Are you eager to explore the world of 3D design on your iPad? Look no further than SketchUp Viewer!
This powerful app allows you to view and interact with your SketchUp models right from the comfort of your iPad. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of using SketchUp Viewer on your iPad, so let’s get started!
Installing SketchUp Viewer
To begin, head over to the App Store on your iPad and search for “SketchUp Viewer.” Once you find it, tap on the “Get” button and wait for the installation process to complete. After installation, locate the SketchUp Viewer icon on your home screen and tap on it to launch the app.
Opening a Model
Now that you have SketchUp Viewer installed, it’s time to open a model. Tap on the plus icon (+) located at the top-right corner of the screen. This will bring up a menu where you can choose how you want to open a model.
- SketchUp Storage: If your model is stored in Trimble Connect or another cloud storage service, select this option. Sign in with your account credentials and navigate to the location of your model.
- Email Attachment: If someone sent you a SketchUp model as an email attachment, choose this option. Access your email account and locate the email containing the attachment.
Tap on it, and SketchUp Viewer will automatically open it for you.
- iTunes File Sharing: If you have transferred a model from your computer to your iPad using iTunes File Sharing, select this option. Connect your iPad to your computer, open iTunes, select your device, go to “File Sharing,” and choose SketchUp Viewer from the list of apps. Drag and drop your model into the “SketchUp Viewer Documents” section.
Once you have selected the appropriate option, browse through your files and tap on the desired model to open it in SketchUp Viewer.
Exploring the Model
Now that your model is open, it’s time to take a closer look! Use your fingers to navigate around the 3D space.
Pinch in or out to zoom in or out, and swipe with one finger to rotate the model. You can also use two fingers to pan across the screen and move around the model.
If you want to inspect specific elements of your model up close, tap on them. SketchUp Viewer allows you to select individual entities and view their properties.
To select an entity, simply tap on it once. You can then access its properties by tapping on the “i” icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
Taking Measurements
SketchUp Viewer also provides a handy measuring tool that allows you to take measurements within your model. To access this tool, tap on the ruler icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
Once in measurement mode, select two points within your model by tapping on them. SketchUp Viewer will display the distance between these two points along with their X, Y, and Z coordinates if applicable.
Annotating Your Model
If you want to add annotations or notes to your model, SketchUp Viewer lets you do that too! Tap on the pencil icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen to enter annotation mode.
In annotation mode, you can draw lines and shapes directly onto your model using your finger or an Apple Pencil if available. To change the color or thickness of your annotations, tap on the paintbrush icon in the toolbar.
Sharing Your Model
Once you are done exploring and annotating your model, you might want to share it with others. SketchUp Viewer offers several options for sharing your model.
- Email: Tap on the envelope icon in the toolbar to send your model as an email attachment.
- Trimble Connect: If you have a Trimble Connect account, you can upload your model directly from SketchUp Viewer. Tap on the cloud icon in the toolbar, sign in to your account, and follow the prompts to upload your model.
- Other Apps: If you prefer to share your model with another app on your iPad, tap on the square icon with an arrow pointing upwards. This will bring up a menu with various options like Airdrop, Messages, and more.
Select the option that suits your needs best and follow the prompts to share your model.
Closing Thoughts
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to use SketchUp Viewer on your iPad.
With this powerful tool at your fingertips, you can now view, explore, annotate, and share SketchUp models wherever you go. Enjoy unleashing your creativity in the world of 3D design!