Check out Video 1 here, where I cover the beginning concepts and tools for SketchUp here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mQ53cqpsZRM.html
Great vid as usual. Two tips, if you are denoting inches, you don't need the Quote mark after the number such as 8". Just 8 is good since sketchup defaults to inches. But for feet, you do need to put the apostrophe after the number such as 8'. Also, once you have the model drawn, instead of using the tape measure, use the dimension tool which is similar to the tape measure, but it will actually put the correct dimension on the drawing so you can readily know what size to cut the piece to. Since I don't have a computer in my shop, I simply take a picture of the finished drawing with it's dimensions on my phone or ipad and then I have it for reference in my shop without having to print it on paper. Of course if you need to see a detail, just zoom in on your picture since phones and ipads are easily zoomed. Can't do that with a print out.
Hi April. You are my 4th attempt at SketchUp "how to" videos. You Win! Thank you so much for your method of teaching. I built the table with you the first night, then I went back the next morning and built it without your video, made a few mistakes, but got there. That evening I rewatched again and built it with you for practice. You make it much less intimidating. Will definitely be looking to learn more about it's tools for use in my new venture as I turn this hobby into a business.
By far, the best SketchUp tutorial I've come across yet. I started from knowing nothing other than how to install the tool, to being able to model basic shapes and manipulate them. You're a fabulous instructore, definitely subscribing to your channel. Thanks!
This is by far the best sketchup tutorial I’ve seen, and I’ve seen way too many. They’re mostly done by frustrating, unclear, rambling, cringey nerds. I’m sorry, most of them just suck. April has a gift for teaching. I hope there are more in the offing.
Long time mega hospital builder exposed to very complex and detailed BIM modeling of structures, and complex mechanical and electric systems, but I can't model my own box until now. Very well taught and easy to follow! This will help me a ton! Thanks!
I listened to several other tutorials on Sketchup and kept getting lost. Yours is very easy to follow and keep up with. Part 1 is what makes it so easy to keep up with. Thanks so much for all you do.
Best beginning sketchup video yet. I am a long way from getting where you are but the cabinets and things I build are practically exactly like your cabinet only I use drawers. I have looked at a lot of sketchup videos but yours is the first that really explained it well. Regards, Bill
I don't know how many "SketchUp Beginner" videos I watched and quickly got lost. You have actually given me some skills that I can remember and use. Thank you so much for your help!
HEY APRIL - GREAT TWO VIDEOS - I TAUGHT DRAFTING & CABINETMAKING FOR 45 YEARS AND I KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO KNOW A CAD PROGRAM AND UNDERSTAND WHAT ENTRY LEVEL (OF THE STUDENT) IS RELATIVE TO THE LESSON - YOU PICKED THE CORRECT LEVEL FOR EACH OF YOUR TUTORIALS - I LIKED THE WAY YOU INTRODUCED THE VARIOUS TOOLS IN THE FIRST VIDEO AND THEN APPLIED THEM TO THE ACTUAL PROJECT EXAMPLE - YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN ONE OF MY "TA'S" IN BOTH OF MY CLASSES, I KNOW FOR SURE - KEEP THE VIDEOS COMING - NICE JOB!
I found your channel about a month ago, new shop tour. I watched a couple of your more recent project videos and really enjoyed your style and manner of presentation. That prompted me to do something I often do when I like a channel, I went back to the beginning of your channel and started watching your videos in order from start to finish (I'm in year 4 now). Wow! 7 years, that's it? I am so impressed with your woodworking skills, relatability, and teaching skills. I have been woodworking (hobby) for 40 years and teaching high school for 26, the last 3 years engineering and Industrial Tech. You do an amazing job! I have been using and teaching Inventor, SolidWorks, and AutoCAD and recently have been learning Fusion 360 for some X-Carve work....but as I want to redo my school MakerSpace and my personal home shop I thought there was a better tool out there (using them for layout and design is like using a supercomputer to do algebra). Struggled a bit with Sketch-up until I watched your videos...totally made sense, I see how this program works now and it is the right tool for creating a shop layout and my projects. Can't thank you enough, keep the videos coming.
Thank you, April. I haven't used Sketchup for few years and needed a quick relearn. This was just what the doctor ordered. A great balance between being thorough and concise. I feel so much better. I was even able to correct some mistakes as I followed along, remembering the basics from Video 1. I concur with others who hope you will do some more Sketchup tutorials. You are an excellent teacher!
about a year ago I gave up on sketchup due to poor instructions on RU-vid. within the past 2 days I am addicted due to your period of instruction. you keep it simple and slow paced. easy to follow. thank you.
thanks April. Your video was the easiest to follow to learn some of the weird nuances of Sketchup. Knowing when to click, and when not to, makes a big difference. The tape measure tool for offset guidelines and the tip to click on a corner with the move tool to have it find a reference point were massive time savers. This video may be old, but it still helped me out in 2024!
