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Creating and Editing Models

Last updated: Apr 30, 20264 min read.

Creating and editing models in SketchUp for Web is a lot like creating models in SketchUp for Desktop. However, there are a few things that SketchUp for Web does that are a bit different than its desktop counterpart.

Creating a New Model

When you first open SketchUp for Web you will see your Home page. To create a new model, you can click Create New or use the dropdown menu to select your desired unit of measurement.

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Changing the Unit of Measure

You can change the unit of measure used in your model at any time in App Settings. From the Main Menu, select App Settings and find the Default Template section in the General tab.

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Importing Files and Images

With SketchUp for Web you can import files directly into your model. You can import files saved in the following formats:

  • 3DS

  • DAE

  • DEM

  • DWG

  • DXF

  • KMZ

  • STL

  • JPG

  • PNG

To import a file:

  1. Select Import from the Main Menu.

  2. Choose where your file is located; either My Device or Trimble Connect.
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  3. If importing from your device, drag and drop the file into the window that appears, or use the link provided to browse for the image.

  4. If importing from Trimble Connect, locate and select the file you would like to import from your saved projects.

Image files imported into your model become either an image or material. If you import a CAD file it becomes a component. For more information on how to use imported files in your models, see Using SketchUp Data with Other Modeling Programs or Tools.

SketchUp for Web's Panels

SketchUp for Web's panels appear on the right side of the interface. Each panel provides a specific set of features to help take your model to the next level.

Panel

Icon

Article

Description

Entity Info

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Inspecting an Entity

Entity Info shows you all sorts of information about a selected entity including materials used, the number of components, and any assigned tags.

Outliner

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Working with Hierarchies in the Outliner

In the Outliner panel you can view a model's objects as a hierarchical tree.

Instructor

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N/A

The Instructor panel is a great way for beginners to see helpful hints while modeling based on what tools they are using.

3D Warehouse

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3D Warehouse

3D Warehouse is a website of searchable, pre-made 3D models that works seamlessly with SketchUp.

Components

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Working with Components in SketchUp

Components are the building blocks of your model. This panel lists each component and offers a few options to help you manage and manipulate them.

Materials

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Materials in SketchUp for Web

Materials help add detail and realism to your models. This panel helps add or manage materials for use in your model.

Styles

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Styles in SketchUp for Web

Styles are grouped settings you can apply to your entire model at once. In the Styles panel you can add styles or manage a style you've already added to your model.

Environments

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Environments in SketchUp for Web

Environments add a 360° panoramic background with image-based lighting conditions to your SketchUp models.

Tags

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Controlling Visibility with Tags

Tags are SketchUp’s enhanced version of layers and help you organize objects and control their visibility. Manage or create Tags using the Tags panel.

Shadows

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Casting Real World Shadows

Set how you want shadows to appear or simulate how the sun would cast shadows in a geolocated model.

Scenes

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Creating Scenes

Scenes represent different set model views. Manage and create Scenes in the Scenes panel.

Soften/Smooth Edges

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Softening, Smoothing, and Hiding Geometry

Change the visibility of edges to help make a model look more realistic using less geometry.

Display

Displays.png

N/A

The Display panel helps you manage visibility including hidden geometry, shadows, and fog.

Model Info

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N/A

Model Info is where you can find and adjust some basic elements of your model including measurement units and fonts.

Solid Inspector

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Solid Inspector in SketchUp for Web

The Solid Inspector helps you check your groups and components for errors in geometry and even automatically fixes some issues.