While SketchUp has one of the most user-friendly interfaces on the market today, there are still some things users need a little help with. The program’s online help and the video tutorials on SketchUp’s website are gems of information, but most people don’t learn easily from watching a movie. I’ve taken most of the basic information from these tutorials and put them into printed form, for those who like to work alongside text.

Authorized by @Last Software, this guide will familiarize SketchUp users with all aspects of this highly-acclaimed modeling application. Clearly illustrated, detailed exercises walk you through SketchUp’s modeling tools, including components, groups, textures, sectioning, presentation, exact dimensions, sandbox, and much more. Combined with numerous tips and tricks, this book will help you get the most out of your software investment!

SketchUp is an architectural/design visualisation program that’s been making waves in the Mac community since it was ported from Windows. So much so, it was nominated for best 3D product in last year’s MacUser awards. The problem is, SketchUp doesn’t come with a manual - only an HTML reference guide and some video tutorials from @Last’s website. So, if you have a pathological aversion to HTML manuals and a dial-up modem connection, you’re in trouble.

Enter The SketchUp Book, a third-party tutorial and reference guide. Written by Bonnie Roskes, a structural engineer with wide CAD/CAE experience with contributions by Bob deWitt, a professor of art history, the book aims to provide a complete alternative to the SketchUp docs and tutorial material. It really is a complete course covering all levels from absolute beginner to highly-advanced techniques.

First, though, the bad news: the SketchUp book isn’t cheap. It’s very much a home-grown product and has to be airmailed from the US. The additional postage puts a whopping $24 on the price, bringing the total to $87. The binding is also a simple cloth spine, and we’re not sure how long this would hold out. The first thing we did with our copy was guillotine the spine off and have it comb bound, so that we could have it laying flat on the desk.

The book is divided into 12 chapters of exercises that have a tutorial feel, but also serve as a reference. The two final chapters give a complete exercise

http://rapidshare.com/files/28955323/SketchUp.5.The.Book.By.Bonnie.Roskes.pdf

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