SketchUp Tutorial

Step 1 of 4

Complete Setup in Under 10 Minutes

Start Visualizing Your BTO

Follow these 4 simple steps to import your BTO layout and start planning your dream home in SketchUp Free

Before You Start

• Make sure that you have an internet connection

Step 1: Download Your Model

After purchase, you'll receive your BTO layout file

What you'll get:

Your-BTO-Layout.skp

SketchUp file (usually 5-10 MB)

Tip: Save the file to your Desktop or Downloads folder where you can easily find it. You'll need it in Step 2.

Step 2: Set Up SketchUp Free

Create your free account and start a new project

1 Go to SketchUp Website

2 Sign In or Create Account

Click "Sign In" and create a free account with your email or Google account

3 Open Model from Computer

Click "Open from Device" and select your file accordingly

4 Accept Warning

If prompted with "Importing Large Model" warning, click Import

5 Your BTO file is ready!

Remember to save your file! Click the SAVE button in the top left-hand corner.

Step 3: Navigate Your Space

Learn to move around and explore your BTO in 3D

Essential Navigation Controls:

Orbit (Rotate View)

Look around your BTO from different angles

Spacebar + Click & Drag

Pan (Move View)

Slide your view left, right, up, or down

Shift + Click & Drag

Pro Tip: Use the scroll wheel to zoom in and out. This helps you see both the overall layout and specific details. If using a trackpad, pinch to zoom in/out.

Step 4: Add Furniture

Furnish your BTO with real furniture from 3D Warehouse

Adding Furniture:

1
Open 3D Warehouse (icon on the right toolbar)
2
Search for furniture (e.g., "sofa", "dining table", "queen bed")
3
Download a model of your liking
4
If prompted, click Import

Moving Furniture Around:

Use the Move Tool

M Press M to activate Move tool

Then click on furniture and drag to new location

Common Issue: Furniture Floating

If furniture appears to float above the floor, use the Move tool (M), click the bottom corner of the blue bounding box, then move your furniture towards the floor while holding down the shift button. Once it has touched the floor, the furniture will stop responding to your mouse movements. Click again to place it.

Congratulations! 🎉

You've successfully imported your BTO layout and learned the basics of SketchUp. Now you can experiment with different furniture arrangements before your key collection!

What's Next?

Experiment

Try different layouts

Measure

Check if furniture fits

Save Views

Show contractors your vision

Quick Reference Card

Essential Shortcuts

Orbit (Look Around) O

Pan (Move View) Shift + Drag

Move Tool M

Select Tool Spacebar

Helpful Tips

•

Save your work frequently (Ctrl/Cmd + S)

•

Zoom with scroll wheel for details

•

Double-click furniture to edit it

•

Right-click for more options

Still have questions?

Looking for more models?

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