How to Use SketchUp: Complete Beginner Guide (2026)

SketchUp is the fastest 3D modeller to learn — most beginners are producing usable models in under an hour. This complete beginner guide walks you through installation, the interface, the essential tools, and your first project. Works for SketchUp Free (web), Pro, and Studio.

Step 1: Install SketchUp (or Use It Online)

• SketchUp Free (web) — go to app.sketchup.com, sign in with a Trimble account. Zero install.
• SketchUp Pro — download from sketchup.com/download after purchase. Works on Windows 10/11 and macOS 12+.

Step 2: Understand the Interface

Every SketchUp window has four key areas:

• Toolbar — the drawing and modification tools.
• Drawing area — the 3D workspace with red/green/blue axes.
• Default Tray / Panels — Materials, Components, Layers (Tags), Scenes, Styles.
• Measurements box — bottom-right, always visible. Type exact values as you draw.

Step 3: Navigate in 3D

Action	Mouse	Shortcut
Orbit	Middle-click + drag	O
Pan	Shift + middle-click + drag	H
Zoom	Scroll wheel	Z
Zoom Extents	—	Shift + Z

Step 4: The 5 Tools You Actually Use

1. Line (L) — draws edges. Click, move, click again.
2. Rectangle (R) — click first corner, click opposite corner. Type dimensions like 3m,4m for exact size.
3. Push/Pull (P) — turns a 2D face into 3D. Click the face, drag to extrude, type a distance.
4. Move (M) — moves anything. Click, move, click.
5. Eraser (E) — click or drag over edges to delete them.

Step 5: Your First Model — A Simple House

1. Draw a rectangle 6m × 8m on the ground.
2. Push/Pull it up 3m to make walls.
3. On the top face, draw a line across the middle.
4. Select the Move tool, click the middle line, pull it up 2m — you have a roof.
5. Draw rectangles on walls for windows, push them inwards to create openings.
6. Apply materials from the Materials panel (paint bucket, keyboard B).

Step 6: Groups & Components (Critical)

Everything you draw sticks together — walls will merge with the floor unless you group them. Triple-click your walls > right-click > Make Group. Repeat for each object. For anything you'll copy (doors, windows, chairs), use Make Component instead — edit one, all copies update.

Step 7: Save & Export

• Save (.skp) — Ctrl+S / Cmd+S. This is your master file.
• Export image — File > Export > 2D Graphic. PNG or JPG.
• Export 3D (Pro only) — File > Export > 3D Model. STL for 3D printing, OBJ for Blender, DWG for AutoCAD.

Next Steps

• Learn to rotate components for arrays.
• Speed up modelling with our 108 best SketchUp extensions.
• Add lighting with our SketchUp lighting guide.

FAQ: Using SketchUp

How do I use SketchUp for beginners?

Start with SketchUp Free at app.sketchup.com. Learn to orbit, pan, and zoom, then master five tools: Line, Rectangle, Push/Pull, Move, and Eraser. That's enough to build any basic 3D model.

How do you use SketchUp Free?

Go to app.sketchup.com, sign in with a Trimble account, and you're modelling in seconds. It runs entirely in your browser, with the same core tools as the paid Pro version.

Is SketchUp hard to learn?

SketchUp is famous for being the easiest 3D modeller. Most beginners produce usable models within one hour. Advanced techniques (organic modelling, rendering) take longer to master.

What is Push/Pull in SketchUp?

Push/Pull is SketchUp's signature tool. Click any 2D face and drag to extrude it into 3D. It's how you turn a floor plan into walls in seconds.