Wow - thank you April! I have been woodworking for 20 years and have probably tried to get started with 3D modeling at least that many times. In each case, I threw up my hands in frustration and shut down the software for another year. Now that we are all social distancing, I decided it was time to try again. Lo and behold, after following you step by step in your first video, I was able to make my first real model of a small project I am working on. Even my kids were impressed. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
April, April, April :) Love your work. I haven't been following much these last few years as I've got too many of my own things to do. I've been modeling a couple things lately for my work. I run a small mowing business as well as automotive repair, fabrication and carpentry. My latest project has been a second floor inside of a 14' x 40' storage unit. I've built three of these in the past 4 or 5 months, and the latest one with folding stairs. In college I used Autodesk Maya, but sketchup is very much the same. It's been over 10 years since I've used it and I managed ok modeling my project (after I built the first one), but now I'm getting the urge to model more stuff... hence, I'm turning to you for instruction. Like many other's have noted, you're a great, natural born instructor. I really love your style. I miss your pink floyd t-shirt :) and I love your signature wave bye. Cheers ! Uncle Vic's Workshop
I've watched several YT videos about this topic and your two videos, by far, have been the best. I now feel like I've gotten a much deeper understanding of SketchUp. Thank you so much April!!!
I had learned from you, then I didn't use it for some time and I forgot a lot, so I came back to your two videos and now I'm back!... Thanks for your help.
I've been out of woodworking for about 30 year or so and I realized how much I've forgotten. Your video on modeling will help me greatly. I also see your excitement and passion while on camera. Not to mention you're a marvelous woodworking artist. My father was a cabinet maker while growing up in Italy so I have a little bit of the bug in me. My career path ended me up in corporate America for 40 years which I don't wish on anyone. Now that I retired it's time to get back and build my shop all over again. Still using a Craftsman 113.XX with the original fence and miter guide. UGH!!!! Anyway just wanted to thank you for getting me motivated again.
As other viewers have said, this is the best SketchUp tut I've seen. I have tried to learn from others, but could never quite get it. I learned more from you in two hours than I did watching other videos repeatedly and fumbling through the program. THANK YOU for this April, I hope you'll consider diving further into SketchUp for us.
Thank you for making it so simple to understand! Please keep going with this Sketchup segments. I have learned more in the two 25 minute videos then any of the 100 or so videos I have watched from people like Sketchup themselves to Jay Bates. You explain it so well! THANK YOU!
I've watched several of these types of learning videos, but I must say yours is the best...so clear, great narration and practical hints/tips (like how the drag and drop is different in 3d programs!). Thanks!!
I was literally just struggling with a sketchup last night. This was much needed and I now feel a bit more confident to tackle designing upcoming projects! Thanks for taking the time to make these helpful vids!
Thanks for a great video, April. I have tried working with Sketchup before, and watched other videos on it, but never really got the hang of it. Your videos made it so simple, and teaching straight from the beginning with the shortcut keys really helped. I hope you will be making additional Sketchup videos covering making a cut list, marking dimensions, etc.
Hi April, I'm new to using skitch up and I tried the program before taken lessons 1 & 2 and I was totally lost. Now what a great help your lessons have been. Thank you so much now I feel I can do this. Great job you are a great teacher.
April, You are the GOAT. I was building storage in the garage and I just didn't like the way the space underneath looks with my current store bought shelving. So after staring at it what seemed hours I decided to go to the RU-vidS for inspirations and what do I stumble upon? Just your awesome tutorial. This will definitely help me create something unique. Thanks for all your hard work.
Thank you so much. This is a great material. In line with Ross's comment, if you ever get tired of woodworking, you are an excellent teacher. Please carry on.
Thank you so much for these 2 videos. I tried SketchUp a few years back and couldn't figure out what to do, so I put it down and never came back to it. Just kept going with drawing things in my notebook of things I want to build. I am computer inclined and I kicked SketchUp to the corner which is odd for me. Then I just saw your two videos. You made it sound so easy to understand. I like to watch and listen first, then replay it and try it hands on on the program. I remember downloading the program a long time ago, but not sure if I still have the setup file. I just recently bought a new laptop so I know it wouldn't be on here. I went to the SketchUp site and seems they have changed it to online only and subscription only. Relieved to still see a free version even though it's online only. I'm just a hobbyist for now. When I do more with building things and maybe selling, then I will definitely do the pro version and pay for it when it's more needed. Thank you for showing us how to get started. Your teachings are easy to understand and make complete sense.
I am new to woodworking and found that SketchUp can definitely help in planning out my projects. I enjoyed the tutorials you have shared and found knowledgeable in simplifying the functions of each icon. I have viewed various sketchup video but find yours very user friendly. Thanks for publishing the videos and hope to view more in the future.
