sketchup layout Archives | SketchUpFamily https://sketchupfamily.com/tag/sketchup-layout/ Sketchup, Sketchup Plugins, sketchup texture, Sketchup Components Fri, 02 Feb 2024 11:55:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://sketchupfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-favicon.jpg sketchup layout Archives | SketchUpFamily https://sketchupfamily.com/tag/sketchup-layout/ 32 32 How to Apply Hatch Patterns for SketchUp LayOut https://sketchupfamily.com/how-to-apply-hatch-patterns-for-sketchup-layout/ Fri, 01 Dec 2023 08:17:38 +0000 https://sketchupfamily.com/?p=3211 SketchUp LayOut serves as a powerful tool for creating presentations, detailed drawings, and documents in the realm of architectural and interior design. Within this software, hatch patterns play a crucial…

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SketchUp LayOut serves as a powerful tool for creating presentations, detailed drawings, and documents in the realm of architectural and interior design. Within this software, hatch patterns play a crucial role in enhancing the visual representation and communication of designs.

Understanding Hatch Patterns

Hatch patterns are essentially repetitive shapes or lines used to fill designated areas, providing texture and depth to surfaces. In SketchUp LayOut, these patterns aid in differentiating materials, indicating section cuts, or symbolizing specific elements within a design.

Applying Hatch Patterns in SketchUp LayOut

Implementing hatch patterns involves a systematic approach that ensures precision and accuracy. To apply these patterns effectively, users can follow a step-by-step guide using the software’s intuitive tools and functionalities.

Customizing Hatch Patterns

While SketchUp LayOut provides a range of default hatch patterns, users can create custom patterns to suit their specific design requirements. Adjusting scale, rotation, and density empowers designers to personalize patterns for optimal representation.

Best Practices for Using Hatch Patterns

To maximize the impact of hatch patterns, adhering to best practices is essential. Consistency in usage, appropriate scaling, and ensuring clarity contribute significantly to the effectiveness of hatch patterns in SketchUp LayOut.

Enhancing Visual Representation

Utilizing hatch patterns strategically improves the visual appeal and readability of designs. By employing these patterns judiciously, designers can effectively convey information and enhance the overall presentation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Occasionally, users may encounter challenges when applying hatch patterns. Understanding common issues and implementing suitable solutions ensures a seamless design process within SketchUp LayOut.

Advanced Techniques and Features

Exploring advanced functionalities expands the possibilities of hatch patterns. Additional features within the software enable users to create intricate and detailed designs, elevating the quality of their work.

Collaboration and Sharing with Hatch Patterns

Hatch patterns facilitate collaboration by providing a standardized visual language in design documentation. Sharing tips on leveraging these patterns enhances teamwork and communication among design professionals.

Future Trends in Hatch Pattern Applications

As technology evolves, so do design practices. The future holds exciting prospects for hatch pattern applications, with innovations likely to further streamline the design process and elevate visual representations.

Conclusion

In summary, hatch patterns serve as indispensable tools within SketchUp LayOut, offering designers a means to convey information, enhance visual representation, and facilitate collaboration effectively.

Unique FAQs

Can I import custom hatch patterns into SketchUp LayOut?

Yes, SketchUp LayOut allows users to import custom hatch patterns easily. By following the software’s guidelines, importing custom patterns expands the design possibilities.

Are hatch patterns editable in SketchUp LayOut?

Absolutely! Users can modify existing hatch patterns or create new ones within SketchUp LayOut, providing flexibility and customization options.

Do hatch patterns affect the performance of SketchUp LayOut?

Generally, hatch patterns have a minimal impact on performance. However, using excessive intricate patterns might slightly affect rendering speed.

Can hatch patterns be used for 3D modeling in SketchUp?

Hatch patterns in SketchUp LayOut are primarily for 2D representation. For 3D modeling, SketchUp offers different tools and textures.

Are there any limitations to the number of hatch patterns I can use in a LayOut document?

SketchUp LayOut doesn’t impose specific limitations on the number of hatch patterns. However, it’s advisable to use them judiciously to maintain clarity and avoid overwhelming the design.

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SketchUp Guide for Beginners https://sketchupfamily.com/sketchup-guide-for-beginners/ Sat, 30 Apr 2022 06:49:28 +0000 http://sketchupfamily.com/?p=2394 In case you’re new to SketchUp, this article is an extraordinary spot to heat up your 3D modeling abilities. Here, you will discover a diagram of how to choose a…

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In case you’re new to SketchUp, this article is an extraordinary spot to heat up your 3D modeling abilities. Here, you will discover a diagram of how to choose a format, move around the SketchUp interface, make a fundamental model, and save your model.

On the first occasion when you use SketchUp, you have to sign in to initiate your preliminary or subscription. After you’ve marked in, the Welcome to SketchUp dialog box shows up, as appeared here.

