My Top 3 Time Saving SketchUp Tips

If you’ve read some of my other posts, you’ve probably heard me talk about how SketchUp is my favorite software for creating 3D models of interior and full homes. It is such a great tool four taking your 2D designs into the 3D world. Then you can turn your model into client presentations and construction documents. One great thing about it is that you can create either simple or extremely detailed models.

When you’re working on a project for a client, time is money. As a designer your time is extremely valuable. Some projects are billed hourly and others are billed by the project. Either way, clients don’t want to wait around forever for their project to be done. The faster you are at building a model in SketchUp, the faster the project can move along. The faster you finish a project, the faster you can start another one. That’s why today I’m sharing my top 3 time saving tips for SketchUp.

Time Saving Tip # 1 – Use a 3D Mouse

Using my 3D Space Navigator Mouse while working in SketchUp has made my work so much easier and faster. I’ve talked about this super handy tool in a previous blog post – “How to Make Your Life in SketchUp a Little Bit Easier” – that has more in depth information. This mouse has a touch sensitive control that allows you to seamlessly navigate through your SketchUp model. I’ve grown so used to it that there’s no going back to just using the orbit tool and a scrolling wheel on a regular mouse. I use a regular mouse with my right hand while using this 3D mouse with my left hand. At this point it’s become second nature. Check out my video below for a little demonstration.

Time Saving Tip # 2 – Use Keyboard Shortcuts

SketchUp comes with several standard keyboard shortcuts right out of the gate. These are quick ways to access tools without having to click on a button from a toolbar or selecting a tool from a dropdown menu. For example, by hitting the “O” key on your keyboard you can activate the “Orbit” tool. Or you can hit the “R” key to activate the “Rectangle” tool.

It’s easy to change the standard shortcuts as well as create your own. I’ve kept most of the standard shortcuts the same because they made sense but others I’ve changed. I’ve created several keyboard shortcuts for tools that I use often, like “Paste In Place.” I’ve also changed standard ones to make more sense for me and how I work, like “G” for “Create Component” to be used for “Create Group” instead.

Here’s how to see what shortcuts are already created and how to create your own… Top Menu > Window > Preferences > Shortcuts

Select Preferences from the Window dropdown list on the Top Menu

Select “Shortchuts” – Click on a Function from the list. If a shortcut is Assigned it will be shown, if not you can assign one.

Time Saving Tip # 3- Create Your Own Libraries

SketchUp comes with its own libraries of components, materials, and styles. My advice is to start building your own to go along with these. If you find yourself creating something for project after project then it should be in your library so you only have to create it once to use over and over again. My own library of components includes light fixtures, kitchen cabinets, hardware, doors, trim profiles, and so much more. My library of materials includes brick, paint, siding, flooring, wood textures, and more. I also have a library of different styles created for different proposes. Start building your own to speed up the process.

The great thing about SketchUp is that there are so many ways to get to the same end result. You just have to find ways that speed up the process and make design and documenting more efficient. These are some of my top tips that hopefully will help you in your next project.

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