How Do You Make a Computer Case in Sketchup?

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Creating a computer case in Sketchup can be an exciting project for both beginners and experienced designers. With Sketchup’s intuitive interface and powerful tools, you can create a custom computer case that meets your specific needs. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps of making a computer case in Sketchup, from setting up the workspace to adding final touches.

Setting up the Workspace

Before we dive into creating the computer case, let’s start by setting up our workspace. Launch Sketchup and create a new project. Choose the template that best suits your needs, such as ‘Product Design & Woodworking’ or ‘3D Printing – Millimeters’.

Importing Reference Images

If you have a design or concept in mind for your computer case, it’s helpful to import reference images into Sketchup. This will serve as a guide throughout the design process.

To import an image, go to ‘File’ > ‘Import’ > ‘Image’. Choose your desired image file and place it in your workspace.

Creating the Base Shape

Now that our workspace is set up, let’s start creating the base shape of our computer case.

  1. Draw a Rectangle: Select the ‘Rectangle’ tool from the toolbar or press ‘R’ on your keyboard. Click on one corner of your base shape and drag to create a rectangle of desired dimensions.
  2. Create Depth: Use the ‘Push/Pull’ tool (shortcut: ‘P’) to extrude your rectangle and give it depth.

    Click on one face of your rectangle and drag it upwards or downwards to create the desired depth.

  3. Add Curves: To make your computer case more visually appealing, you can add curves to the edges. Select the ‘Arc’ tool (shortcut: ‘A’) and draw arcs on the corners of your base shape.

Adding Components

Now that we have our base shape, let’s add components such as ventilation holes, USB ports, and power buttons.

Ventilation Holes

Ventilation is crucial for keeping your computer cool. To create ventilation holes:

  • Draw Circles: Select the ‘Circle’ tool (shortcut: ‘C’) and draw circles where you want the ventilation holes to be located.
  • Extrude the Holes: Use the ‘Push/Pull’ tool to extrude the circles into cylinders. Click on each circle and drag it inwards or outwards to adjust the depth of the holes.

USB Ports and Power Button

To add USB ports and a power button:

  1. Create Rectangles: Use the ‘Rectangle’ tool to draw rectangles where you want your USB ports and power button to be placed.
  2. Add Depth: Extrude these rectangles using the ‘Push/Pull’ tool to give them depth.

Refining Details and Finishing Touches

The last step is to refine any additional details and add finishing touches to your computer case.

Rounded Corners

If you prefer rounded corners over sharp edges, use Sketchup’s ‘FredoCorner’ extension or the ‘RoundCorner’ plugin. These tools allow you to round off edges and corners with ease.

Texturing and Coloring

To make your computer case look more realistic, apply textures and colors to different components. Select a component, go to the ‘Materials’ panel, and choose a texture or color from the library.

Remember to save your project regularly as you work on it. Sketchup allows you to export your final design in various formats, such as STL for 3D printing or DWG for further modification in other software.

With these steps, you can create a customized computer case in Sketchup that fits your style and specifications. Enjoy the process of designing and let your creativity shine!