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School is back in session: new features in SketchUp for Schools

SketchUp for Schools

It’s that time of the year: back to school for K-12! To add to the excitement, we launched some great new features to help crush the learning curve this year.

Last year, we focused on 3D printing in the classroom. This year, our focus is on integrating with a whole new platform: Microsoft Education. You read it right, Microsoft Education schools can now use SketchUp for Schools!

That’s not all! We created lesson plans for Science, Theater, and Shop Class; we improved 2D printing, image export, and material editing ⁠— and we upped the learning experience for new users with our brand new search functionality! 

Fill your backpack (or overstuffed rolling crate) with SketchUp for Schools’ newest features...

Microsoft integration: Exciting news! In addition to the G Suite for Education, we are now integrated with Microsoft Education. Students and teachers can log in to SketchUp for Schools using a Microsoft Education account. Find us on the Microsoft Education Store and get to modeling!

SketchUp for Schools Microsoft Integration
 

New 2019 curriculum (English only): Back to school means new learning material! We launched three new lesson plans focused on non-tech subjects to help broaden your 3D modeling skill-set. So no matter if you are in a Science class or Theater class, you can use SketchUp to get the work done! Check out the new 2019 lesson plans.
 

SketchUp for Schools new curriculum
 

2D printing: We got the 3D printing features nailed last year, so this year, we moved on to improve your 2D printing experience. You can now print all of your 3D designs to scale or select specific views and scenes in your model. This will drastically improve your print workflow for digital fabrication!
 

2D printing in SketchUp for Schools
 

Image export: With all of the improvements to printing, we didn’t want to leave out image export! You can now change the image resolution, apply a transparent background, and select views and scenes in your model. Pro tip: try this feature out to help pull together your classroom presentations! 
 

Image exporting in SketchUp for Schools
 

Material editing: You can now apply images as textures, change color gradients, and have all the flexibility you need to create custom materials in your models. Customization and efficiency all in one!

Material editing in SketchUp for Schools
 

Search functionality: New to SketchUp and still learning your way around? We just released an amazing new way to search for tools. Use the new command search bar to type in the tool or feature you are looking for. Don’t know the full name? No worries. The search bar will suggest relevant tools to help guide you in the right direction. 

Search functionality


We are always looking to create the best learning experience for teachers and students. Let us know if there are other things you need in SketchUp for Schools to be successful. Our ears and eyes are always open!
 

So what are you waiting for? Don’t dilly dally, check out the new features by launching the app below.

About the Author

As the SketchUp EDU Product Manager, Joy's goal is to deliver awesome 3D modeling tools to Sketchup's education community. As a human, she is a perpetual learner, fitness enthusiast, dog-lover, and day-dreamer turned dream-chaser. Her side-kick, Luke, is always nearby.

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