This dialog box is your beginning stage for making a model and shows up each time you start SketchUp. Except, if you decide to turn it off in the SketchUp Preferences dialog box.

In the Welcome to SketchUp dialog box, you can do the following:

  1. pick a format for your model
  2. set the default layout
  3. open late files
  4. peruse for a current file
  5. license a duplicate of SketchUp Pro
  6. become familiar with SketchUp.

Choosing a layout: Each model in SketchUp depends on a format, which has predefined settings for your model’s experience and units of measurement. At the point when you start another model, choosing a format with the right unit of measurement makes modeling simpler.

Here are the means by which to choose a format in the Welcome to SketchUp dialog box:

  1. On the Files panel, which is chosen naturally in the left-hand sidebar, select one of the formats that appeared, (for example, Architectural Inches or Woodworking Inches).
  2. If you don’t see the layout you need, select More Templates in the upper right. You see extra choices, as appeared in the accompanying figure.

The intense content portrays the kind of work for which the preset was made. The units show up beneath the style name. After you select a format, the modeling window shows up with your chosen layout applied.

Understanding the SketchUp interface: When SketchUp opens, prepared for you to begin making a 3D model, you see a screen that incorporates the accompanying:

a. Title bar
b. Menu bar
c. Beginning toolbar
d. Drawing area
e. Status bar
f. Measurements box
g. Default panels

Making your first 3D model in SketchUp: On the off chance that you’ve never made a 3D model in SketchUp (or some other modeling program), the accompanying advances offer a brisk outline of the nuts and bolts:

  1. Select the individual, context-click the selection, and select Erase in the context menu that shows up.
  2. In the Getting Started toolbar, select the Rectangle tool.
  3. On the ground plane, in the space between the red and green axis, click the Rectangle tool cursor. At that point move your cursor to one side and click once more. A rectangle shows up on the ground.
  4. On the Getting Started toolbar, select the Push/Pull tool, and place the Push/Pull cursor over the rectangle you just made.
  5. Click and drag your rectangle up into a 3D shape. Watch out for the Measurements box and discharge the cursor when your shape is around 5 feet tall.
  6. Without clicking or choosing anything, just sort 6′ and press Enter. Notice how the stature of your shape changed to precisely 6 feet tall, and the worth you entered shows up in the Measurements box.
  7. In the Getting Started toolbar, select the Orbit tool. Spot the Orbit cursor over your shape. At that point click and hold while you move the mouse down. Notice how the perspective on your shape changes, as appeared in the accompanying figure. Work on clicking and hauling with the Orbit tool as much as you can imagine.
  8. In the Getting Started toolbar, click the Zoom Extents button. On the off chance that you orbit around until you forget about where you are in your model, the Zoom Extents button is a convenient method to reorient yourself.
  9. On the off chance that you have a scroll-wheel mouse, scroll down to zoom out a piece. Working in SketchUp is a lot simpler with a scroll-wheel mouse. In any case, if your mouse does not have a scroll wheel, click the Zoom tool and you can zoom in and out that way, as well.
  10. In the Getting Started toolbar, click the Paint Bucket tool.
  11. In the Materials panel that shows up, select Colors starting from the drop menu, as appeared here. At that point select a shading from the alternatives that show up on the Select tab.
  12. Click one side of your model with the Paint Bucket cursor to apply your chosen shading. Trial a piece with the various choices in the drop-down menu on the off chance that you like.

For instance, select Landscaping, Fencing, and Vegetation starting from the drop menu and apply rocks to your model. Select Tile starting from the drop menu and apply a tile design that you like. Orbit around and apply various materials to each side of your model.

Saving a model: To save your model, follow these means –

  1. On the menu bar, select File > Save. On the off chance that this is the first occasion when you’re sparing a model, the Save As dialog box shows up. To save a previously saved model with another name, select File > Save As.
  2. Pick where you’d prefer to save your model. In the File Name box, type a name for your model. SketchUp model files end with the .skp file extension.
  3. Click the Save button.

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Sketchup is Best for Freelance Architects – Mark Gregory https://sketchupfamily.com/sketchup-is-best-for-freelance-architects-mark-gregory/ Thu, 16 Dec 2021 10:33:00 +0000 http://sketchupfamily.com/?p=1494 Get help from freelance architects easily Mark Gregory is a freelance architect from Australia. He is very eager to help small architectural practices for managing the workload so that they…

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Get help from freelance architects easily

Mark Gregory is a freelance architect from Australia. He is very eager to help small architectural practices for managing the workload so that they can spend most of their time in their actual work. He is involved in various kinds of high-end practices, complete schematic design, design development, and drawing of construction documentation.

Mark Gregory fined a lot of small practices struggles. Many times, these small practitioners have a lot of work than their ability to work. Many times, freelancer architects do not have enough money for affording an experienced architect on a full-time salary. Most of the small companies don’t have much time for spending training and checking the work of an inexperienced graduate. That’s why these companies’ freelance architect is a very good solution.

