19 August 2006
Create 3-D models with Google's SketchUp
SketchUp released on June 21 from Google allows you to easily create 3-D models for use in either Google Earth or 3D Warehouse and of course you could also keep them for yourself and print the designs.
SketchUp allows you to select a shape then by dragging your mouse you can modify the shape, creating your desired 3-D shape. Color and texture can be applied within the program as well as real-time shadows that allow you to see exactly how light would fall on your model. To save time you can select from thousands of shapes that have been pre-drawn to add into your design.
Users can also take part in a weekly 3D Challenge. Each week a new challenge will be posted by SketchUp requiring people to use only SketchUp with other restrictions to create some object. The current one for this week involves creating a logo for the SketchUp Wiki (SuWiki).
There is also a professional version approved of for commercial use that will cost you $495 and includes more features.
SketchUp allows you to select a shape then by dragging your mouse you can modify the shape, creating your desired 3-D shape. Color and texture can be applied within the program as well as real-time shadows that allow you to see exactly how light would fall on your model. To save time you can select from thousands of shapes that have been pre-drawn to add into your design.
Users can also take part in a weekly 3D Challenge. Each week a new challenge will be posted by SketchUp requiring people to use only SketchUp with other restrictions to create some object. The current one for this week involves creating a logo for the SketchUp Wiki (SuWiki).
There is also a professional version approved of for commercial use that will cost you $495 and includes more features.
Labels: Google, images, sketch-up
