SketchUp 3D Warehouse - Everything You Need to Know

Why use Sketchup 3D Warehouse?

Let’s begin this section by clarifying that uploading a model to 3D Warehouse doesn’t mean that the entire world will have free access to it. It’s entirely up to you to decide who gets to see it, if anyone at all. However, if you’re proud of a model you created and you think other designers can benefit from using it, then 3D Warehouse offers you a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the 3D modelling community.

Another great reason to use 3D Warehouse is that it allows you to store all of your models in one place that is easily accessible at all times. Regardless of where you’re working from or if you’re even using the same computer, as long as you have an internet connection you’ll be able to use your saved models. Even if you don’t have to use it too often, it’s never a bad idea to have a backup.

Last but certainly not least, Warehouse gives designers, especially beginners, plenty of options to get inspired. Whether you’re looking for a sofa, door or tree, the online library has countless models for you to choose from. Not only that, but users don’t even have to download them, they can inspect them, zoom in, see what they like and move on.

How to access 3D Warehouse?

3D Warehouse is an online open library which means that it can only be accessed through an internet browser or through any version of Sketchup from 2017 onwards. If you’re already using Sketchup Pro all you have to do is click on the 3D Warehouse icon which should be located somewhere in the top toolbar.

Alternatively you can simply look up Sketchup 3D Warehouse online and browse through thousands of models. It’s a great way to get inspired and find ready models of anything you might need. Thousands of users add new content daily and although not all of it might be amazing, you’ll surely find something that interests you.

How to find the models you’re looking for and download them

3D Warehouse is fairly straightforward to use, however as with everything it might take some getting used to. Let’s start off by going through the search process. Finding a specific item you’re looking for can be done by simply typing its name in the search bar. To further improve your experience, there are various ways to refine and improve your search results. 3D Warehouse allows users to filter their results based on popularity and number of likes. This can save you a lot of time, as the most liked models are usually the best ones. Furthermore you can also use the “Categories” option to filter out any models that aren’t related to your search term.

A bad download can ruin your entire model, so be careful when choosing which item to download. A good way of doing this is by restricting the file size and polygon count of your searches.

Lastly, once you’ve chosen a model you like, downloading it is as simple as it gets. Simply press the download button and it will directly get imported into Sketchup. Your new model will be placed on the cursor of the “Move” tool. Simply move your mouse and click on the location where you’d like to place your object.

How to upload models to Sketchup 3D Warehouse?

Apart from downloading models you need, 3D Warehouse is a great place to store and share your own creations. You can upload your 3D models through the web browser or the desktop version of Sketchup. If you are using the web browser then all you have to do is click on the “Upload” button located in the top right corner, next to your user icon. For the desktop version you’ll have to click on the “Share models” icon in the toolbar.

Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll be directed to a separate pop-up window where you can either browse and choose the model you want to upload or simply drag and drop the model file.

Once you’re done, you’ll be directed to a page where you’ll be asked to fill in details about your model like its name and description. Once you’ve filled that in you’re all done and you can choose whether you want to share your creation with the world or keep it in your own private online collection.

All in all, 3D Warehouse is a great place for designers to share their 3D models and find inspiration from others. Whether you’re looking for large online library filled with different models or simply a place where you can store your models, 3D Warehouse might be the perfect tool for you.