• Practical, approachable coverage flattens the Sketchup 8 learning curve
• Tightly integrated online video and screencast tutorials: invaluable for mastering 3D modeling
• Covers topics other Sketchup books ignore, including the "free vs. paid" upgrade decision and Ruby scripting
• Best-selling CAD author/expert Bud E. Smith offers independent advice, help, and workarounds

The free version of Google Sketchup 8 is bringing 3D modeling to millions of people who've never tried it before, and the high-value Pro version is attracting huge numbers of professionals who have used AutoCAD. Using Google Sketchup 8 is a media-rich learning experience designed to help all these new users master Google Sketchup 8 quickly, and get the most out of it, fast! It starts with a concise, friendly, step-by-step, task-based guide to Google Sketchup 8. This book is fully integrated with an unprecedented collection of online learning resources: online video, screencasts, podcasts, and additional web content, all designed to reinforce key concepts and help you achieve real mastery. Its practical, approachable coverage guides you through all facets of working with Google Sketchup 8. It provides independent, realistic coverage of Sketchup 8's most important features and capabilities, including topics most Sketchup books ignore, such as Ruby scripting. Coverage includes: " Drawing shapes, creating 3D models, and adding 3D features " Using components and groups " Rotating and scaling models " Using X-rays and cross-sections " Presenting, exporting, and printing models " Using Models with Google Earth and other Google tools " Using Ruby on Rails scripts to extend Sketchup 8 (and possibly avoid the $500 upgrade to Sketchup 8 Pro)