Sketchup Question

[Todd Bin]

Hello, I recently downloaded Sketchup pro and found that I only have 400 minutes to use it. I have two basic questions.

Is there a free ware version of this? I don't think I can pay $500 for this software. Is there anything that is so critical that the Pro version has?

I was designing a cabinet and was trying to create a rectangular punch out in one of the sides. How do I make a punch out?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Todd

[Jim Becker]

You apparently downloaded the trial of the Pro version. Go back to Sketchup.com and after completely removing the pro trial from your machine (including registry entries) re-download the free version.

[Todd Burch]

Is there anything that is so critical that the Pro version has?

I was designing a cabinet and was trying to create a rectangular punch out in one of the sides. How do I make a punch out?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Todd

Hi Todd.

For typical hobbiest woodworking, the free version will do everything you need. The only real reason to go to Pro today is for export capability to CAD for integrating with other apps in your workflow, and 2D construction layout with LayOut (another product you get with Pro).

To create a hole in your cabinet, draw the shape of the hole you want on the cabinet side and use the pushpull tool to extrude it through your cabinet side.

Todd

[frank shic]

make sure you go through the tutorials. it takes a lot of the mystery out of this wonderful program.

[Mark Hulette]

make sure you go through the tutorials. it takes a lot of the mystery out of this wonderful program.

Good point. Gary Katz Online site has a couple of excellent tutorials, as well.

[Daniel Simon]

I now have the pro version because I needed to print some drawings to scale. You can't do that with the free version.

[Steven Bolton]

Is the learning curve steep on the free version?

sb

[John Schreiber]

With the exception of exporting files to other CAD programs, there's almost no difference between the pro and free versions.

There's great tutorials available on the Help menu of SketchUp and many other resources available. SawMill creek is a great one.

[Bruce Darrow]

FYI: the free version is Google SketchUp. Tutorials are invaluable, and available in many places. One of my favorites is the Design Click Build blog at Fine Woodworking's site.

Great program! Have fun with it!