Nowadays to these companies freelancing is a good option because they have to pay for their need and they don’t need for providing expensive office space or software subscriptions. Mark Gregory has a lot of experience in the industry and huge knowledge of construction and detailing. Mark Gregory is able to solve any type of design problem.

The software chosen by Mark Gregory

Mark Gregory always prefers SketchUp for 3D-based modeling work. He also uses SketchUp Layout to create 2D-based drawings. He has many clients who use Vectorworks, Revit, and ArchiCAD. So, this is a very simple method for him to collaborate with his clients. He mainly exports their files in DWG format and after that, he finishes the drawing in AutoCAD or SketchUp and Layout.

Reason behind choosing SketchUp and Layout

Mark Gregory used SketchUp for many years as a 3D-based modeling package. With SketchUp, he explored quickly many ideas before moving into AutoCAD and 2D drawing. For Mark Gregory Layout turns SketchUp into completely different software. Mark Gregory likes to call that BIM Light. He has not to throw early design models and is able to continue developing them by using the same software package. After that by using Layout, he made a perfect 2D-based drawing from 3D based model directly.

According to Mark Gregory the biggest advantage of it is changing the management. He has spent a lot of time producing 2D-based drawings in AutoCAD. To track all the changes across several 2D-based drawings coordinate the changes is very tiring sometimes. As SketchUp and Layout are linked and because of the fast-modeling process in SketchUp Mark Gregory has saved much time and money for his clients.

Generally, clients don’t have any problems using SketchUp and Layout for the projects. A good advantage of Layout is that it is very flexible. After getting the sample file from the client’s Mark Gregory can easily meet the standard by doing some simple customization. According to Mark Gregory it is also a very simple method to export files to DWG from Layout.

Misconceptions about SketchUp and Layout

Many architects in Australia don’t even know that Layout software exists in the architecture field so they don’t appreciate the advantages of SketchUp and Layout. A friend of Mark Gregory once showed him some examples of his layout drawing and usage of SketchUp for producing them.

Change people’s vision toward SketchUp

After Mark Gregory narrated the advantages and work examples using SketchUp and Layout, his clients convert to SketchUp and Layout immediately. Many clients are frustrated because of Revit or 2D-based AutoCAD and wanted to try BIM once in life. But usage of BIM is very expensive for them. But now many of them use SketchUp partially with Layout and it is less expensive to them.

Advice for architects

According to Mark Gregory there is a difference between the freelance architect and freelance CAD technician. If they employ a freelance architect then they have more capacities to solve problems and provide solutions. It is also less risky because these small companies don’t have to pay a full-time architect. If the freelancer is not suitable for work then it also is easy to release him from the freelancing projects.

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Time to travel SketchUp versus Fusion 360 https://sketchupfamily.com/time-to-travel-sketchup-versus-fusion-360/ Sat, 25 Sep 2021 09:56:00 +0000 http://sketchupfamily.com/?p=1741 Introduction There is a wide array of 3D modeling software available today. Fusion 360 and SketchUp might not seem like traditional options, but they have a lot of traction. A…

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Introduction

There is a wide array of 3D modeling software available today. Fusion 360 and SketchUp might not seem like traditional options, but they have a lot of traction. A parametric, direct, and surface modeling tool can all be found together in Fusion 360, a cloud-based CAD tool. Beginners, as well as professionals, love Fusion’s versatility.

SketchUp, on the other hand, simplifies 3D modeling. Users of other CAD programs will benefit from the clean user interface and intuitive toolset. Although SketchUp is easy to use, it doesn’t sacrifice functionality, as third-party extensions and plug-ins add new features for advanced modeling or enhanced usability. Interior designers and architects like the program.

Features

We will compare Fusion 360 only on the overlapping capabilities of the two programs, as Fusion 360 provides a wide range of different functionalities and modules. Drawing, modeling, and rendering are all related to design.

SketchUp

Rendering

SketchUp does not include a rendering tool, but there is a wide range of plug-ins and extensions, such as photorealistic engines like V-Ray and Lumion. Various free rendering extensions with different capabilities are also available.

2D Drawing

The layout is a separate program for all 2D drafting in SketchUp Pro and Studio. SketchUp itself is 3D-only. Almost any change in a 3D model can be immediately applied to 2D drawings using both software tools.

Plug-in

You can get a massive number of SketchUp plug-ins from a variety of sites. Trimble’s Extension Warehouse is the official repository of plug-ins. However, SketchUcation is also extremely popular among Trimble users.

Model Repository

Trimble also maintains the 3D Warehouse, a colossal repository of 3D models, in addition to its plug-in repository. Users can access 3D versions of brands’ products as well as user-generated content, such as furniture, decorations, and finishes.

