Using Sketchup to Make 3D Printable Models

3D Printing with SketchUp: 10 Tips and Tricks

1. 1: Set your Template to Millimeters or Inches. ...
2. 2: Install the SketchUp STL Extension. ...
3. 3: Avoid Paper-Thin Surfaces & Set Wall Thicknesses. ...
4. 4: Make Your Model Watertight (Manifold) ...
5. 5: Avoid Internal Overlapping. ...
6. 6: Check if Your Model Is Solid.

1. Can SketchUp save as STL?
2. How do I create a model in SketchUp?
3. How do I create a 3D print STL file?
4. How can I make a 3D model for free?
5. Is SketchUp good for 3D printing?
6. Is SketchUp still free?
7. What is the difference between SketchUp Pro and free?
8. Can you print from SketchUp?
9. How can I get SketchUp for free?
10. What is the best way to learn SketchUp?

Can SketchUp save as STL?

To export your model as an STL file, install the SketchUp STL extension from the SketchUp Team. ... From here you have the option to download it as an STL directly by clicking the "Download" button and choosing "STL" as the file type you wish to download.

How do I create a model in SketchUp?

Follow these steps:

1. In SketchUp for Web, click the Open Model/Preferences icon ( ).
2. On the panel that appears, click the New Model icon ( ). The following figure shows your template options.
3. Select a template that reflects your desired units of measure. Your options include feet and inches, meters, or millimeters.

How do I create a 3D print STL file?

Once you have optimized your part using the above steps, it is ready to export as an STL file.

1. Download the 3D Print Exporter Plugin from ZBrush.
2. Select the ZPlugin menu.
3. Click 3D Print Exporter.
4. Define and scale your dimensions.
5. Select STL > STL Export.
6. Save.

How can I make a 3D model for free?

Blender is a free open source 3D creation suite. It allows you to model, animate, simulate and render 3D projects. Composition and motion tracking, video editing and game creation are also possible using Blender.
...
Free 3D Modeling Programs

1. Autodesk Fusion 360.
2. SketchUp Pro.
3. Maya.
4. 3DS Max.
5. Cinema 4D.

Is SketchUp good for 3D printing?

SketchUp is one of the most popular 3D modeling & design programs for 3D printing, as we found out from our analysis.

Is SketchUp still free?

SketchUp Free is the simplest free 3D modeling software on the web — no strings attached. Bring your 3D design online, and have your SketchUp projects with you wherever you go. You don't need thousands of bells and whistles to draw in 3D...

What is the difference between SketchUp Pro and free?

SketchUp Pro features

Contrary to SketchUp Free which has limited features, SketchUp Pro is a full-featured web and desktop modeller and can be used to create anything.

Can you print from SketchUp?

To print your model in Microsoft Windows, you can select File > Print, click OK, and your model prints using the existing settings. ... When you need to print a SketchUp model, see whether inserting your model in a LayOut document provides the flexibility and options you need for a top-notch printout.

How can I get SketchUp for free?

SketchUp Free for Beginners

1. Visualize your ideas by creating 3D shapes using SketchUp's drawing tools.
2. Navigate around your model to get the perfect perspective on what you're working on.
3. Make changes to your model by mastering the Select, Move, Scale, and Rotate tools.
4. Use measurements and guides to create dimensionally accurate models.

What is the best way to learn SketchUp?

1. Official SketchUp Site. Obviously, the best place to find excellent resources is the official SketchUp site. ...
2. SketchUp School. ...
3. SketchUp Artists. ...
4. SketchUcation. ...
5. The SketchUp Essentials. ...
6. MasterSketchUp. ...
7. SketchUpTrainer.com. ...
8. SketchUp tutorials by Daniel Tal.