April, many years ago I watched one of your videos that helped me build a barn door. I've built several since. As usual, your videos make building easy. Love this one. Watching over and over. thanks for your expertise and teaching skills.
If your new business doesn't work out (which I'm pretty sure you'll be very successful), you could definitely go into teaching. After trying to learn sketchup several times, this is the best I've understood the basics, and feel I have a solid foundation to build on. Thanks.
April, you are an inspiration. As I start to build a shop for myself up in Maine I plan to document everything on RU-vid. I just recently found your channel and have seen how you have grown and sharpened your skills over the years. It is truly inspirational and you should be proud. Congratulations on the new shop and I look forward to the many amazing things I know you will build.
April, I can't express just how much I appreciate you doing these videos on sketchup. I have learned more in your 20+ minute videos than I have trying to learn on my own. Your explanations were so clear and easy to understand that after seeing yur video I was already doing simple table projects..... WOO HOO!!!!!!!! Now the only problem that I am confronting is knowing (actually understanding) how to use the scenes/layers/layouts options (i think?) in order to be able to print on 1 page several angles of my project (ex.: front, side, back, top view, bottom view, etc.) Would you consider making a video on this topic to finally understand what others are talking about as it seems that I come out with more doubts than actual knowledge after seeing their videos. BUMMER!!! Please, consider this as I am quite sure than I am not the only one with this issue. Thanks again April.... YOU ROCK!
Hi, April. Great tutorial for beginners. Quick note, if you're using the inches templete, you don't need to type inches with the ' " ' symbol. SketchUp defaults to inches with any set of digits you type. 36 will give you 36" automatically. You are using a laptop, saves extra keystroke. If you need ft, then you type the ' symbol. just a simple tip for your viewers like me. I really enjoy your down to earth approach to all your projects. Keep up the great work.
Oh my, April, thank you so much for these 2 videos! I have been only dabbling with SketchUp for the last couple years because I couldn't really figure it out. I've watched videos but they didn't explain it the way you did. I'd get frustrated with it and leave it for a few months, or more. Now I have a more pressing need to design an L-shaped wall desk/workspace for electronic projects. I may even make a C-shaped desk to house a pull-out drawer for my 77 key electronic piano. (It is currently freestanding.) In any case, I am much further along than ever before and making true progress. Your technique of over-exaggerating and typing in the distance is extremely useful. It is so much faster than trying to drag the exact distance. I appreciate you a LOT!
I saw when you first posted these, but just now had some time to get back around to it. I'm a hack with Sketchup, but it sure is a powerful tool. I finally got around to watching your tutorials today, and while I knew most of the functions already, you really helped it 'click'. You really do have a gift. Thank you for these.
Thank you so much! Extremely easy to follow, I watched both videos, twice and in only 2 hours I’m creating amazing 3D plans and designs for my fledgling youtube channel! The best Sketchup tutorial on RU-vid!
I watched both videos and this was by far the best tutorial of SketchUp that I have seen. I am new to woodworking but I have worked in IT for years and attended many training classes and online web classes. Your basic approach and attention very small details all the way through repeating what you already taught us was outstanding. Great job and thank you! I feel ready to start planning my shop workbench....yes I know you have plans, but I want it to be my own design for my space! ;) Be Safe!
Hey April, I have tried SOOOO many sketchup tutorials and yours is the first that has really made sense!! Thankyou, you’ve really made my (isolated) day here in the uk! Are there more to come?
I have struggled with SketchUp previously. Your clear videos have put me on the right path. Excellent videos.... Thanks for sharing. it will make my small garden shed building much more efficient.
Wow, I have tried so many times to figure out this program only to give up in frustration. I am halfway through your tutorial and am following along successfully! Thanks so much April!! I’m psyched….you are a great teacher and I appreciate the time you took to put this together. Thanks!!
April, thank you so much for these tutorials, previously I would get fed up wit Sketchup and just begin making my project without modeling. You give the basics and the confidence I needed in these videos to give it another go!! Thank you keep up the great work.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Your tutorials were so perfect. So easy and clear that know I actually think I can put SketchUp to use and not just be stumbling through every time. Thanks!
By far the clearest and most helpful video on Sketch Up. I've tried others but they were not as clear and concise as yours. Thank you for bringing me out of the fog.
April, I have been using SketchUp a long time. Currently I'm using Sketchup Make 2017. I have learned more in the time it took to watch these two videos than all the years I've used it! Pro2020 is different for sure, but most of the short cuts carried over. I really have been doing things the hard way until now! Thank you so much for your efforts to teach this.
