lines 19:18 Components 19:55 Triple Clicking Parts 21:30 Editing a component 22:22 Move Tool 23:54 Copy and Move 26:50 Make a Component(s) unique 27:16 Rotate Tool

[thomasstevenson]

I've been using SketchUp for a few years and what I learned from your video is that I've been using it WRONG all these years!! April, you have a calming intelligent approach to all your instructions that make it so easy to understand. You are always so clear in your communication that you make the difficult look easy. Thank you so much!

[Onward]

I’ve been using sketch-up for a while and I learned something from this video because of your teaching style. I seen many others, but you have a real concise way of communicating. Your a natural teacher. Keep these coming.

[DawgsChamp]

To execute a copied component on Windows, after you start to move it, press Control. Just wanted to share in case anyone else on Windows was like me trying to figure out how to copy.

You mentioned to move it and then hit Option. I thought, I don't have an option button. I then realized you are on a Mac. I was paying more attention to what you're teaching in SketchUp. I have Windows so I had to press different buttons to figure out what button would execute a copy. On Windows, it's control. Just wanted to share. Thank you a million times over and over for your two videos. You are a blessing. Thanks for taking the time to do these for us that want to learn SketchUp.

[richardsowers]

I've recently started using SketchUp in a 30-day free trial. There's a lot to learn! I've been watching YouTube instruction videos about SketchUp that have been helpful but, it's amazing (and often confusing) how different instructors have very different teaching techniques, good and not-so-good. Being a retired college professor, I'm finicky about teaching techniques. April is an excellent teacher. First, she's an eager student who wants to know how things work and how to apply them to everyday life. She has an insatiable curiosity. This is a beneficial trait for any good instructor. Second, it is my guess that she teaches in the manner she learns - by breaking down components in easy-to-understand steps and concepts. She's a user-friendly instructor par excellence. Third, she exudes a pragmatic positivity that is infectious and develops instant trust from her viewers. This is paramount. I turn to April's videos first when I want to learn a new technique that I know little or nothing about because she's a delight to watch and gives solid information that I know has been well-researched. Kudos to you, April, for all of the wealth of knowledge you bring to each and every video. I feel honored to be one of your students.

[hopedog]

I’ve had this damn program for almost a year, in fact my subscription runs out next month...this is the first tutorial I have found that I come away feeling like I learned something useful. Everything is explained clearly, in a practical way, and it makes sense. Thank you for the video.

[bv]

Wow, thanks. I learned more in 20 minutes than after reading “Sketchup for Dummies” three times. You would make a great teacher.

[murraymetcalf-CA]

April is a natural teacher! This very basic tutorial appears to be exactly what I need to get over the seemingly huge initial stumbling block of getting started with this very capable program. Looking forward to learning enough to hopefully be able to design out some awesome workshop design/layout scenarios before I do the build.

[tonymccreath]

April, your lessons are so much better than others, easy to follow and learn great traits! Maybe listen to you so long, just comfortable and familiar with you. Joined you building first shop way back when!

[andrewjeffries]

I admire a craftsman who shares knowledge like this to help others. You're excellent, April.

[bdkane]

As a beginning woodworker, I have found this to be the best video on how to begin using Sketchup! I'm an Engineer that uses AutoCAD every day and found this program to be very similar, but April really shows it well. Thank you April for helping someone like me understand Sketchup through a beginner's eye. You're the best!

[farzadgolkar]

April, I have watched a few "tutorials" on Sketchup on YouTube. Yours was the only one that I watched and followed effortlessly and without getting bored. You have an innate ability to dissect the subject matter into easy-to-understand elements. Thank you.

[thisisme]

This is by far the best tutorial on SketchUp I’ve ever seen. I’ve been intimidated by learning this program so I’ve avoided using it altogether. I can say in the last week I’ve spent a couple hours practicing every day and I’ve successfully modeled all new cabinets for my laundry room and a new built-in wine rack for my basement! So much easier and helps you develop a strategy for how you’ll actually build it, too. Keep going with this - so much knowledge you have to share, I’m sure!! Thanks from Nebraska! :)

[dalebenji]

"What I hear I forget, what I see, I remember, what I do .... I understand. What I teach, I understand better." After your video I can teach my friends this part of Sketchup with confidence. So many comments below reflect my feelings as well. Intuitive, patient, clear explanations with logical sequencing and thought. A treat to experience and learn from your video. You have "it." the subtle, yet monstrous ability to connect with your audience in a meaningful and engaging fashion . Well done April.

[irudi]

I've been messing around with sketchup for years and always struggled with drawing when dragging. You just saved me from so many aggravated nights.

[marketingscarborough]

WOW This is the one and only tutorial on Youtube that is actually brilliant instructions for Sketch-up. I have tried several tuts on this subject and nothing compares to this one. Perfect explanation, no hype, very easy to understand and follow along. Thank you so much for saving me so many hours of learning. April you are the best.

[daleprezgay]

I have watched at least a dozen "Beginner" videos for Sketchup over the years, (all the way back to the early days that Google owned it) and I've never been able to grasp it, until now. Your teaching style is similar to mine. I used to teach Accounting Software classes. I would teach the classes like I was teaching my Mom how to do it. You explain the simplest of tasks without making us feel like idiots. I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.

[Mal]

I've been mucking around with sketchup for ages and never really got very far.
This is by far the best and simplest tutorial I've seen, including their own.

[paulfrederiksen]

You get the award for the best woodworking sketchup tutorial on YouTube. Well done! I had to learn most of this the hard way, trial and error. Your instruction and delivery are excellent. Thank you.

[sas]

Absolutely brilliant! I’ve been looking for a good tutorial on Sketchup for weeks now and this has it all. I like your presentation speed, no gaps, no bulls**t, no umming and erring 😄.
I first started watching your videos over 4 years ago, maybe more like 5 years, you did small projects. And made your workshop shelves, French cleat style which I copied for my own workshop. You’ve come a long way since then and so has your tools and machinery ! You’ve got more equipment than I had in my School workshop. Keep safe