Using Google Sketchup

Google sketch up is a CAD programme which is mostly used for Architectural Design, but it also has functions which allow Product Design. Sketchup is an easy programme to get to grips with but there are some basic tools that are essential for the user to use to if they wish to fully appreciate the 3D capabilities sketchup possesses.

1 (Orbit Tool) - When selected this tool allows the user to pan around the project, enabling them to view and add to it from all angles.

2(Pan Tool) - When selected this tool enables the user to move their project vertically and horizontally across the drawing board. This tool is useful when used along side the zoom tool so that the user can observe different parts of their project more closely.

3(Zoom Tool) - This tool enables the user to zoom in and out of their project. To use this function the user simply selects the tool and then click and drags the area they want to zoom in or out of. The user zooms in by dragging upwards and zooms out by dragging down the drawing board.

The three most commonly used drawing tools in sketchup are the Line, Rectangle and Circle. These are used to make the foundations of a 3d drawing.

1(Line Tool) - This tool is used to draw freehand straight line shapes.

2(Square Tool) - Used to create squares or rectangular shape.

3(Circle Tool) - Used to create circles or ellipses.

Extrusion

First of all i drew a random shape using the line tool. When using the line tool i used the alignment aids so that some of the lines were parallel with each other. Whilst drawing the shape i made sure that it was flat on the working plane, otherwise the extrusion tool would not function.

I then used the extrusion tool by clicking and dragging upwards the face of my shape. To observe my 3d object from all angles i used the orbit tool. 

Extrusions can also be made into a 3d object, i did this by drawing a new shape onto the face of the object and then i clicked the face of the shape, dragging downwards to create a hole on the object.