Cloud Storage

Trimble Connect requires every project to be uploaded manually. Otherwise, they are only stored locally on each user’s PC. SketchUp’s web-based application is available across various devices, including mobile devices, allowing users to work on cloud-stored projects.

Fusion 360

Rendering

The powerful tools offered by Fusion 360 can produce incredible photorealistic renderings. A dedicated workspace is available for this feature, which includes cloud rendering for quickly and painlessly processing multiple images in the background.

2D Drawing

The drafting workspace in Fusion 360 provides several tools for drafting parts, components, and assemblies with a focus on documentation and manufacturing. The DXF, DWG, and PDF formats are available for exporting drawings.

Plug-in

Several Autodesk’s Fusion 360 plug-ins are available in the company’s Fusion 360 app store. Various extensions are available, including 3D design tools, interface plug-ins, and even applications for 3D printing. Some plug-ins cannot function without a license, although most are free.

Collaboration

Collaboration is a key component of Fusion 360. Fusion 360’s file management is easy and its version control is thorough, so virtual teams can share and collaborate on projects online.

Cloud Storage

The cloud automatically stores all projects. The offline versions of Fusion 360 are stored locally, however. You can access all projects directly from a web browser for viewing, sharing, and managing.

User Interface & Layout

SketchUp

The SketchUp layout is much more straightforward than that of Fusion 360. The top toolbar contains all the buttons, with the most popular tools displayed in larger icons. When selected, some tools launch floating windows with additional settings and options.

A dropdown menu at the top provides access to all tools, windows, and modes. Other than customizing the toolbar, the user cannot alter the UI or layout in any way. SketchUp is very user-friendly due to its simplicity and straightforwardness.

Fusion 360

Fusion 360 has a 3D CAD-style user interface with a grid system, modes of view, and multiple tabs for managing the design history, parts lists, and toolbars.

Solid, Surface, Sheet Metal, and Tools are the tabs that contain the design workspace tools. Due to each tab holding a toolbar with specific features, it is possible to use large icons without compromising screen space. The right-click menu for the design background provides access to a few basic tools, recently used features, and your favorite tools.

Application Use

SketchUp

Architects, engineers, and contractors (AEC) use the program primarily. Like 3D Warehouse, many tools and features support professionals like these. Especially woodworkers, artists, and makers appreciate its user-friendliness.

Fusion 360

Fusion is suitable for many different applications, thanks to its versatility. Small businesses, freelancers, and makers can make their products quickly and easily using it since it is a tool that focuses on machines and small batches.

Wrapping it Up

A full-featured CAD program, Fusion 360 goes beyond just 3D modeling. This software provides the tools and documentation for precise 3D design. With Autodesk providing most of the necessary support for challenging projects, the program fosters ambitious projects.

For example, SketchUp offers easy-to-use design tools for 3D modeling novices and an intuitive interface, not for CAD users. This product supports major architectural, interior design, and landscaping projects despite its shallow learning curve. It has a variety of additional features besides 3D design, like manufacturing software, rendering, simulation, and 2D drawing. End-user preferences and their experience level with 3D modeling may make the decision between Fusion 360 and SketchUp.

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Using SketchUp to compare with Autodesk 3Ds Max https://sketchupfamily.com/using-sketchup-to-compare-with-autodesk-3ds-max/ Wed, 22 Sep 2021 06:35:00 +0000 http://sketchupfamily.com/?p=1757 When interested in creating 3D animated renders or realistic renderings, it recommends 3ds Max for you. SketchUp is better suited to people who want to design and create 2D and…

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When interested in creating 3D animated renders or realistic renderings, it recommends 3ds Max for you. SketchUp is better suited to people who want to design and create 2D and 3D models apart.

If you’re deciding between two tools, no company will prefer someone who knows only one of them. One tool isn’t enough for an artist who is self-developing. It is always advisable to expand your knowledge instead of limiting yourself.

3Ds Max

An imaginary scene turned into reality by rendering software like 3ds Max. Designers can combine realistic elements or even diverse textures, materials, and people into their work. This software can create 3D models, environments, and structures. The software most commonly uses in gaming studios and architectural firms.

Its ability to transform inanimate objects into living beings is one of the most important features of 3ds Max. A program such as this one offers the possibility of producing clean, accurate, and realistic renderings. Various effects can create stunning visuals, including lighting, texture, and shading.

