@Edson and everyone here, thanks for talking about this topic. I wish to have an open mind regarding other approaches to this problem that might be helpful (or better??) I agree with your points on this topic. The pros and cons are correct. However, there will always remain the need to deal with CAD-like detail in some way- whether it is dealt with in a pure CAD programme or in LayOut. I admire the efforts to take detail into the 3D realm and this is a worthy alternative that should be encouraged and advanced, e.g. Like Robertson & Walsh Design http://sketchupdate.blogspot.ie/2010/10/sketchup-pro-case-study.html Personally while I love creating neat documents in small/ medium doses, I hate the huge effort it takes to create construction documents which is why I created this methodology in the first place While I love efficiency, there can be an over-reliance on automation for an area that requires very close and careful monitoring and this is where I saw many of the problems that were evident in Autodesk AEC (now dead) and the overly complicated tools in some other packages. One source told me about a certain softwaRe that attempted to create a good workflow for construction documentation and didn't quite achieve it (due to the fact that it was a complete disaster- not my opinion) Tools should definitely be developed to assist in the area of 2D documentation. The world is tired of sad ol CAD http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=1a97699ccccefb478d83901d4c57a251 [image: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/download?mid=1a97699ccccefb478d83901d4c57a251&rtyp=lt&ctyp=other&ts=1254452187000]

Sorry for slow reply. I think I've sorted it now. I think my problem had more to do with me not understanding how SU & LO interact with each other. Making the changes to the shadows in SU then updating the scene via the Scene dialogue and then saving the model in SU seems to update the view/scene in LO. Thanks for your reply JP

Thanks guys! That did the trick.

The users library folder is hidden in Lion, in finder window go to view drop down menu at the top under GO hold the option key down and it will show.

Now I have found a way to use SU Layout also for other documents having pdf's: I have a pdf with paper size and scale as needed. Then save this image as a png file (with a high dpi resolution like 300). Then make the white color (for example the paperbackground) transparent. Then import this png in SU Layout, paper size must be same as the original pdf. Then scale the png in the upper left and under right corner. That'it, now the size is like importing a pdf. Maybe ohters can use this too... [image: Screenshot2012_08_16_14_09_57.jpg]

I moved this post into the LayOut Discussion because the topic has nothing to do with a bugs in LayOut.

I have a solution for Mac users for this problem. Verdana. This is the Font that Layout uses for it's default dimension typeface. If the font is not available to layout then dimensions will not be visible while using the dimensioning tools. So, activate the typeface or reinstall it. Font management applications. I use a Font Management Application which apparently turned this particular face off. If you use such an application make sure it's on.

Awesome! Thanks TIG. You're a legend.

Thanks Gai. I have been playing around with Layout a lot this past week. It's pretty cool.

Thanks mate. Had seen that video. Sonder's work is very impressive and inspirational. Been admiring it for a while.

Hmmmm? Well that's an eyes up - thanks mate!

I'd go this way if you don't need to edit their styles or line weights later. Open an SU file drag in ALL your SU components and arrange to a rough grid. Look down on the model with persective off and set with "ground" off to ensure no background in LO. Drag and drop this file or reference into a layout doc and scale as needed. Export the whole page at good resolution PNG so the transparency again sticks. Delete the SU object from the doc, drag in the PNG, scale out to fit the page. Then on a new layer draw an open square or circle over each item on the page. Select back to the lower layer and do a CTRL+C of the PNG object, then select the image and the first square and "make clipping mask", Ctrl+V to paste a new instance of the image and repeat with the next square till complete! Looks like a long process but I've spelt it step by step (actually probably the quickest). Nice thing is you get nice clean non too sticky objects - if you use a circle as the clip you can position it so the centre matches what you want to be the insertion of the object so it snaps in place as desired.

Good point. NVM. I have a default setting to an oversize sheet so that inserted images won't be shrunk down. ZOOMING is OK with regular size sheets. For some reason LO doesn't want to zoom out (by scroll) past some point in these oversize sheets. Thanks.

Trevor, I'm using fractional inches but yes, I think it has nothing to do with the units you are using.

@arcad-uk said: Sonder, is there some magic way you get dims to lock? I frequently update views and find dimensions left detached and floating although the original points are still there just in a slightly different location. I responded to your other thread. If you are frequently updating, is it possible that you originally dimensioned to a "modified" scene and then corrected later. That would do it.

Duh

Thx for the Infos

I made new attempt: I create a two new scene in sketchup with only text and the original scene without text. then I overlapped in layout the new scenes: the text one vector rendered and other raster rendered. The result is that some text are now invisible directly in Layout as you can see in the attachment...even stranger! But the text in pdf export is very beautiful! [image: Desktop screenshot.png]

@caronte01 said: Can you share the file you are working on? Santiago Sorry no, it is a commercial project.

@bjanzen said: Who can type before letting a hand off the mouse? We actually did notice this a long time back, and since it was different than SketchUp (you can do either in SketchUp), I think I filed a bug. But it's such a lower priority that it hasn't been addressed. Glad you noticed b @dave r said: Hey, no problem. sometimes it's just some little trick like clicking or not clicking that does it. Those little things become so automatic that it can be difficult to identify what it is that is the missing link in the process. My hope and dream as LayOut is improved under Trimble is that commands and pick sequences act the same from SU to LO. LO can be maddening at times when switching back and forth.