SketchUp Interior Space Planning Course

Lesson 1 • File Management and Saving

Manage SketchUp files, autosave settings, and backup strategies. Reliable file habits protect project work from data loss at every stage.

Lesson 2 • 3D Navigation Fundamentals

Master orbit, pan, and zoom controls using mouse and keyboard shortcuts. Efficient navigation is prerequisite to accurate modeling in every later chapter.

Lesson 3 • SketchUp Interface Overview

Identify and activate key UI panels, toolbars, and menus. This orientation anchors all subsequent tool use within a familiar workspace layout.

Lesson 1 • Line and Shape Drawing Tools

Use the Line, Rectangle, Circle, and Polygon tools to create precise geometry. These primitives form the basis of every floor plan and object in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Move, Rotate, and Scale

Reposition, rotate, and resize geometry with precision using modifier keys. Accurate transformation skills are essential for furniture layout and wall adjustment.

Lesson 3 • Offset, Eraser, and Trim Tools

Refine geometry using Offset, Eraser, and edge-trimming techniques. These cleanup tools maintain model accuracy when modifying walls and openings.

Lesson 4 • Selection Strategies and Groups

Apply single-click, double-click, and window selection to isolate geometry. Grouping prevents unwanted face merging and organizes model elements efficiently.

Lesson 1 • Importing and Tracing Floor Plans

Import CAD or image-based floor plans and calibrate them to real-world scale. Accurate tracing establishes the spatial foundation for the entire interior model.

Lesson 2 • Stairs and Level Changes

Model straight and L-shaped stairs with accurate riser and tread dimensions. Level transitions are essential for multi-floor interior projects and accessibility review.

Lesson 3 • Floors, Ceilings, and Soffits

Add floor slabs, ceiling planes, and dropped soffits to complete the room shell. These elements define vertical spatial boundaries and support lighting design later.

Lesson 4 • Modeling Walls and Partitions

Build walls at correct thickness and height using Push/Pull from traced outlines. Accurate wall modeling ensures furniture and fixture placement is spatially valid.

Lesson 1 • Creating Custom Components

Build reusable furniture and fixture components with correct axes and origins. Custom components streamline repetitive placement and maintain consistent model scale.

Lesson 2 • Understanding Components vs. Groups

Distinguish component instances from groups and understand how edits propagate. This knowledge prevents unintended model changes when placing repeated furniture items.

Lesson 3 • Using the 3D Warehouse

Search, evaluate, and import furniture and fixture models from the 3D Warehouse. Selecting optimized assets keeps file size manageable and rendering performance high.

Lesson 1 • Tags and Visibility Control

Assign tags to groups and components to control layer-based visibility. Tag discipline prevents display errors and supports clean presentation switching.

Lesson 2 • Scenes for Presentation States

Create scenes that save camera positions, tag visibility, and style settings. Scenes enable instant switching between plan, elevation, and perspective views.

Lesson 3 • Model Info and Cleanup

Audit model statistics, fix errors, and purge unused assets via Model Info. Regular cleanup maintains file integrity and prevents performance degradation.

Lesson 1 • Applying Default Materials

Paint faces and groups using SketchUp's built-in material library and color picker. Understanding material inheritance from groups to faces prevents unintended color bleed.

Lesson 2 • Material Libraries and Organization

Build and save project-specific material libraries for reuse across models. Organized libraries accelerate material application on repeat project types.

Lesson 3 • Editing and Adjusting Materials

Modify color, opacity, and texture properties within the Materials panel. Fine-tuned materials accurately represent finish specifications for client approval.

Lesson 1 • Testing Multiple Layout Options

Use scenes and tag visibility to compare alternative furniture arrangements in one file. Multi-option comparison supports informed client decision-making without duplicate files.

Lesson 2 • Furniture Placement Techniques

Position, align, and distribute furniture components using move and inference tools. Precise placement produces layouts that accurately reflect real-world spatial conditions.

Lesson 3 • Zoning and Functional Area Definition

Define activity zones using colored floor planes and annotation overlays. Clear zoning communicates spatial programming intent to clients and contractors.

Lesson 4 • Measuring and Verifying Dimensions

Use the Tape Measure and Dimension tools to confirm all critical spatial measurements. Verified dimensions prevent costly errors during procurement and construction.

Lesson 1 • Exporting Images and PDFs

Export high-resolution raster images and vector PDFs for client and contractor use. Correct export settings ensure deliverables meet print and digital presentation standards.

Lesson 2 • Creating Plan and Section Views

Use section planes and parallel projection to generate accurate floor plans and sections. These orthographic views form the core of interior design documentation packages.

Lesson 3 • Styles and Visual Display Settings

Apply edge, face, and background styles to create clean presentation and technical views. Style control distinguishes design intent drawings from construction documentation.

Lesson 4 • LayOut Integration for Documentation

Send SketchUp views to LayOut to create scaled drawings with title blocks and dimensions. LayOut bridges the 3D model and professional 2D deliverable in one workflow.