How to Create a Workspace Template in SketchUp

Create a Custom Workspace in SketchUp to Make Modeling Easier

A neat feature about SketchUp is the ability to customize parts of the program to fit individual needs. If you use Sketchup regularly, a custom workspace is necessary in order to keep everything consistent as well as speed up the workflow process. I’ve created this tutorial on how to create a workspace template in SketchUp that makes using the program easier without the need to constantly change font type, font size, or saving options!

The instructions to create a workspace template use SketchUp 2019, and will most likely work in other versions of SketchUp.

Setting Up the Workspace Template

Start by opening the program and selecting Woodworking under Create New Model. The Woodworking template uses dimensions in inches only.

Changing the Units

Once the program is open, select Window > Model Info. Here, the dimension tolerances, text, etc. can be changed. If using SketchUp for woodworking projects, select Units and change the Precision to 1/16″ to measure at the nearest sixteenth of an inch. There is really no need to go any lower than 1/16″ unless your woodworking is ultra-precise!

Changing Text

Select Dimensions to change the text and leader lines, and select Text to change how the text appears on screen, as well as when attached to leader lines (the leader lines can also be changed here).

Changing the Background

To change the background of the workspace, select Window > Default Tray > Show Tray. When the tray opens, select Styles > Edit > Background (which should be third button that looks like a cardboard box). Click the box next to Background and enter the color value for the background color. To set the background to white, enter 255 in each of the RGB boxes, then click OK.

Changing the Line Type

In this template, the line type looks a little heavy. It can also be changed in the Styles panel in the Tray by selecting the first button (it looks like an outline of a box) and changing the value in the Profiles box. (I have mine set at 1.)

Saving the Workspace

When everything has been changed, click File > Save as Template, then enter a name and a description for your template. Leave the box checked for Set as Default Template so that it defaults to this workspace template every time SketchUp is opened.

Have questions about how to create a workspace template in SketchUp? Leave a comment below!

Here are more tutorials to use with SketchUp:

• Creating a Watermark in SketchUp
• Creating Printable Templates in Sketchup