Google SketchUp is intuitive, flexible and easy to use 3d software with short learning curve (a few minutes for most people). You can use Google SketchUp to create 3D models of anything you like. Starting from your living room redecorating and modeling your city for Google Earth up to sketching quickly your design masterpieces, making 3D drafts for advertising projects instead of drawing sketches with pen or pencil.

Google SketchUp is used by architects, civil engineers, filmmakers and game developers. You can build models from scratch, or you can download what you need choosing from a large number of free models available on Google 3D Warehouse repository. There’s also option to create animation and export it to Youtube. Some of its key features include system that allows users to draw 3D objects using a 2D screen and mouse, feature which creates 3D forms by extruding 2D surfaces along predetermined paths, ability to animate camera and sun movements.

Besides free version there’s also Google SketchUp Pro paid option which include more powerful options aimed for professional use. Google SketchUp is improving permanently and recently Google launched a new 7 version of Google SketchUp which brings even more handy and appealing features. To help you start with Google SketchUp here’s essential resources containing dozens of video tutorials, tips, models, and plugins from worldwide user community.

SketchUp video tutorials
Quickstart tutorials for beginners on user interface, features and techniques used in Google SketchUp.

Official Google SketchUp blog
Blog containing news, tips and feature reviews from the developer’s team improving Google SketchUp.

SketchUp community forums
Forums containing large number of tutorials, components, materials and plugins as well as eager to help community.

Google SketchUp Video Tutorials on Youtube
Official source for online learning of Google SketchUp created by software developers.

Google SketchUp for Dummies Videos
Official website for the book Google SketchUp for Dummies, includes links to video tutorials and sample files.

The SketchUp Show video podcasts
Google SketchUp video training resource for tips, tricks, interviews and other things.

SketchUp Graphics Blog
This blog updates with news, plugins and models as well as contains impressive showcase gallery.

Google 3D Warehouse
A searchable, online repository of 3D models where you can find anything you need and share your models with the world.

3Dvinci video tutorials
Video tutorials and free stuff for kids as well as Teacher Guide with SketchUp design projects for all ages.

SketchUp Wiki
This resource contains over 200 of tutorials, tips and guides related to Google SketchUp.

SketchUp Movie trivia
Have fun with showcase of comics and sketches created with Google SketchUp.

Google SketchUp help on Google groups
SketchUp on Google groups features suggestions, ideas and issues solutions.

SketchUp plugins
The Unofficial SketchUp Plugins Blog contains news and reviews related to the new and updated plugins.

Sketchy Questions
Here you can ask your questions about Google SketchUp and get replies as video tutorials.