Features

  • There is an animation tool and a motion path in it
  • The particle flow effects are very good.
  • There are a few marvelous features in this game, such as 3D rendering, a scene converter, an asset library, a fur mod, and high-resolution support.
  • Using this software, we may only focus on the surface of an object.
  • Physical cameras supported with the software’s spline workflows, blended box maps, and blended box maps.
  • In addition to SketchUp, there are two more tools such as Trimble and SimLab. In addition to Unity, Unreal, Fusion 360, and Stingray, 3ds Max features products from Autodesk.
  • With SketchUp, you can create 3D UIs quickly and easily as opposed to 3ds Max. The user interface of SketchUp is intuitive according to customer reviews, and startup is not requires.
  • As its staff is responsible for handling errors or other problems, there are not many customer support centers. For users who run into errors or problems, 3ds Max offers live support, email and phone support, and live training courses.
  • The two products are equally used by small and medium-sized businesses, but 3ds Max has a slight advantage over its counterpart in large businesses.
  • We can add colors to 3ds max objects, but it doesn’t look natural because a black background makes them appear black and white. SketchUp allows you to fill in the colors with whatever color you want, and everything appears natural.

SketchUp

Models can be created in both 3D and 2D using SketchUp. SketchUp is useful for creating 3D objects, creating video game interiors, and creating structures.

Features

  • Besides supporting 3D models, it also supports 2D models.
  • Another tool is layer manager.
  • You can use tools such as textures, lighting effects, and animations.

Key Differences

These two options in the market differ in a few major ways. As measured by client feedback, 3ds Max receives 98% client satisfaction, while SketchUp receives 97% client satisfaction. There is little difference in popularity between the two services in this instance; both seem to have equal popularity. There are both desktop and web-based versions of SketchUp and 3ds Max. For 3ds Max there is a web-based version.

Wrapping it Up

3ds max and SketchUp are popular applications used for creating digital content. There are many graphics design software options available on the market. Graphic designers usually use 3ds Max software, which gives a good performance.

The software Trimble developed, SketchUp, formerly known as Google SketchUp, allows users to compare different designs. It has been nearly a year since both products were at the top of the market. Both show similar responses and likes in reviews. There is a lot of interest and convenience in this software. If you become a proficient and effective user, you must become familiar with as many industry-leading software applications as possible.

After extensive discussion and a great comparison between SketchUp and 3ds Max, you concluded that 3ds Max generates more photorealistic renderings and animations. SketchUp is the software of choice for designers, modelers, and makers.

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Top 10 interesting SketchUp Tools https://sketchupfamily.com/top-10-interesting-sketchup-tools/ Tue, 21 Sep 2021 05:56:00 +0000 http://sketchupfamily.com/?p=1760 With the help of SketchUp, you can craft more realistic architectural visualizations. The capabilities of SketchUp are quite broad, but it can also be a little overwhelming to know which…

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With the help of SketchUp, you can craft more realistic architectural visualizations. The capabilities of SketchUp are quite broad, but it can also be a little overwhelming to know which tools to use. Sketchup has its own native tools, which are the essence of its simplicity. They allow you to navigate, create, and edit a 3D model, but it also has additional plugins and extensions. These plugins can help us execute a specific task that native tools are less capable of.

Let’s start by listing the most important native SketchUp tools first, the ones that make SketchUp so unique.

Line Tool

This tool is likely used every single time you design something in SketchUp. As a drafting tool, it allows you to create any 2D surface by connecting line segments. The lines can be drawn in the X, Y and Z axis with the left click of the mouse. The shortcut key for this tool is “L”.

To draw the most basic lines in your Layout document, you can use the orderly Line tool to draw straight lines or its freewheeling cousin, the Freehand tool, to draw loopy swerving lines any which way you like.

Eraser

It is basically used to erase the line segments you don’t need anymore. The way it works is by clicking with the left button of the mouse over any line. The shortcut key is “E”.

In Layout, you can delete entities from the drawing area in a few different ways: To use the Erase tool, follow these steps:

  • Select the Erase tool.
  • Click any entity to erase it. Or, click and drag the Erase tool cursor over several entities and release the mouse button to delete them.

Rectangle

Rectangles are simple shapes, but for those of you who like pizzaz in your rectangles, Layout has four rectangle tools. Each tool does a little something different with the rectangle’s lines or corners.

No matter which rectangle tool you choose, the steps for drawing a rectangle are the same:

Select your rectangle tool of choice. You find each rectangle tool on the default toolbar’s Rectangle menu or by choosing Tools > Rectangles and selecting your desired tool from the submenu.

To set the rectangle’s starting point, click in the drawing area. Or type absolute coordinates in the Measurements box. For example, to place the rectangle’s starting point 1 inch across on the X axis and 2 inches down on the Y axis (relative to the drawing area’s upper-left corner), type [1“,2”] and press Enter (Microsoft Windows) or Return (Mac OS X).

To expand your rectangle, drag diagonally from the starting point and click to set the rectangle’s final shape. To constrain the rectangle to a square, hold down the Shift key as you drag. Or, if you want to set a precise size, type an absolute coordinate for the corner opposite the starting point (for example, [7“,10”]) or type precise rectangle dimensions (such as 6“,8”), and then press Enter or Return.

