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7 Surprising Kick-Ass Things You Can Do with Google Sketchup

Posted 11/04/09 at 11:00:00 AM  by Alex Castle

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Make Custom Logos and Icons

Although Sketchup’s primary purpose is as a 3D editor, it can also be useful for making 2D images. For instance, for a quick 3D effect on a logo, import an image of the logo into Sketchup, then trace over it and extrude. Then paint the logo with the right colors using the texture tool, select a style, and export it as an image (File > Export > Image).

Step One: Import
 
Step Two: Trace
 
Step Three: Extrude and Color
 
Step Four: Style

 

If you want a transparent background, you’ll have to do a little post-processing using your photo editor of choice. Just pick a style that uses a flat white background before you export, then use a color-select tool (such as the “magic wand” in Photoshop) to select and delete the background.

This technique is also great for creating large custom icons for use on a website or in Windows Vista or 7. Just model an object in SketchUp (or download one from the 3D Warehouse), export an image, and then use a photo editor to remove the background and scale it down to icon size. Here’s a set of Moleskine icons made in Sketchup by Max Brown:

 

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COMMENTS:7
TAGS: Software, Google, features, Sketchup, 3D Modelling
COMMENTS
avatardownloaded and removed the

Submitted by nsk chaos on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 3:47pm

downloaded and removed the app a couple of times cause i never found a use for it...still it was pretty cool on what i could do. ty for the guide so i have reason to use the app this time around.

google rules =)

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avatarWow this is awesome. I had

Submitted by johnkilmy on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 8:52am

Wow this is awesome. I had no idea google had this available.

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avatarMeh, I still prefer Maya...

Submitted by Xylogeist on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 7:50am

Meh, I still prefer Maya...

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avatarUse SketchUp for SimCity!

Submitted by benvoliothefirst on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 6:53am

I tried unsuccessfully to use gmax, a watered down version of 3DStudioMax, to make 3D models of buildings to import into SimCity 4, but it wasn't until I started using SketchUp that I was able to really get my head around 3D modeling. SketchUp really takes all the frustration out of it. Great article! I'm gonna try and use some of the rendering suggestions.

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avatarThought it was called Maximimum 'PC'?

Submitted by FredIP on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 1:18am

Sheesh, i dunno... you forgot the most important.

The number 1 kick arse thing you can do with sketchup (imo) is design and planning your Ground-Up PC case. The number of times I've used it to design and play with a layout or design before getting anywhere near cutting or bending the aluminum is great.

http://scc.jezmckean.com/home

 

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avatarThe obvious use is to model

Submitted by Vegan on Tue, 11/03/2009 - 10:36pm

The obvious use is to model your home to make planning Ikea trips a cinch. Pretty much everything that Ikea sells has already been modeled for you to try out.

The unique use my girlfriend uses it for is the independent comic book she draws. She has a model of the character's apartment and uses it to frame shots so that everything stays accurate.

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