SketchUp Classes Live Online: Best Remote/Virtual SketchUp Training

Learn More About Live Online SketchUp Courses

Digital design tools have taken over multiple creative markets in the last 20 to 30 years due to their ease of use, power, and unique modeling capabilities. For example, crafting 3D projects without them would require a lot of paper and complex perspective analysis. Thankfully, programs like SketchUp streamline this process and ensure that creatives from design-oriented industries can quickly produce attractive projects in multiple styles for their clients.

To that end, Trimble’s SketchUp is one of the most popular 3D modeling tools on the market, one that lets users create detailed designs for architecture and interior design. However, its diverse features also include animation and texturing to expand SketchUp’s powerful capabilities. Currently, it’s available on Windows and macOS operating systems in languages like English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Brazilian.

Thankfully, online training programs help design experts across the nation master SketchUp through detailed and hands-on education. Project-based learning helps reinforce critical theoretical concepts and practical 3D modeling techniques. To meet that goal, virtual courses offer training programs in both major cities and rural areas. Understanding design tools like SketchUp, their uses, and a few available training courses can help learners choose their classes wisely.

What Can You Do with SketchUp Training?

Obviously, most people who take SketchUp training courses want to expand their career opportunities within 3D design. After all, this robust and industry-leading software gives them the ability to produce professional-level results quickly and efficiently. However, there are many reasons why people learn SketchUp, and not all are related to finding new jobs! Here are a few things that users can do with this program after completing their hands-on training:

Make 3D Models: SketchUp’s powerful crafting capabilities make it easier for people to produce high-quality, professional, intricate, and attractive three-dimensional models. Why would they want to do that? Well, some might have projects (such as indie video game productions) that need good-looking 3D characters, backgrounds, and animations.
Produce 3D Printing Projects: Recently, 3D printing has become more affordable and manageable, opening this creative process up to even more individuals. However, projects in this field need three-dimensional designs that printers can use when crafting new items. Thankfully, SketchUp makes this process easier for the average person.
Expand Creativity: While everybody is capable of creativity, there are some individuals whose natural abilities lie in making new and innovative artwork. Learning SketchUp and other 3D modeling tools helps these people expand their capabilities, produce high-quality work, and potentially break into multiple artistic markets and industries.
Get Some Money: People who already have a rewarding career can still use SketchUp to make a little extra cash. For example, they can join a freelance job board, bid on gigs, and create projects for various clients. In this way, they can build their bank account and even funnel their savings into investments to develop their portfolio even further.

It should be evident by now that people interested in earning a SketchUp certification or certificate can easily apply what they’ve learned in a variety of unique and exciting ways. Even if they don’t start a design career after completing their bootcamp, they can use their knowledge to start fun and productive side hustles and personal projects. More excitingly, they can use their newly found skills to build their confidence further.

What Will I Learn in a SketchUp Class?

Before jumping into an online SketchUp training program, asking many questions is essential. For example, learners should know how SketchUp stacks up compared to similar subjects, what careers it opens up to them, and what abilities and techniques they’ll learn in their sessions. This last subject is particularly critical because skilled students will master multiple powerful theoretical and practical ideas in their courses that they can efficiently utilize in other areas.

Foundational UI Usage and Shape Production

SketchUp students usually start by mastering this program’s unique user interface, including understanding how to produce basic shapes and designs quickly and effectively. For example, they’ll study line-drawing tools, master making squares, circles, and triangles, and use these techniques in powerful and rewarding ways. Once they have these foundational techniques mastered, they can quickly move on to producing intricate and impressive results.

Design Concepts

All SketchUp projects utilize coherent theories and ideas that help to produce high-quality and engaging results. Thankfully, most bootcamps and courses cover at least some of these concepts to help students with little to no design experience feel more comfortable using this software. While it’s best to have a deep grounding in these concepts before learning SketchUp, most courses will reinforce these ideas in simple but effective ways for beginners.

3D Modeling

Once learners have mastered basic shape design and creation with SketchUp’s user interface, they’ll move on to actual three-dimensional modeling concepts. They’ll learn about perspective and how it influences shapes, ways of shadowing their work based on lighting sources, methods for rendering complex projects effectively, and more. These ideas provide users with a more comprehensive grasp of SketchUp, making it easier to transition to high-quality, professional-level production.

Animation

SketchUp learners often transition into animation-related fields thanks to its powerful 3D modeling tools. It even offers basic functionality for animating objects. As a result, many courses emphasize these skills to help learners feel more comfortable transitioning to these high-earning careers. Just as importantly, they’ll learn how to transfer their work to 3D animation tools such as Autodesk Maya, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Blender, and K-3D, to produce strong work.