Orbit /Zoom /Pan

You can orbit the camera view by pressing and holding the scroll wheel of the mouse. This is very useful to explore our models from different angles. The shortcut for this tool is “O”.

The zoom tool let you get closer or farther from the object you’re modelling by using the scroll wheel of the mouse moving it forward or backward. It’s very useful when you want to see a smaller detail or a general view in the 3D model. The shortcut key for this tool is “Z”.

The panning tool helps you to move without losing your previous perspective. It only provides you with a vertical and horizontal movement, and that’s very handy when you want to frame a scene. You can access this tool by holding the scroll wheel and pressing Shift at the same time. The other option is to press “H”.

Position Camera

To play with your model’s height we can use this particular tool.This Tool enables you to view your model at a specific height relative to the surface of your model. That height is meant to reflect a person’s eye height, and you can adjust it to any height you like.

Offset

What this tool does is generate an equidistant line of any face. The shortcut for using this tool is pressing the “F” button and positioning your cursor on the line or surface you want to offset. Then move the cursor outside or inside according to what you need, and finally give it a selected distance with the numeric pad.

Push/Pull

Without a doubt Push Pull is one of the most used tools in SketchUp. That’s because it allows you to extrude a 2D surface to convert it into a 3D shape. The easy way you can access this tool is by pressing the “P” button, positioning your cursor over the face you want and then clicking the left button of the mouse to start extruding. You can give it a determined value with the numeric pad or simply click again until you’re happy with the result.

Follow me

The Follow Me tool in SketchUp lets you create forms that are extrusions. It’s a little bit like Push/Pull, except that it doesn’t just work in one direction. You tell Follow Me to follow a path, and it extrudes a face all along that path.

Follow Me is especially handy for modelling finishing details that follow a perimeter or edge, such as crown molding or gutters. It also makes easy work of modelling lathed objects, like a spindle, and curved vessels, such as a bowl or a vase.

Paint Bucket Tool

The Paint Bucket tool allows you to select a colour or texture and apply it to a model face. The Paint Bucket tool is used for three primary tasks when modelling and rendering:

Replacing a solid colour or texture with a downloaded texture image from your Texture Library

Scaling the texture image and resolution Swapping out textures when you’re editing the model during the draft iterative process.

Make Group Components

While SketchUp is one of the easiest 3D modelling software’s to learn and use, sometimes smart modelling strategies can make your life a lot easier when working in 3D. For example, one of the things that SketchUp does by default is making geometry sticky. This kind of sticky geometry can sometimes be useful, but as you start working with more complex models, it can cause you all sorts of problems. However, there is a very simple solution that can help you avoid this issue. This solution is the “Make Group” tool. Groups in SketchUp are exactly what they sound like. They are a number of different geometry items grouped together to make a single item. The time saving thing about groups is that groups do not stick together. This means that when organized properly, you’ll never have to worry about going back into your model and trying to edit items, only to find that faces are stuck together and you have to delete faces and re-model them.

It is possible in SketchUp to have groups inside of groups (called subgroups). When you’re inside a group, simply select the items that you’d like to add to your subgroup, right click and select the “Make Group” option.

Groups help you keep your model organized. A good rule of thumb is that any time you have a bunch of objects you even remotely think that you might need to change later, put them in a group or a component (see below). Otherwise, you risk creating a model with so many faces stuck together that you’ll never be able to edit them in the future.

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A better method of Designing through ConDoc Tools https://sketchupfamily.com/a-better-method-of-designing-through-condoc-tools/ Mon, 20 Sep 2021 05:11:00 +0000 http://sketchupfamily.com/?p=1764 How to Design with Condoc Once 3D drawing came into the market, architects and Engineers had real fun is redesigning their models. But as time passed by it became far…

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How to Design with Condoc

Once 3D drawing came into the market, architects and Engineers had real fun is redesigning their models. But as time passed by it became far too complicated. The heavy over featured beam solution had asked too many questions and often came in the way of design. For a seamless design draft and using Real-time visualizations, one can go with SketchUp, Layout, and ConDoc Tools. This system falls far paced of the functionalities and efficiencies of CAD and a way better than that. But falls all sort of questions and the extra complexities of Beam.

So, with SketchUp, ConDoc, and layout, one can customize it as per their requirement, and it’s far cheaper, more efficient, fun, and time-saving.

Using SketchUp, ConDoc and Layout

So, let’s start our model by first selecting the layout and Press Ctrl-N, select again letter landscape document. Now use the scale drawing and create 4 and1/2-inch walls and then press 9 enter so it becomes a 9’ wall. It adds a new piece in one’s work flow. Create a 32-inch opening, incorporate the door and the window; you can drop those using the select tools. Now we can see we have got our bathrooms. 6’ by 9’.

