# SketchUp for Design: Tutorials, News, Book Companion Materials

> Tutorials and news about architectural design, 3D modeling, rendering, drawing, extensions/plugins, making, and scripting with Trimble's SketchUp and LayOut\.

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## Pages
- ['Architectural Design with SketchUp' Book](https://sketchupfordesign.com/sketchup-book/): The book “Architectural Design with SketchUp” is the most complete reference for anyone using SketchUp\. These pages provide updated links, free resources, downloadable SketchUp files, videos, corrections, and more\.
- [Tutorials and News](https://sketchupfordesign.com/sketchup-tutorials-news/): Alex' collection of tutorials and news posts about all SketchUp topics: 3D modeling, design, rendering, extensions/plugins, scripting, fabrication, LayOut, and more\.
- [Creating Geometry Using Ruby Scripting \(Chapter 7\)](https://sketchupfordesign.com/sketchup-book/creating-geometry-using-ruby-scripting/): Chapter 7 of "Architectural Design with SketchUp" focuses on creating scripted geometry using SketchUp and Ruby, with resources and sample videos provided online\.
- [Making Things with SketchUp \(Chapter 6\)](https://sketchupfordesign.com/sketchup-book/making-things-with-sketchup/)
- [3D Modeling Approaches \(Chapter 3\)](https://sketchupfordesign.com/sketchup-book/3d-modeling-approaches/): Chapter 3 of "Architectural Design with SketchUp" explores diverse 3D modeling approaches and their impact on design efficiency and intelligence\.

## Posts
- [Free, Private, \& \(Potentially\) Fast: Using Local AI \(LLM\) Models inside SketchUp](https://sketchupfordesign.com/tutorials/extensions/free-private-potentially-fast-using-local-ai-llm-models-inside-sketchup/): SketchUp AI Explorer version 3\.3 now supports local LLMs via software like LM Studio, allowing you to run AI models directly on your hardware\. This free, private approach avoids token costs and supports models like Gemma or DeepSeek\. Learn how to set up your local server and configure the extension for a powerful, custom AI experience\.
- [SketchUp 2026\.2 Introduces New Analysis Possibilities](https://sketchupfordesign.com/news/sketchup-2026-2-introduces-new-analysis-possibilities/): SketchUp 2026\.2 introduces the powerful new Analysis Hub, bringing environmental design tools like Advanced Shadows and daylighting analysis directly into your modeling workflow\. This update also marks the official launch of the new LayOut graphics engine and adds versatile Group Clipping Masks\. With performance enhancements and streamlined extension migration, this release significantly boosts architectural design efficiency\.
- [Interested in Mass Timber Buildings, Construction, and Related Topics?](https://sketchupfordesign.com/news/interested-in-mass-timber-buildings-construction-and-related-topics/)
- [AI Rendering with SketchUp's Built\-In \(v\. 2026\.1\) AI Render Tool](https://sketchupfordesign.com/tutorials/rendering/ai-rendering-with-sketchups-built-in-v-2026-1-ai-render-tool/)
- [SketchUp 2026 Has Been Released\!](https://sketchupfordesign.com/news/sketchup-2026-has-been-released/)

## Categories
- [SketchUp Tutorials](https://sketchupfordesign.com/sketchup-tutorials-news/tutorials/)
- [News Blog](https://sketchupfordesign.com/sketchup-tutorials-news/news/)
- [3D Modeling](https://sketchupfordesign.com/sketchup-tutorials-news/tutorials/3d-modeling/)
- [Scripting](https://sketchupfordesign.com/sketchup-tutorials-news/tutorials/scripting/)
- [Extensions](https://sketchupfordesign.com/sketchup-tutorials-news/tutorials/extensions/)

## Tags
- [Extensions \& Plugins](https://sketchupfordesign.com/tag/plugins/)
- [Trimble](https://sketchupfordesign.com/tag/trimble/)
- [Ruby](https://sketchupfordesign.com/tag/ruby/)
- [Rendering](https://sketchupfordesign.com/tag/rendering/)
- [Art](https://sketchupfordesign.com/tag/art/)

## Optional
- [Sitemap index](https://sketchupfordesign.com/sitemap_index.xml)