Getting Started

Danty · 10 Feb 2008, 08:53

Thanks everybody for the great posts on getting that much better with SU.
As Monsterzero has said on another post, "my head is going to explode".

The sheer volume of HELP by the good people in the SU universe is mind boggling.

As a Mac user -- I want to supplement what Cadmastr has said about video viewers and players.

There is freeware available for Macs called TubeTV, http://www.chimoosoft.com/products/tubetv/

In addition to the above I have an excellent DVD player freeware called MPlayer OSX:
http://mplayerosx.sourceforge.net/

I can save the any video from the Internet and then play it in half or full screen on MPlayer.

Danty

Danty · 10 Feb 2008, 19:49

Since I'm on this thread I would be remiss if I didn't promote my very FAVORITE learning tool for SU: Dennis Fukai's 3D Construction Modeling.
In my initial learning phase of SU I was having enormous difficulties and nearly gave up.
Fortunately I found Dennis' book.
The whole concept of the book and it's format is terrific.
You construct an entire model house from the ground up in SU.
Dennis gives you not just the book which shows screenshots of the entire process but also included is a CD which has tutorials broken down for each phase of the model.
This book "pulled it all together" for me.
I learned very fully how to use not only the basic tools: inferencing, groups, components, etc. but how they all "fit" together.
Dennis has a natural teacher's style and voice. He personally narrates the tutorials and I actually felt like it was a one-on-one session with a SU tutor.
Plus (and this may not be the case now) he includes his phone # in the book so you can call him! I called him twice and he was very gracious each time. After that we exchanged e-mails.

So -- I cannot recommend this book too highly for someone who is really serious about learning SU well.

It's available from Amazon or other sources as well:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976274108

Danty

Rafa · 7 Jul 2008, 21:33

Hi. One question. I know for example that the Free version of sketchup cant export to other formats, besides that, Is it much "crippled", compared with the pro version? Or with some rubys here and there is it fairly complete?

remus · 7 Jul 2008, 21:38

The exporters are the only difference between the free and pro versions.

Rafa · 7 Jul 2008, 21:55

Great!, thanks.

Jim · 7 Jul 2008, 21:58

@rafa said:

Hi. One question. I know for example that the Free version of sketchup cant export to other formats, besides that, Is it much "crippled", compared with the pro version? Or with some rubys here and there is it fairly complete?

The Pro version will get you more 3D export options (3DS, OBJ, XSI, FBX, VRML, EPX and DAE), but you also get PDF and EPS exporters, you get the Layout application, you get the Style Builder application, and 2 years of tech support.

As far as the modeling tools available and the ability to use plugins, there is no crippling of the free version.

As a related note, the licensing allows for-profit use of the free version.

dallyc · 1 Sept 2008, 17:05

hi!
I'm new to sketchup. I'm taking a class.

troyhome · 1 Sept 2008, 18:51

Welcome, dallyc!
The links in this thread are so valuable!
All the best with your class.

chench10 · 2 Sept 2008, 12:06

Allow me to introduce myself! My real name is Oscar otherwise known as "da Chench" and I will be looking forward to learning more about the computer world and increasing my digi-skills! Peace!

troyhome · 2 Sept 2008, 14:42

Welcome, Chench- you're in the right place for increasing skills

duxgga · 24 Nov 2008, 05:19

I've been wondering, where are those tuts i.g. under this title. It says d/l model. I need the tut!..

solo · 24 Nov 2008, 05:35

duxgga, I am not sure of which particular thread or download you are talking about but if you download the .skp you and open it up you will notice that the tutorial is in the model, sometimes done using scene walkthroughs with text, others with muliple models that show progress from one to the other.

Take a look you may find this way very easy to learn from, and the bonus is you get the resulting model free.

mujzisme · 27 Feb 2009, 15:25

hi there Im Abdul Mujib from Malaysia.just call me mujzisme..Just wanna learn and explore more about sketchup and other knowledge..nice to meet u all..

Gaieus · 27 Feb 2009, 17:48

Hi Mujzisme and welcome. Hope you can learn a lot and soon will help other on this board!

Architekturn · 17 Apr 2009, 22:11

Great post!

KXI System · 12 Dec 2009, 23:58

^ agreed

disturbed13 · 9 Apr 2010, 00:24

okay
so how are we supposed to get any plug-ins if we are not allowed to download them?
that whole thing just seems to rub me the wrong way
i mean what if someone has been using SU for years
and they just signed up online today
but they can dl any of the add-ons
(probably because they dont have enough posts [like me])
my question is whats the magic number?

Chris Fullmer · 9 Apr 2010, 02:10

Hi disturbed. We have it set that after 2 approved posts you are a full fledged memeber of the community. I guess that until that time you are not allowed to download attachments? I didn't realize that. That is unfortunate I think. So one more post from you and you should be all set,

Chris

Gaieus · 9 Apr 2010, 08:22

Guys I do not understand this as "Newly registered members" are supposed to access all attachments. I did double check all these permissions (and know that some people can download these plugins with no problem at all).

disturbed13 · 9 Apr 2010, 17:27

hmmmmm interesting
well this should take care of it