Texturing

Knowing how to make complex 3D objects is an excellent start for budding SketchUp professionals, but these entities need a little more work before they’re truly attractive. As a result, knowing how to add a little texture and detail to bare three-dimensional models will not only make them more appealing but deepen their usage. For example, living room designs with attractive patterns and colors offer customers more value and better planning potential.

Collaboration

Virtual SketchUp training courses not only focus on complex technical concepts but also reinforce many soft skills that graduates can apply in all aspects of their lives. For example, SketchUp offers many powerful collaboration tools that make it easier for designers to craft high-quality and memorable work. After all, most complex projects use multiple design professionals to produce unique and genuinely eye-catching plans for their customers’ needs.

How Hard is It to Learn SketchUp?

Most people find SketchUp surprisingly easy to understand with just a few hours of practice. Trimble works hard to make this software user-friendly by focusing on a streamlined user interface that doesn’t confuse or upset learners. Just as importantly, they continually work on simplifying its control while deepening its usage. Now, understanding how to use it and mastering it to make expert-level projects are not the same and shouldn’t be treated as such.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning SketchUp?

While grasping SketchUp’s basic user interface isn’t difficult, understanding the complex design concepts behind each project will take time for most people. Put simply, using SketchUp to produce professional, safe, and attractive projects isn’t easy at first. Thankfully, most online bootcamps and classes focus on reinforcing these ideas in effective ways by using hands-on exercises that build both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for learners.

How Long Does It Take to Learn SketchUp?

As hinted at previously, some users feel comfortable using SketchUp’s basic processes in as little as a few hours. That’s great for people who already understand complex design theories or have experience with other types of 3D modeling software. That said, beginners and even some intermediate users might find that expert-level comprehension in SketchUp could take six months or longer. Thankfully, regular practice and portfolio development speed up this process.

Should I Learn SketchUp in Person or Online?

Researching a few online SketchUp courses will likely lead to many questions such as “Is in-person or online learning better?” These discussions are meaningful because some people learn better in specific settings. Class format matters, as in-person classes provide a more hands-on experience and include computers and software tools that make education easier. They are usually more available in larger cities, which often have multiple training facilities.

In contrast, online programs offer education to people in areas where it might not be readily available. This makes virtual training less expensive than in-person options and broader in its overall class attendance. There are two models for internet-based learning: live and asynchronous classes. Live programs mimic in-person courses by letting students interact with their teachers and peers in real time. This is an excellent option for students who need hands-on help.

Asynchronous courses provide a suite of videos, lectures, hands-on activities, and forums that users can tap into when mastering SketchUp. They take the course at their own pace. Some people study only on weekends in extended blocks of time, while others prefer doing a few activities every day. While interaction with professors and fellow students is limited in asynchronous programs compared to live sessions, they are still a great way to learn SketchUp.

Can I Learn SketchUp Free Online?

Readers might have found some free seminars and even YouTube channels teaching SketchUp and other related subjects. These resources undoubtedly provide great benefits for students, including step-by-step guides for solving various problems. But can they truly make someone a SketchUp expert? Not really. They’re best used as supplemental tools to a focused bootcamp educational experience. Put simply, learning anything significant rarely costs nothing.

What Should I Learn Alongside SketchUp?

People searching for SketchUp classes near them should also focus on building other techniques and abilities before looking for work. After all, SketchUp is just one of many high-quality 3D modeling programs. Understanding how to use it is a great thing, but mastering other related tools and techniques is equally critical. Here are a handful of essential things that SketchUp graduates should learn either after or while studying this software tool:

3D Design Software: SketchUp is an industry leader in 3D modeling, but it is far from the only tool that budding designers should learn. In fact, dozens of high-quality programs can expand a student’s potential skills. As a result, it’s worth learning software like TinkerCAD, FreeCAD, Meshmixer, and Vectary alongside SketchUp.
Adobe Applications: Few companies provide as diverse or high-quality design products as Adobe. Its Creative Cloud includes programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Firefly, Substance 3D Collection, InDesign, and Lightroom that SketchUp users should understand to improve their career scope and handle even bigger projects.
Web Design: While SketchUp isn’t always considered an essential web design tool, it’s far more helpful for this market than it might seem. For example, digital advertising firms might utilize three-dimensional graphics and models in their marketing materials and SEO campaigns. Knowing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript certainly won’t hurt.
Digital Publishing: The digital publishing world includes virtual books, magazines, how-to guides, manuals, and advertisements. Often, this market requires 3D models to enhance their products and catch readers’ eyes. Therefore, studying this subject and its many elements can boost a student’s chances of finding a job after mastering SketchUp.

