Computer Aided Design (CAD) is an incredibly useful asset to have for any woodworker, whether professional or enthusiast. SketchUp (originally by Google, now by Trimble) is an easily learned and incredibly versatile program. There are two key features of SketchUp that are amazingly useful. The first is the ability to create accurate and detailed 3D drawings. This allows students to design and manipulate a project from any angle, to create pleasing, well-balanced designs. Anyone can virtually eliminate mistakes by having everything represented accurately on the computer model before any expensive materials are cut. As a further option, these drawings can then be ‘rendered’, meaning processed by an external plugin program, to create photographic quality pictures. These are very impressive and powerful when presenting a project to a client. The process also allows for alternative color and design elements to be visualized quickly. If you are interested in 3D printing, you can export .STL files too. The second feature is that SketchUp can easily produce technical drawings, which allow for accurate material take offs and defining the exact measurements of that awkward corner cabinet. It also calculates square footage and many other useful metrics. In this introductory course, students will learn the fundamentals of the program and learn how to draw a simple project that utilizes many of the Sketchup features.