SketchUp on the Desktop

To get started with 3D printing, we need to install SketchUp, a program that allows us to create 3D objects, and a few extensions that will help us print our creations.

When creating a 3D object on the computer, it is possible (and very easy) to create objects that are "impossible" in real life (imagine a balloon with a hole in it). Luckily, SketchUp users have created a few extensions that show us problems in our designs before we try to print them. Solid Inspector² is one of those extensions. The second extension, SketchUp STL, will give us a file that we can print.

Installing extensions in SketchUp 2016

1. Download SketchUp here, or open it SketchUp Logo if already installed
2. Download the Solid Inspector² extension, and the Sketchup STL exporter to a known location
3. To install the extensions, open SketchUp then click the "Window" menu up top
4. Click "Preferences"
5. Click "Extensions" on the left
6. Click "Install Extensions"
7. Navigate to the location of Solid Inspector², then click open and click OK a few times
8. Complete steps 1–5 for Sketchup STL

Want to start building? Head to 3D Printing Badge to make your first project!

3D Print Training Series

Next up: Making the 3D Printing Badge