These unique skills help expand a learner’s abilities, make it easier to utilize SketchUp, and improve their overall career progression. Learners who want to transition into a design-related professional career will likely find these techniques and tools invaluable for their education. Just as importantly, they give graduates a better idea of what to expect when searching for jobs in the various high-quality and fascinating SketchUp industries and markets available online.

Industries That Use SketchUp

Throughout the nation, many markets need experts who understand SketchUp to work in-person and online jobs. Many of these tech-related fields are among the highest-earning in the country and often include remote opportunities that should make life a little easier for many graduates. People interested in turning their SketchUp expertise into a rewarding career need to understand the following industries, including their growth potential for the next 10 years.

Architecture

As the largest employer of SketchUp users, the architectural market constantly seeks experts who understand this complex software. Thankfully, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a market growth of 5% for this field. That’s faster than the national economic average, meaning it should be easy for people interested in this field to find work. They should also study some architectural concepts before looking for jobs to ensure they’re prepared for their demands.

Interior Design

Closely related to architecture, interior design focuses on taking newly built or pre-existing buildings and making their insides more attractive and appealing. Experts in this market often use SketchUp to produce startlingly realistic and alluring models highlighting their work for their potential customers. Thankfully, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 4% growth in this industry over the next decade, which is just a little over the current economic expansion rate.

Video Game Design

While the video game industry has experienced some unfortunate layoffs over the last few years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that growth within this industry looks to hit about 8% and 10% across multiple markets. In fact, this field makes billions in profit yearly on multimillion-dollar projects that need 3D modeling experts who understand software like SketchUp. Major studios and independent developers all need design pros like these.

Marketing

Even when the country’s economy falls into a recession or depression, the marketing and advertising industries thrive. Perhaps that’s why the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a growth of around 8% in this industry over the next 10 years. How do marketing experts use SketchUp? They might need 3D models for their advertising campaigns, mainly digital projects that might span many years and spread across multiple webpages to reach millions of viewers.

Civil Engineering

Engineers often specialize in unique industries to narrow their job search and make great money. For example, civil engineering specialists work on projects like dams, bridges, and utilities. They often use 3D modeling tools, like SketchUp, to showcase their projects, highlight their design concepts, and get approval for their work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates 5% growth in this industry, which gives graduates great career opportunities.

SketchUp Job Titles and Salaries

After learning SketchUp and finding an industry that appeals to them, learners can easily find jobs within multiple markets. These include popular fields like graphic design on all levels, various types of digital marketing, video and motion projects, and general business. Thankfully, there are many surprisingly lucrative jobs for people with SketchUp skills. While they’ll probably need to study other topics to get these jobs, the following careers can be very rewarding.

Digital Designer

A Digital Designer might use programs like SketchUp to create graphics, animations, 3D models, and special effects for their projects. For example, they might work on making phone or computer applications, complex computer software and video games, completely digital advertisements and SEO campaigns, digital publications, and ebooks. They earn a national average of around $102,000, with NYC experts making a national high of $200,000.

3D Animator

A 3D Animator focuses on designing characters, backgrounds, and scenes for various creative digital projects. These might include movies, television, marketing jobs, and work in related industries. SketchUp helps them produce realistic human and animal movements, intricate and dynamic visuals, and other comprehensive visual elements. US median salaries hit $94,000, with Chicago and Miami experts earning an industry-leading salary average of about $173,000.

Digital Strategist

A job as a Digital Strategist may involve creating websites, animations, social media posts, art projects, digital marketing content, SEO campaigns, and online books. These projects might utilize 3D animation and graphics that users can quickly produce with SketchUp’s high-powered apps. Within this field, experts earn an average of $81,000 nationwide. The highest-earning median salary for this job is in New York City at about $95,000, though rates may be higher.

Video Manager

Working as a Video Manager involves planning all levels of filmmaking. These professionals storyboard ideas, help with scripting, and finalize post-production processes. However, they might also use SketchUp and other tools to create 3D scenes and special effects. People in this market can earn a good salary of around $69,000 on average nationally. The highest-earning area for these professionals is in Dallas, with a $166,000 yearly median for video managers.

SketchUp Classes Near Me

Trying to learn SketchUp online is easier than ever thanks to high-quality virtual training programs! These include industry-leading organizations such as private institutions, community colleges, and universities. In fact, there are often so many options available that some learners might get confused and unsure which works best for their needs. The following three schools can help graduates from all walks of life get the support they need for their education.

Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers industry-leading education in tech-related businesses and much more. Available in-person in New York City, this school also provides innovative and exciting live online training. Courses are led by some of the best professors in the nation and include 1-on-1 mentoring that streamlines their learning process in powerful and exciting ways.

