Design Software is Great for Kids

Looking for some good, clean fun that won’t cost you a dime? If you’re anything like my boys, Google SketchUp might be the answer. I happened upon a recommendation for this software while browsing Pin­terest (another form of good, clean fun).

After a brief perusal of the description, I watched a You­tube video demonstration and was hooked. I promptly called my boys in to share the video and see if they were as impressed as I was. “That is soooo cool!” my 13-year-old stated repeatedly. They were equally fascinated and have used the program every day since.

Just what is Google SketchUp? SketchUp is soft­ware that allows users to easily and intuitively create accurate 3D models. The Pro version, which retails for $495, is used by architects and designers for planning and communicating their designs. However, the basic version of SketchUp is com­pletely free and undeniably impressive. With it, you can design everything from a cof­fee table to a cityscape, then pan to view your creations from whatever angle and dis­tance you desire.

Designing in SketchUp couldn’t be easier. Create a basic building by draw­ing a simple rectangle and then use the “pull” tool to pull your flat rectangle into a 3D shape. Add a porch by drawing a smaller rectangle or square onto the large one and “push” it back to cre­ate a recess. You can either eyeball dimensions or enter specific measurements right into the program. SketchUp allows you to “paint” your work with colors or materials such as asphalt, grass, brick or shingles.

The 3D Warehouse is filled with models of ev­erything from windows to robots to shrubbery and furniture that can be easily imported to your creation. The possibilities with this program are limitless, and a plenitude of Youtube tutorials demonstrations make it surprisingly easy to learn. It’s rare to find such impressive software that is not only fun and educational, but free as well. Visit www.sketchup.com for more information.