Drafting in layout has been super easy with scale drawing command. Ow using SketchUp ConDoc invitation tool select the tub, Using SketchUp ConDoc Invitation Button drop the toilet and then on another corner using the same SketchUp ConDoc Invitation Button drop the vanity. Now take the sketch and draft it. Save the Bathroom sketch by File – Export-DWG and then export the SketchUp File.

ConDoc4.5 has been updated with SketchUp 2019.Take and project and adhere to any standard. You can completely configure your design adhere to your standard. Now import the design and take measure tools to measure the widths. Next step is to go to the background and the background layer and off the visibility.

Use a rectangle Tool and press and 8.6 “wall using the push pull button create the 3d wall to come to life. Use again the Push Pull Tool to create the door and the window. Use deletes Coplanar Edges and clears the extra Geometry and also the rough edges.

The next step is to plan the walls and group the geometry using ConDoc4. Now using ConDoc button clicks the door and the window. In ConDoc one can see the Manufacturing model and See the brand of the fixtures. Here we select Kohler Manufacturing Mode and then drop the tub and rotate it by 90o.

Now add on the Condoc Vanity, and select all the fixtures into one group. Then assign the layout which hold the objects, See the elevation and recheck your drawing. Now go to file now go to my templates go to RBC in SketchUp and draw 18-by-24 construction file in the Condoc drawing scrapbook. Now drag the document select and align them vertically and horizontally.

Now, your model is ready. This Unique feature of ConDoc can be configured to automate anyone’s drawing and set up a standard.

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How to use Scrapbook in Layout https://sketchupfamily.com/how-to-use-scrapbook-in-layout/ Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:07:00 +0000 http://sketchupfamily.com/?p=1817 In today’s write-up, we will discuss how to scrapbook in layout and how they can make things easy around you. So let’s jump into it. Adding Floor Plan The ability…

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In today’s write-up, we will discuss how to scrapbook in layout and how they can make things easy around you. So let’s jump into it.

Adding Floor Plan

The ability to use scrapbook in layout in order to create your own styles for your drawings. First of all take a floor plan in your Sketchup. In order to add labels, we have to use scrapbook. Before we do, take your floor plan and lock the layer. This locking means now you cannot accidentally move the floor plan.

Introduction to Scrapbook

The scrapbook section can be found on the left-hand side of Sketchup. If you cannot find it then go to the window, make sure the tray is turned on, and also make sure the scrapbook is also turned on. This comes with a bunch of different scrapbooks already built-in. You will see different line weights and section curves used in the scrapbook. All these things can be dragged in.

For example, if you see the title block plain, you will the drawing references. You can drag the drawing references into your floor plan from your scrapbook to label the layout. This is quite powerful otherwise I have to bring a line tool, draw a line and add a textbook, etc. We have to build it manually which is tedious. This scrapbook allows you to use these labels which are pre-build. The most powerful thing about this scrapbook, which people generally don’t talk about is that you can change the scrapbook labels according to your will.

Scrapbook in Layout

Follow these steps to create your own Layouts scrapbook:

  1. Build a Layouts file with the weather you would like to incorporate in your scrapbook.
  2. Choose File → Save As Scrapbook.
  3. Type a name for your scrapbook. In the Save As Scrapbook panel , the Scrapbook Folder list shows the situation of the folder where your new scrapbook are going to be saved. If you prefer to use another folder, you can add one using the Folder panel of the Preferences dialog box.
  4. Click OK (Save on a Mac). The next time you restart Layouts, your scrapbook appears at the highest of the Scrapbooks panel.

A few points about making your own scrapbooks:

  • A good size is 6 x 6 inches. You can choose any paper size for the file you propose to save lots of as a scrapbook, but smaller sheets work better. The scrapbooks that accompany Layouts are 6 inches square.
  • Scrapbooks can have multiple pages. In fact, most the default scrapbooks in Layout do. The 1st page in the document becomes the duvet page for the scrapbook.
  • Use locked layers. Anything you set on a locked layer can’t be dragged out of the scrapbook. Take a glance at the People scrapbook that comes with Layout – the word People and therefore the information next thereto are on a locked layer.
  • You can put model viewports into scrapbooks.

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Organising Model in Layout with SketchUp https://sketchupfamily.com/organising-model-in-layout-with-sketchup/ Sat, 17 Jul 2021 06:17:00 +0000 http://sketchupfamily.com/?p=1862 In this article, we will like to mention a bit more about organising your model so that it can be a major part of the Layout to create various variant…

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In this article, we will like to mention a bit more about organising your model so that it can be a major part of the Layout to create various variant plans.

We are going to build on some of the concepts so you may want to start with that one. One of the keys to creating models that you are going to import into Layout is planning ahead and grouping your model accordingly. The idea here is that you set your clarity up so when you make changes in your model, your images in Layout alter automatically, so you don’t have to go in and re-create all of your different views.

Everyone seems to develop their own system for doing this – Matt Donley features a system that he uses within the book “SketchUp to Layout”, and Michael Brightman also has a system that he details in “The SketchUp Workflow for Architects.” The link to both is given below.

