I use SketchUp on both platforms but much prefer it on the PC because the toolbars dock to the edges. Of course my Mac is a 15" MBP. When I connect it to a larger monitor it isn't so bad.

@aser28 said: is constrution lines visible in renders? Well, I don't know about that, I'm not a renderer (would like to be, but it seems to be beyond my capabilities )

If you use autotoilet at all, you should use the snap functions. But, just because you can preset automatic snap to intersection, endpoint, midpoint, apparent intersection, and so on, having too many of these running is where the problem arises. There are instances where you may be in a hurry, and clicking just so, will confuse the program. It will send a vector off into either Z+ or Z-, but look like it connected with the target, and the problem becomes cumulative. In the 2007 and up versions there is a properties side window, by which you can modify a lot of values. Doing a box select without an initial command will display the grips. Expanding the properties side window will allow you to step through the entities types to verify their start and end values, their z values and so on. You can overwrite or edit in some of the fields.--Just another method.

@dave r said: What kind of mouse did you buy? You'll probably need to have some sort of settings for those buttons in the OS before you can assign any shortcuts. What OS are you using and what version of SU? Most people put that info in their profiles. Its ok Im using a cheap argos wireless mouse, its surprisingly really good. Apparently the top button is the DPI button and cant be changed. so I will be just using xmouse for the two side buttons.

@sketch3d.de said: if paying 70 or 80 bucks for an upgrade roughly every 2 years or so my demands would be pretty demanding too, could imagine that, besides the compulsive stuff already mentioned, brewing a yummy cappuci or latte macchiate every now and then could be a great improvement too go4it a Linux/iOS/Android/<replacewithyourOS> version can be expected also, no doubt!!! leavin' ironic mode, Norbert On the other hand its only 70 bucks. However yes I do agree modelling features need to free, plugins like curviloft, soft skin and bubble need to installed from the beginning. Features like layout should be pro. Sketch-up is slowly being more often used in architecture studios, for good reason, its fun and easy. The only thing the way sketchup should evolve is by keeping the original philosophy (it should be fun and easy. I could pretty much make everything that could had been made in rhino, thanks to sketchup's free plugins. Google needs to make them standard. My rhino tutors are saying wow.. you made that in sketchup? And yes I said Ive made that in 10 mintutes. In fact I was so good at it that he said to me "hey listen you don't need to do these lessons, just use sketchup, I'll pass you. Now what I propose for the free verson is, a simple opening advert wont hurt.

hi, i wonder, if we finally get some stable and reliable tool to import vector files, like cdr, ai or eps to SU ? coreldraw helps me to get complicated 2D design into SU, via dxf file. when drawing contains minimum points, it´s become distorted. if contains plenty of points, it´s become very complicated for further editing. (weld plugin too) is there any plugin to get into into SU in perfect shape with minimum points to share our time and patience please? maybe it´s time to tell the SU creaters to add import for vector formats into higher version of SU. cheers ! [image: zujcp1.jpg]

Thanks guys, that worked just fine. Great forum, Tom in PA

Thanks TIG, I was able to reproduce what you did. With the central rail the shape seemed to flatten out to much at the point so I did one without the central rail and it looks better. Seems that the key is that all sections have the same number of segments and determining just how many segments are required to get a smooth surface. I will probably make a mold for this piece and make it out of fiberglass. Thanks, Larry [image: 0L0g_NewTailCone.JPG]

Thanks all.

Yeah, I also hope to get some lead time as I would need to move projects around or keep a week open. So c'mon Google give us some heads up this time.

I know of no renderers that will render a section-cut from a SKP. You have to make a copy SKP and chop it in half using Zorro on the section-plane and SectionCutFace on the faces... It's a pain but as far as I know it's the only way...

Seems I am beginning to lose track of all the plugins posted here.

@gaieus said: You could group the model by layer with this plugin and then colour those groups (need to remove all previous materials first I guess) http://www.smustard.com/script/GroupByLayer i dont wanna work that hard . well the building is white and still in design stage. so... we're changing stuff evry now and then, manually painting is not a good solution

The zipped file worked! Thanks again for all the help!

@alan fraser said: Make sure that you do actually have the "Use Anti-aliased Textures" box checked in the rendering section of Object Info. That's all it took! I was sure it was checked, first time I've ever been wrong Thanks Alan, and thanks to everyone for your help and suggestions [image: xTTu_3.png]

I know...on the other hand it's not an infinity sign either...that's 2D. I had to call it something without being too pedantically long-winded.

Hi I am having an issue with PDF resolution in Layout. For a particular project I am importing an A1 pdf and inserting SU model views over as 2D edits to an over all construction project by others. All good. Then suddenly but not always, perhaps due to using the export pdf (or print to pdf native on mac) function, the imported pdf goes ultra lo rez. Even more odd is when I start to repair the document by trying to cut and paste good pdfs out a master doc 'command c' (Mac) not only immediately turns the good pdf in to an ultra lo-rez version, it also flips it in to a mirror image! Bizarre! Any clues you guys?

Thank you, you helped me a lot. I'm new to sketchup, I will follow your cue to start using layers.

@unknownuser said: Google did not develop Sketchup. How could it be their loss leader? The purchase of SketchUp by Google -- just as there must be a compelling and logical reason for Dassault to purchase SketchUp now. Best, Jason.

Something nice about scaling to a neg cone Shaders for sketchup Scale to a neg cone: shaders by rotaton of base. [image: QyGt_pic_0073.jpg] No texture. No rendering. No shodows turn on Just plain colors and tranparency: 100% sketchup [image: fqo6_pic_0074.jpg] Lamp is a point light and below is a sorce light [image: RhBz_pic_0071.jpg] Again shadows not needed to render the light. Looking though a sorce light. [image: sI4d_pic_0075.jpg]