SketchUp is a one of the most powerful tools that anyone can learn, it’s as essential as a word processor. SketchUp is very helpful for anyone from Architects to house wives and from dentists to entrepreneurs.

SketchUp is mainly a simple and easy to learn 3D modeling software (it should be noted that there’s a release of SketchUp called SketchUp Layout and it’s used in 2D planner drawings), Architects use it to create fast and accurate 3D models for buildings, game designers use it to create 3D models, furniture designers and carpenters rely on it to design furniture pieces, interior designers also use SketchUp, many housewives use SketchUp to design furniture for their homes, many entrepreneurs use SketchUp to create 3D models for their next big project.

This article will present and compare between various free online outlets that beginners can rely on to start learning SketchUp, so sources presented in this post are full structured courses that beginners to start from and follow along, so you won’t find a link to a single video or a forum reply.

Start Learning SketchUp from Scratch for Free

SketchUp Website

SketchUp Website is the first free outlet where beginners can learn SketchUp through video tutorials; you don’t need to register to have access to the tutorials. The available tutorials are well-structured and organized for beginners.

Structure: The training is divided into 6 sections (levels); each section is divided into a group of tutorials that covers certain topic in SketchUp. The training doesn’t only cover the beginner’s topics in SketchUp but it also covers many of the intermediate and advanced topics.

Interface: The interface is very simple; just go to the website and select the section you’re interested in and you’re ready to go.

Now to the pros and cons:

Pros

Free. The training is well-structured and organized for beginners. The training covers many of the intermediate and advanced topics. The training covers SketchUp Layout.

Cons

The only drawback that might face some is that the tutorials are video only, so if you want to revise something you’ll have to re-watch the entire video segment.

Verdict: This should be the start for any SketchUp beginner, as you won’t only be able to start learning the tools but they’ll be able to escalate with your skills using the training at SketchUp website.

Alison

Alison is the second outlet where beginners can learn SketchUp for free through video tutorials. You’ll need to register in order to have access to the video training.

Structure: The course is divided into 5 modules; each module is a video tutorial that covers certain topics in SketchUp, the last module (5th module) is an assessment module. There you’ll have a multiple choice exam that will test your understanding of the topics covered by the course and if you pass it you’ll be eligible for a certificate, but I’ve to warn you that the certificate will cost you money depending on the format you request (10 Euros for the PDF format).

Interface: The interface is very simple, you click on the module you want to start and you’ll be directed to a new window with the video tutorial.

Now, to the pros and cons:

Pros

Free. The course is well-structured and organized for beginners. You can pay to get the certificate which might be encouraging for some.

Cons

The course covers and old release of SketchUp, though that might not be a problem for beginners. The course doesn’t cover intermediate or advanced topics in SketchUp.

Verdict: This outlet is suitable for beginners who’re willing to get a certificate at the end of the course.

Wood Working with SketchUp

Wood Working with SketchUp is the third outlet where beginners can learn SketchUp for free through video tutorials; you don’t need to register in order to have access to the video tutorials available on the website.

Structure: The training is divided into 5 sections; each section has a group of tutorials that cover certain topics in SketchUp. One of the unique things about this outlet is that there are many SketchUp tips that are listed in a separate section.

Interface: The interface is very simple as seen below; the tutorials are listed under each other, you just click on the course you’re interested in and you’re ready to go.

Now, the pros and cons:

Pros

Free. The training is well-structured and organized for beginners. There are many SketchUp tips.

Cons

The training covers an old version of SketchUp.

Verdict: The outlet is very suitable for beginners who are interested in wood work, as the tutorials are more targeted towards that section.

Harwood Podcast Network

Harwood Podcast Networ is the fourth outlet where beginners can start leaning SketchUp for free through video tutorials; you don’t need to registers in order to have access to the video podcast.

Structure: There are 62 video podcast that covers every aspect of SketchUp. The big problem with this outlet is that the video tutorial covers a very old version of SketchUp.

Interface: The interface is very simple as seen below; the videos are listed after each other, you click on the tutorial you want and you’re ready to go.

Now, the pros and cons:

Pros

Free. Covers many of the topics in SketchUp.

Cons

This tutorial covers a very old version of SketchUp.

Verdict: There are better outlets that beginners can rely on to start learning SketchUp.

Bottom Line

The recipe for learning SketchUp

The official SketchUp website is the best place for any beginner to start learning SketchUp. If you’re willing to get a certificate at the end of your course, then Alison is your way to go. For those who are interested in wood work, then you’ve to start with Wood Working with SketchUp.

Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in SketchUp.

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