SketchUp Pro Bootcamp

SketchUp Pro Bootcamp is a 12-hour, two-day class costing around $700. It’s a beginner-friendly program that focuses on reinforcing skills, building on pre-existing concepts, and solidifying a learner’s overall experience. Students can interact with their professors in real-time to correct common mistakes and use 1-on-1 mentoring to build their program mastery.

VCDI

VCDI provides efficient online training across the nation to anyone interested in tech and design fields. With courses in SketchUp and other related subjects, they’re more than capable of helping a learner master various skills. Their detailed and effective curricula offer practical and theoretical lessons that make it easier for students to master pretty complex concepts.

SKP 101—Introduction to SketchUp Pro

SKP 101—Introduction to SketchUp Pro takes around 30 hours to complete or three weeks of part-time training. Costing just $580, this program offers nearly six hours of videos and multiple hands-on exercises. Students learn about things like general 3D design, as well as Extension Warehouse, 3D Warehouse, Layout, Style Builder, and other important SketchUp plug-ins.

ArchAdemia

ArchAdemia provides Architect and interior design programs that build skills, reinforce industry knowledge, and direct graduates toward rewarding careers. Students will learn about programs like SketchUp while practicing design concepts with skill-building and hands-on exercises. Those interested in these industries may find their online courses particularly rewarding.

Online SketchUp Course | the Complete Guide to SketchUp

Online SketchUp Course | The Complete Guide to SketchUp is an eight-hour self-directed program with five chapters, 25 video lessons, and hands-on activities. Attendees will study SketchUp’s user interface and practice building 3D models using complex design concepts. To take this class, students must sign up for a $30-monthly subscription to ArchAdemia.

Certstaffix

Certstaffix offers nationwide individual and organizational computer training using a live, online educational model. These instructor-led courses help reinforce knowledge, build a student’s abilities, and make it easier to start a new and exciting career. However, there are also self-directed e-learning programs that users can take at whatever pace feels right for them.

SketchUp (e-learning) Course

SketchUp (e-learning) Course is a six-month online program with five courses in multiple subjects. These include SketchUp basics, productivity and time management, basic digital concepts, and soft skills. It costs about $500 for each student and is self-directed, meaning learners can take breaks and plan their studying around their busy personal schedule.

SketchUp Corporate Training

In some cases, large design companies may want to train many people how to use SketchUp quickly and efficiently. Does it make sense to pay for individual classes for these users? Not when Noble Desktop offers SketchUp training and corporate courses that can teach everybody all at once! These expansive programs offer experiences in-person (in New York City) and online (everywhere else) that let businesses educate their employees quickly and efficiently.

Noble offers discounted bulk vouchers that help reduce a company’s investment in this training. That’s a massive deal for any business looking to streamline their expenses. Interested business owners or managers should email Noble Desktop at corporate@nobledesktop.com to set up their courses. These classes can be taken right at work on any computer hooked up to the internet. This easy availability makes corporate training much easier to plan and execute.

Eric Benac

Eric Benac is a copywriter, marketing content producer, researcher, and AI specialist for Noble Desktop. He earned a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in Writing from Northern Michigan University. Before working with Noble Desktop, Eric worked for over 15 years as a copywriter, project manager, and marketer. Since graduating, he's continually expanded his knowledge base by completing project management courses, digital marketing classes, artificial intelligence programs, and programming certifications. Currently, he works full-time as a project manager for an AI firm. Eric’s certifications include Google Project Management, Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce, and Generative AI Fundamentals.

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Key Insights

Learn More About Live Online SketchUp Courses

What Can You Do with SketchUp Training?

What Will I Learn in a SketchUp Class?

Foundational UI Usage and Shape Production

Design Concepts

3D Modeling

Animation

Texturing

Collaboration

How Hard is It to Learn SketchUp?

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning SketchUp?

How Long Does It Take to Learn SketchUp?

Should I Learn SketchUp in Person or Online?

Can I Learn SketchUp Free Online?

What Should I Learn Alongside SketchUp?

Industries That Use SketchUp

Architecture

Interior Design

Video Game Design

Marketing

Civil Engineering

SketchUp Job Titles and Salaries

Digital Designer

3D Animator

Digital Strategist

Video Manager

SketchUp Classes Near Me

Noble Desktop

VCDI

ArchAdemia

Online SketchUp Course | the Complete Guide to SketchUp

Certstaffix

SketchUp (e-learning) Course

SketchUp Corporate Training

Live Online SketchUp Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Virtual Design & Construction Institute SketchUp Pro Course Online (Self-Paced)
Sponsored

Live Online SketchUp
Corporate & Onsite Training