Thank you April for both videos. I'm a retired Civil Engineering Technician and have used AutoCad and MicroStation since 1986. I see most if not all wood workers and others using SketchUp. I used to redesign roadways and in my last job parks. So I understand the concept but nice to know the language of sketchUp. So Thank You so much. Will you be making another video that tells us how to get the parts list and dimensions of each part.
April- This is the 2nd time I have watched these videos; SketchUp should sponsor you for more tutorials. As a SolidWorks expert, with your expert instruction, I feel I could create anything using SketchUp using what you have taught me. There a still operations I probably could not figure out like revolves or sweeps; perhaps you could do an advanced version of these tutorials since it is a year later. I tried several times on my own to learn SU, but your step by step made it SO logical: cake. Thank you!
I bought a new laptop during the coronavirus to learn sketchup, with a view to beginning woodwork, because my job in retail is probably gone, and this video has been one of the best I've watched in the last few hours. Thanks! 🇮🇪
Thank you April! Over the last several months, I've been trying to self learn SketchUp for a couple very simple projects I have planned, but I never have the free time to commit to reading lengthy tutorials or watching instructions that are overly complicated for my needs and beginner level. Your video taught me so much in a short amount of time! I needed this! :)
Great tutorial. I’m a long time graphic designer and that whole “click and drag” thing was killing me in sketch up every time I’d try my hand at it. 😂 Your tutorial was awesome. Gave me the basics I needed. Keep up the good work!
April, Many people say how intuitive certain software programmes are, nothing beats the human guide, particularly when it is specifically channeled to the end user I.e new starter ...... simply brilliant! Thank you.
Hi April, I'm just starting woodworking as a hobby and I really enjoy your videos as I think you are a good teacher. Been using sketchup (free version) to visualise the projects I want to build and this video has help with how to line up the end points of the various components I have created. Keep making woodworking videos to help newbies like me, all the best from Germany/Austria (work in DE, live in AT), LG.
Thanks for posting this! I see all woodworkers use sketchup and I am helpless at at. This is such a huge help. I’ve been a fan of your videos for years.
Thank you for making this video. Not many people show how or what they use to model their work and I have been looking for an easy to use modeling or cad software.
Thanx April, I decided to learn SketchUp once COVID emerged and I have been struggling with the intricate operations of the program. I stumbled across your two videos and all of a sudden you show me the light. Thank you so much, you are a superstar, I really do appreciate you producing these two vids. SxB
This tutorials are awesome. Way better than what sketchup has on their site. Great job and keep them coming! I have tried to learn this program 3 different times and it is starting to click this time.
Thank you April for shariing this, you made it all look so easy which as I found after following your tutorial, it is, I have watched so many video's before I found yours, all they did was confuse me (easily done done some days), now I can use SketchUp so much better than before.
Subscribed. Awesome video, you got me started in sketchup and I'm already building things I would have had never been able to plot out with a pen & paper!
This (and the previous video) are genuinely excellent. You are a fantastic teacher. I have been using SketchUp for a while but this has clarified the use of many of the tools and will definitely improve my efficiency and accuracy. Thank you so much.
Thank you April! Very helpful tutorial, the correct pace, the right amount of information and you got straight to the point. Some of these guys feel like they need to give us their entire woodworking resume, when really we just want the information. Good job and looking forward to more tutorials.
April, this has gotten me excited about using computer modeling for my designs. Thank you so much! A note for PC users: when moving and coping highlight the component you want to move/copy, then type "M" and then Ctrl + C, then grab a corner and move the copy to the new location. Apple must have a different key stroke. Again, Thank you so much for making this exciting again.
I have tried sketch-up before and got frustrated with it but your explanation gave me the desire to try it again and doing as you explained, i have started to get the hang of it on the easy stuff. I hope we see more of the design videos like this one in the future, i am sure it will help others as it did me.
You are incredibly good at instructing. Here in this software and also in your videos. This is something that a lot of makers struggle with. It's very easy to learn from you. Thanks a ton and bravo on your success!
Thank you. At work I use AutoCAD (w/Civil 3D) and Trimble Business Center but they are company resources. I wanted to use SketchUp for my hobby/extra income woodworking. However, I had a tendency to think in the ways of AutoCAD and TBC and even though SketchUp is much like these programs, the subtleties can be frustrating. I have started a drawing in SketchUp multiple times only to give it up and use a different program. This video helped me clear up some practices and old habits that I just assumed should work in SketchUp as well. It frustrated me. I have a difficult time trying to focus on written manual instructions (more a hands on learner) or watching monotone lecture videos. I found your video to be informative, engaging and straight to the point. I will definitely check out more videos. Thanks again.
Awesome examples. Thank you. I’ve been procrastinating at learning sketchup because it seems very tedious. Your video instructions are concise and easy to follow along
Well done. I have been using the program occasionally but am very much a beginner. You made a number of suggestions that will save me a ton of time next time I draw something.
