The Complete SketchList 3D Setup Guide: 9 Steps to Master Woodworking Design Software

SketchList 3D is designed for woodworkers of any level of computer experience. You don’t need CAD training or special software skills — just a willingness to explore.

As a woodworking design software created specifically for builders, SketchList runs on three simple actions: Insert, Size, and Locate. Once you’re comfortable with those, you’ll start assembling boards, parts, and complete projects as naturally as you do in your shop.

 
At its core, SketchList has three tools — presented in two forms and one spreadsheet — each simply a different way to enter or adjust your design data depending on how you like to work. 
 
Everything in SketchList comes down to three basic actions: Insert, Size, and Locate. Once you get comfortable with those, you’ll be building projects visually and intuitively — seeing boards, parts, and assemblies come together just like they would in your shop. 
 
We offer a full library of videos, tutorials, and tips to help you master the details, but before you dive in, take a few minutes to read this guide. It lays the groundwork for an efficient setup and introduces best practices that will keep your materials, reports, and library organized as your projects grow. 
If you’re just exploring the trial, a quick look may be all you need for now. But once you’ve purchased and begin using SketchList for production, following this setup process will save you hours and help your reports, materials, and libraries stay perfectly aligned. 

1. Naming Conventions: Give Part Names Meaning 

Naming is more than labeling what something *is* — it’s about describing *where it is*, *what it’s made of*, and *how it fits*. For example, ‘Side Board‘ is vague. ‘Side_Lower_Left_¾BirchPly_Dado’ is descriptive: orientation, module location, material, and joinery. Thoughtful naming makes searching, filtering, sorting, and reporting far easier.

2. Materials Database: Setup, Costs & Custom Finishes 

Your materials database powers cost tracking, rendering realism, and accurate reporting. A clean, organized database ensures everything else in SketchList works smoothly.

How to set it up

1. Open Materials Database from the main menu.
2. Review the existing entries and delete or clean up duplicates.
3. Add or edit materials with:

• • Name (e.g., “¾ Birch Plywood” or “19 mm Birch Plywood”)
  • Material Type (Sheet or Solid)
  • Thickness (matching your unit system)
  • Grain direction (when relevant)
  • Cost per unit (sheet, board-foot, or linear foot)

Adding custom colors and species

1. Click Add New Material → Browse Image.

2. Choose a JPG or PNG showing the wood grain or color.

3. Adjust scale/orientation.

4. Save and apply the new material to boards for realistic rendering.

3. Clone, Mirror & Resize: Work Smarter, Not Harder 

One of the biggest efficiency gains in SketchList comes from duplication functions:

• Clone: Makes an exact duplicate of a board or assembly. 
• Mirror: Flips orientation (left ↔ right) — useful for symmetric cabinets. 
• Clone & Space: Duplicates units evenly along a wall. 

 You only need one master size of each cabinet type (e.g., a one‑door base unit). Resizing in SketchList is so quick that building dozens of fixed sizes is unnecessary. 

4. Reports & Templates: Make Output Work for You

Reports are where your design data becomes actionable.
Go to Reports → Parts List → Customize Columns, and include fields like:

• Part Name
• Material
• Dimensions
• Quantity
• Cost
• Notes

Add your shop logo and contact information to the header or footer, then save this setup as your master template. Every time you generate a parts list or cut list, load this template to maintain a consistent, professional look.

5. Your Personal Library: Build the Foundation

Your library is your personal collection of reusable designs — the parts, boards, doors, drawers, and assemblies you’ll use again and again. Think of it as your digital toolbox.

Two ways to build it:

• Dedicated Setup Time: Build your library from the ground up, starting with basic components. This gives you a clean, consistent foundation.
• As You Go: Add items to your library as you design. This is fast and natural, though you might capture project-specific versions.

Most woodworkers use a blend of both,  establishing core parts early, then growing the library as they work.

How to add items to your library

1. Right-click a part or assembly → Add to Library.
2. Choose a category (Board, Door, Drawer, Assembly).
3.  Give it a clear, descriptive name.
4. Save it to the appropriate folder (e.g., Kitchen, Closet, Shop Fixtures).
5. Back up your library folder regularly: Documents → SketchList3D → Library

6. Project Images for Better Visual Management

Add thumbnail images to your projects to make navigation easier. After rendering or finishing a layout, go to Project Database → Edit Project Info → Add Image. Upload a front or perspective view and save it. Your project list will now display thumbnails instead of names only — a small step that makes a big difference. 

7. Core Tools Overview