I like your approach, TIG. It's more 'process-aware' than what I proposed. Thanks!

@unknownuser said: TIG The Unlock function was not available in the context or edit menu. Not even grayed out. It did not come back until I shut down the computer and restarted. Ken OK, I understand that, BUT when it's 'gone' from those locations is 'Locked' tickbox still available in the Entity Info Window [in its expanded format] ? Or has the function simply vanished ? This suggests a corrupted SUp installation not a Script problem to me...

That's a good idea. I've always done this on a hit and miss quest myself.

That's right! I remember that plugin now (but forgot what it was called). Thanks TIG!

That's what I just figured out. I'm working with some people that are use to having a visible grid, so I created a grid object (group). I've locked it to prevent it from "opening", but it'd be best if it wasn't even selectable (but allowed snapping to). (I wish SketchUp had a grid option like Banzai or other editors -- I know people frown on that here, but it's very handy for certain developments and quickly knowing what the current unit snap is).

@jennk42 said: I am using Sketch-up 7.1 and have been building a model of the first floor of a hotel. I worked all day today and just noticed that a bunch of parts of it are missing! And it isn't something I could have accidently deleted because it is multiple parts in different locations on my model. For example all my light fixtures, flooring in another part etc. Some of it is stuff I did today others yesterday. Does anyone have any idea what could have happened? I checked and made sure all my layers are on and I made sure to un-hide everything. Like I said I would have had to go in and manually select all these things and deleted them. And everything was fine when I started working this morning. I am desperate because this is my final project for school and I am on a deadline. Thanks! jennk42 1)If you have auto save and backup set you my be able to find a "correct" file. Do a search for xxxx.skb. There are several ways to open this type of file. One is change name to xxxxx_A.skp and it will open 2) Layers does not isolate geo so if you have items on a hidden layer then it can be deleted if you are not careful with your selection 3) Make max use of components and the outliner to see what things you are selecting, hidden items will not appear here either

When I first saw this topic come up I thought It said. .. "Way to Kick out the Ugly People/ White DeFault Material" I like it here at the SCF forum. . .so yeah. . . I took a little Umbrage at that.

Okay, and all of this seems like a lot more work than have an option for "visibility by group" or something like that. I do have a "structural model" that I deleted or stripped unnecessary files from, but all of that requires "parallel updates" which is tedious and mind twisting as to which version goes where etc, once the model is finished and only minor revisions it seems to work okay, I also do alot of working on a copy of a model, usually stripped down version, and get a component or group as I want it and then do a "paste in place". That keeps my "original" file which is burdened with components etc, from being altered or effected by my editing processes. thanks for your insights and creative ideas. I will look at giving them a try. aloha red

That seems like a nice work-around, Jean. @unknownuser said: SceneExporter will export the scenes in your model to a jpeg image I personally would like some very functional scene manager plug-in helpers, or perhaps better work-around functionality in myself.

The email server is up and running again, just received my trial key. Just wanted to inform this for anyone who had communication problems with the site and/or with it's admiminstrator.

Ahh! There it is! I knew it wasn't far! Thanks so much!

I updated the driver a few days ago and all is well since then (though the splats had been periodic before, so fingers will remain crossed). On a related issue, it appears the hardware thread fruit is withering on the vine, which is too bad for folks looking for some good input on gearing up to use SU.

@solo said: The 'Model this' challenge is not time restrictive, you can take as much time as needed to get it right, the point is when you do succeed that you share your technique with everyone so that it works like a learning thread. doh! i was thinking of the speed modeling challenge being the same as the 'Model this' challenge thanks for the correction chris<pixelmonkey>:D

Hi, I only use SU in order to model this work. And I don't know Revit so can't tell you if it's better or not than SU. And I Think that for equivalent skills whatever the software...I think the difference comes when you want to use your model after for other goals than 3D presentation. SU is only for 3D modelling and presentation, I think that Revit can do a lot more. Regards

I'm sorry, but I don't think it's currently possible to get a texture to bend around curves in SU without stretching the pixels. There are plenty of times I've wanted a stone pattern to bend around an arch or curved wall while maintaining orientation to the object, but no luck. Best bet would be to manipulate the image in photoshop to bend it and them project it on the model, paint the cladding exactly as you want it to appear, or export the model to a package that supports better UVW manipulation.

Link to video on glass in IRender nXt. Link to forum on IRender nXt

There are no texture generator plugins for SU. You'll need to reserve work like that for whatever renderer you work with or photoshop.

thank you! I will try. Hope it works

Trash your SketchUp preferences, and try again. If that doesn't work, reinstall Sketchup, dumping everything related to Google SketchUp in the bin. Restart and try again. Go get 'Easy Find' too http://www.devon-technologies.com/products/freeware/

Ah, thanks guys. I was using geo-referencing so I didn't notice the time zone was wrong (I thought I had checked everything!) - that accounted for the few hours difference. Guess I will just abandon geo-referencing for the time being, but at least my faith in sketchup sun is restored..