Saves a lot of tedious time spent drawing lines and aligning the lines. I especially like the push/pull extrusion tool that lets you take a flat rectangle and instantly turn it into a three dimensional object. Also notice how the different menu and tool bar options are clear and easy to figure out by clicking around. This is a point of reference you use to place and size your objects. Notice all the action revolves around a central point on the computer screen. Here’s a tutorial to explain how to get started using the navigation to how to create your first object, a house: Another difference between templates is the starting view for your drawing, from the top or the side.

The main differences between templates are the default units of measure SketchUp will use for your drawing, meters or inches. When you start the software, first pick a template from the Welcome screen. And there are a number of great tutorials. However, there’s lots of functionality in the free version. When you download SketchUp, they let you use the full Pro version for 8 hours before the software changes to the free version. It’s software that lets you use your computer to create models of objects and buildings in three dimensions. Links to download the software and watch tutorials are at the bottom of this article. This article introduces the software and provides links where you can learn more. SketchUp software is mostly easy to learn and makes a great first step before you move into more complicated software like Blender (for making characters and movies, as well as objects) and CAD (computer-aided design) software used professionally.

There are lots objects and buildings you can import into your sketch, or you create your own. Here's a simple introduction with lots of links to learn more.

It's not hard to create simple three-dimensional objects and buildings with SketchUp software.

Sketchup for schools online