SketchUp provides a wide array of tools that are specifically designed for 3D modeling, drafting, and visualization. Below is a comprehensive overview of SketchUp’s essential tools and their functions:

1. Drawing Tools

These tools help you create the fundamental shapes and geometry in SketchUp:

• Line Tool (L): Draw straight lines to create edges for your 3D models. Hold down Shift to lock the line to an axis.
• Rectangle Tool (R): Create rectangular shapes by clicking two opposite corners.
• Circle Tool (C): Create circles by specifying the center point and radius.
• Arc Tool (A): Draw curved lines by specifying start, end, and a point along the arc.
• Polygon Tool: Similar to the Circle Tool but lets you create multi-sided shapes (e.g., hexagons).
• Freehand Tool: Draw freeform lines and curves with your mouse or stylus.

2. Modification Tools

These tools allow you to adjust, manipulate, or reshape the geometry:

• Push/Pull Tool (P): Extrude flat surfaces into 3D shapes or cut into them by pushing inward.
• Move Tool (M): Move objects or geometry along axes or in any direction.
• Rotate Tool (Q): Rotate objects around a selected pivot point.
• Scale Tool (S): Resize objects proportionally or distort them by scaling along specific axes.
• Offset Tool (F): Create parallel edges or faces by offsetting the shape of an existing edge.
• Follow Me Tool: Extrude a face along a path to create complex shapes like pipes or railings.

3. Camera and Viewing Tools

Navigate and adjust your view within the SketchUp workspace:

• Orbit Tool (O): Rotate around your model to view it from different angles.
• Pan Tool (H): Move the camera view horizontally or vertically across the workspace.
• Zoom Tool (Scroll Wheel): Zoom in and out to focus on details or see the entire model.
• Zoom Extents (Shift+Z): Automatically adjust the camera to show all objects in your workspace.
• Look Around Tool: Change the perspective by rotating the camera's viewpoint.
• Walk Tool: Simulate walking through your model, useful for architectural walkthroughs.

4. Measurement and Guide Tools

These tools are used to measure distances, create guides, and ensure precision:

• Tape Measure Tool (T): Measure distances, create construction guides, and scale the model.
• Protractor Tool: Measure and create precise angles or angular guides.
• Dimensions Tool: Add dimension annotations to your model.
• Text Tool (T): Attach labels or text annotations to specific parts of your model.

5. Construction and Editing Tools

Enhance your modeling process with these additional tools:

• Paint Bucket Tool (B): Apply colors, materials, or textures to surfaces.
• Eraser Tool (E): Erase edges or soften/smooth geometry by holding down Ctrl (Win) or Option (Mac).
• Selection Tool (Space): Select individual objects, edges, faces, or groups for modification.
• 3D Warehouse Tool: Access and import models from the online 3D Warehouse.

6. Solid Tools (Pro Version)

Available in SketchUp Pro, these tools are used for advanced solid modeling:

• Outer Shell Tool: Combine two or more solids to form a single shell.
• Union Tool: Merge solids into a single object.
• Subtract Tool: Remove one solid from another.
• Trim Tool: Cut one solid with another, keeping both objects.
• Intersect Tool: Create new geometry where two solids overlap.
• Split Tool: Divide intersecting solids into separate components.

7. Sandbox Tools (Terrain Modeling)

SketchUp provides a dedicated set of tools for creating and editing terrain or organic shapes:

• Sandbox from Contours: Generate a terrain surface from contour lines.
• Smoove Tool: Modify terrain by raising or lowering specific areas.
• Stamp Tool: Flatten an area of the terrain for placing structures.
• Drape Tool: Project edges or lines onto a terrain surface.

8. Section and Visualization Tools

These tools help you explore the interior of your model or display specific details:

• Section Plane Tool: Create section cuts to view the interior of a model.
• Section Fill Tool: Add fill color to section cuts for better visualization.
• Styles Panel: Customize how your model looks with different edge styles, line weights, and backgrounds.
• Scenes Tool: Save specific views for easy navigation and presentations.
• Shadows Tool: Add realistic shadows based on time and location.

9. Extension and Dynamic Component Tools

Expand SketchUp’s functionality and manage dynamic elements with these tools:

• Extension Manager: Add plugins and extensions to enhance SketchUp’s capabilities (e.g., rendering, parametric design).
• Dynamic Components Tool: Create or interact with dynamic components that have configurable attributes (e.g., resizing windows, rotating doors).

10. Layout Integration (Pro Version)

For SketchUp Pro users, LayOut tools allow for the creation of 2D documentation, including floor plans, elevations, and construction drawings.

11. Miscellaneous Tools

Additional tools that help refine your workflow:

• Outliner: Organize and manage components and groups in your model.
• Tags (formerly Layers): Organize your model into categories for easier management.
• Entity Info Panel: View and edit properties of selected objects (e.g., material, dimensions, and tags).
• Axes Tool: Adjust the drawing axes for precise alignment of your geometry.

SketchUp’s tools are intuitive, but learning how to use them effectively requires practice. For visual tutorials, check out SketchUp Essentials on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesketchupessentials.

Would you like a more in-depth explanation of any specific tool? Let me know!