Sketchup to Layout- https://mastersketchup.com/sketchup-to-layout/

The Sketchup Workflow for Architects (Affiliate Link) – https://mastersketchup.com/sketchup-to-layout/

Normally speaking though, they all share the same basic concepts – you organize your model with groups and components, then you control clarity using layers. You create your geometry in groups, then put those groups onto various layers so that you can modify them as necessary.

Overall speaking, you break your layers up into 3 types –

  • Objects
  • Conceptual Items (Like Door Swings) and
  • Levels (useful for multiple-level buildings).

Example

Here we are going to use door swings as an example. At the moment, SketchUp does not really have a great way to create door swing indicators in your models, so often you are going to end up drawing those in manually, but you are also going to want to be able to hide those – you don’t want door swings showing up if you use your model for a 3D rendering, for example.

In this case, what we do, is, first of all, we’ve all our different doors during a group. That way we can turn them all on or off. Within that group, each individual door will be its own group that contains two objects – the door geometry and the door swings. We will put the group with the door swings on their own layer for each door. That way, if we would like to, we will toggle the swings on and off as we desire.

You can do this same thing primarily for any kind of geometry you did like. We specifically suggest creating layers for any detailing you create that might make it difficult to pull dimension lines, etc. For example, if you modelled a wood base or a wood trim piece, you’d probably want to put that on an “Arch – Wood Trim” layer so you can turn it off whenever you’d like.

The other thing we want to talk about in this article is how we can really quickly organize your scenes. The way we create our plan images in Layout is by creating scenes that show the clarity you will like to see. Although, for bigger projects, this can get really cumbersome and you have to be really quick if you don’t organize your scenes properly.

Scenes Manager

So what we’re going to do is use the Scenes manager to organize all our different scenes. The first thing I’d recommend is selecting the “Details” or the “List” visibility. You will notice all your scenes is in a row. Now, this next piece is going to be you finding whatever works for you, what you would do when my scenes are giving all my scenes a prefix and putting them in order. So, for example, it’s a Level 1 floor plan, so we can name it FP_L1. If we had a level 2, we would name that view FP_L2.

We can also create a scene specifically for modeling and make sure it’s first in this list. That way it’s easy to toggle back to the scene that you’re working from.

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Hatching in Layout with SketchUp https://sketchupfamily.com/hatching-in-layout-with-sketchup/ Thu, 15 Jul 2021 06:43:00 +0000 http://sketchupfamily.com/?p=1869 In this article, we will mention 3 various ways to create hatch patterns in your plans in Layout. Utilizing the SketchUp model we have developed over the last couple of…

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In this article, we will mention 3 various ways to create hatch patterns in your plans in Layout. Utilizing the SketchUp model we have developed over the last couple of layout articles, now we will make use of our views to generate hatch patterns in our walls in our Layout documents.

One of the biggest questions we received in working with Layout is:-

How to Create Wall Hatching / Shading?

In this article, we will educate you on three different ways to create wall hatching in Layout.

The first, and presumably, the foremost simple, is to easily trace a hatch pattern fill onto your walls in the Layout itself. The layout has a number of built-in patterns that you can use in your models. However, this isn’t like applying the material in SketchUp – you will actually have to select a pattern in the shape style section, then trace a shape onto your model. You will also want to make sure to put these hatches on their own layer so you can turn them on and off if you decide to do it this way. The nice thing about this is that it gives you more control over your hatching, but it also creates problems.

Example

This hatching isn’t dynamic, meaning if you move things around in your model, you are going to have to re-trace your hatching. Another way to do this is to put in a material to the backside of your walls. This would be done inside SketchUp, then you did have to create a new style that shows materials.

You could then adjust your hatch sizing using the fabric editor. This is a good infusion, but it means you have to keep up with painting the back sides of your walls as you create them.

The last thanks to doing that may be a method created by Michael Brightman, and it is a pretty clever thanks to doing that.

What you are going to do is use a watermark to create a wall hatch. The way this works is you are going to go find a hatch image. You would search Google for an image that would work. Primarily, it will be an image of diagonal black lines on a white background.

We are going to create a new style to use for this, so go into the styles section, select the style that you want to use as a base, then click the plus button to create a new style.

Now, go into the watermarks section and click the plus button. Navigate to the image you downloaded and select it. Now it will ask you if you want to use this as an overlay or as a background. We are going to select overlay. If you look at this, what it’s going to do is overlay this image over your whole model. You are going to want to select the box for “create a mask.”

Hatching in layout
Hatching in layout

Create Mask

Create mask will basically “mask” your model in order that wherever the colored parts of your image exist, they’re going to cover the dark parts of your model.

Lastly, you are going to go in and set your faces so that they are black. This way, your hatch pattern mask will create a hatched effect on your walls.

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