SketchUp Tutorials for Architects: The Most Useful Web Sites and Resources

SketchUp is a very powerful tool for architects and designers, as it gives you a realistic view of the actual project you are creating. It turns the pencil drawing into a flexible 3D model which you can orbit in every angle and get a clear conception of the exterior and interior of the building that with simple tips you can easily improve your SketchUp skills.

If you are having issues comprehending the details behind different constructions techniques and façade finishes, then you need certainly to see them in real life. There are SketchUp Models of Construction Details for free download. Here, we have gathered for you the most useful websites from around the internet that provide free access to SketchUp tutorials, textures, materials and compatible plugins to increase your productivity and save your time.

Most Useful Web Sites and Resources for SketchUp Tutorials

Official SketchUp Sites:

1. SketchUp Home – Trimble homepage
2. SketchUp – Download Free or Pro version and older versions
3. Old SketchUp Blog – Old archive for news
4. New SketchUp Blog – Official SketchUp Blog
5. SketchUp on Twitter – Tweet on Twitter
6. SketchUp Facebook Page – Exactly what it says

SketchUp Tutorials and Resources:

1. SketchUp ARTISTS:  This website has many tutorials that provide you with post-processing skills, techniques, and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions provided by highly talented professional contributors.
2. SketchUp Texture Warehouse: Over 30,000 textures and 3D models.
3. 3D Warehouse – Free 3D Models
4. SketchUp Sage – Links to other great SketchUp resources
5. masterSketchup.com: This site by Matt Donley offers high-quality tutorials, reviews, resources, tips and tricks, videos, and downloads for free. You will find plenty of information whether you are new to SketchUp, or if you can orbit around in SketchUp like nobody’s business!
6. Nomeradona SketchUp VR: A place where you are a lifelong learner of SketchUp. All resources offered by this blogsite are shared by the authors themselves.
7. Nomeradona Blog: A collection of works mostly done in Google SketchUp and Rendered in either Vray for Sketchup, Hypershot, Vray Max, LightUp, and Podium.
8. Grafica2D3D: An Italian site with plenty of resources and tutorials for SketchUp, Vray, Archicad, Rhino, and other architecture designing programs.
9. SketchUp Extention Warehouse: The best place to find and install add-ons for Sketchup!
10. SketchUcation: SketchUcation provides 3D modeling outsourcing services for architects, CAD technicians, engineers, and 3D visualization/animation companies.
11. SketchUp Video Tutorials: On the official site of SketchUp you can have access to step-by-step video tutorials to get started with the program.
12. SketchUp Sage: This FAQ is designed for those of you who are new to SketchUp and are eager to learn more!
13. One Community: OneCommunity, an open-source software website, has released a list of the most realistic plants optimized for SketchUp. The archive includes everything from palm trees to an array of water and bog plants, bamboo shoots, and tropical evergreen trees.
14. Smustard.com: This site provides SketchUp Users with the tools and plugins they need to increase productivity and facilitate workflow. They also have a forum where you can get your questions answered.
15. Designer Hacks: Library of tips, tricks, and tutorials on SketchUp. Tutorials are conveniently organized into three categories, beginners, intermediate and advanced.
16. Sketch This: SketchUp tutorials, articles, 3D printing, projects, and tools for designers.
17. 3D Vinci: SketchUp books for design professionals with step-by-step, illustrated exercises.
18. CGarchitect: The most influential website and end-user community providing valuable resources and tutorials for architectural visualization artists.
19. RonenBekerman.com: It is a helpful source of learning on all aspects of 3d architectural visualization.
20. Twilight Render: Twilight Render is a plug that turns your SketchUp scenes into photo-realistic images, from materials to lighting, to environment post-production, animation, and batch rendering.
21. FORMFONTS: Share and download models from 3D visualization artists. 50,000+ 3D models & 2D models and textures that include furniture, people, plants, trees, cars, trucks, airplanes, and more.

1. Official SketchUp Community – Trimble SketchUp folks
2. SketchUcation – Great resourceful SketchUp forum
3. Last Forum –  a nostalgic look back in time, archive with original SketchUp content.

Forums and Communities Non – English:

1. CGPinoy Network Philipines
2. SUVN.net Vietnam
3. Biblio3d.com France
4. Sketchando Spain
5. SketchUpBBS China
6. SKETCHUP ESPANOL Spain