how-to blueprints in SketchUp?

**2Kamser** · #1 01-06-2010, 12:58 PM

hi
i'm trying my grounds with using bueprints in sketchup
i have learned to import blueprints in sketchup
but what is the best way to use/setup?
shall the sideview be in the center?
shall the front be at the rear and vice versa? (if you understand what i mean)
what is the best approach to have?

**Alcides** · #2 01-06-2010, 03:43 PM

First, I think you have to ask a moderator to change the title of the thread because at first seems you is asking about how to use the search engine.

Second, I don't know about sketchup but I'm using blueprints to modeling in Rhino / Blender and in the end is matter of taste or if the position of plans suit your modeling style.

For example, the side view in the center: if the model is symmetrical maybe is the best position, because you have to model just one half but if the model is asymmetrical maybe you end rotating continuously the model to see one side or another in that case is better to put the sideview in a side.

About the front, rear I personally prefer to put the front in the front as in this example:

DIY - Modeling a Car/Truck in SketchUp - Page 2 - AutoCAD Forums

but if you prefer model it from rear to front, do it.

**B-Manic** · #3 01-06-2010, 04:08 PM

There are excellent tutorials here Google SketchUp and on youtube YouTube - SketchUpVideo's Channel that will walk you through the process of turning a 2d photo or drawing into a 3d object.

**2Kamser** · #4 01-06-2010, 04:12 PM

thanks Alcides, i see what you mean
can any moderator please change in the title from google to sketchup
ok so it's up to me what suits me

tried both variants and will see what i end up using
have tried Blender but for now it is too complex for my skills
hopefully i will be able to present something before this year has ended :D

**2Kamser** · #5 01-06-2010, 04:17 PM

thanks b-manic, just found the youtube channel and some other good videos to look at
this will be interesting

**eTraxx** · #6 04-26-2010, 01:20 PM

Just a quick note on using Sketchup to make plans. When you are finished with your model arrange it so you have a top, front and side view (at the least). Normal positioning of these faces is as if you had a six sided box .. with top, bottom, front, rear and sides and you unfold it. Show top .. unfold show front .. unfold show right side (Orthographic projection). examples: First Angle Orthographic Projection

What you do is make three copies .. lets say. Arrange them so you have at least the three views. Use the arrow keys to constrict the copy to horizontal and vertical planes .. and rotate as needed. When you are satasfied then switch from Perspective to Parallel Perspective .... Camera --> Parallel Projection .. and switch the view to such as the top or front .. Standard Views --> Top

That will give you a plan without any perspective and you can use it to build on directly. If you download one of the virtual PDF drivers for your printer such as CutePDF Writer, you can print a PDF. In the Print box for the PDF writer you can set to whatever scale you need.

Works great.