Hi, I had (have) the same prolem with the 2.5 D trees I use. I have noticed that if for instance the window and the tree are NOT in a group there is no problem. But if the window is in a separate group (what I usually do for easy editing) it 'shines' thru the 'alpha channeld' tree. (png texture). Hope it is of some use. erikB

Thanks for the tips! I have tried different formats with simple model and so far I have been able to import 3ds- and obj-formats quite ok. It seems that 3ds are at least the doubble the size when I export them from Sketchup. Now the biggest obj-file that I have been able to import to Blender has been around 10 MB. With bigger files I always get memory problems. Have you also tried to import Collada-format? In Blenderartist Forum some people have had some success with Collada. Anyway, at least I know that I can import part of my models, so maybe it is time to start learning Blender too. Anyway, I have feeling that Blender will never replace Sketchup in my workflow but for simple animations it could be something. If you still run some import test please share the results.

as always you are a star thanx

The image I provided here is very simple. The one's I am really interested in are of French chairs. The Thonet rocker is a classic, but I was working on a simpler "cafe" chair. It has curved braces and other things that join immediately below the seat. So, somewhere in the process of making the parts, I got something out of line by a fraction of a degree. I tried: Looking at the whole thing from the front view in parallel projection. Creating a huge rectangular block that aligned with the center and "pushing" it through the contents I had already made. I then used "intersect with model to create edges. After erasing all of the excess, I mirrored the "half chair" and "moved" everything back together. I am getting better at this, but the parts are so close I would think they would snap together. Thanks, John D

Sounds like a job for the Follow Me tool. picket2.skp

Hi blumentopferde - You can look for a backup file if you have auto save backup preference on. Search your system for .skb files, and look for one with the same name as the .skp file. If you do not have a backup file on your system, PM me and I'll see if we can help. Good luck, and let me know. Cheers, - CraigD

T An added thought to Paul's comment is what we call a "certified model." IOW, we stamp the model file exactly like a set of dwgs for const. This means I guarantee its accuracy and assume full responsibility for its representation as a virtual construction (as a lic arch). Risky, but a lot less risky than a RW bldg and usually blows away the opposing counsel (client/commissioners/arch.. because of the sequential representation of a detail or complex assembly. BTW also very well compensated by our clients. SkUp has the power to be as detailed as any other 3D modeler, but much faster on its feet in a presentation when carefully org'd. Our model files regularly exceed 300mb and must be able to open and operate serendipitously from a laptop/projector in an open public forum (usually a tense place to stutter...) Import is to make sure you have good tech, solid info, and doc ea step of the virtual const w/ a solid paper trail. /D

@unknownuser said: @sawduster said: Asked this down at the corner bar, but seems lots of folks don't visit there. The corner bar is the most frequented section of the board. Just gotta know where to put things Glad you got a response Guess the section on gadgets and software and such was not the right place, huh? I was just down on the main Corner Bar Forum andlooks like that's pretty active. The subforum on software seems a little slow, though.

If you orbit so that you are 'facing' the red-blue plane i.e. looking along the green axis, then it's more likely that the inference engine will pick up the red-blue plane to draw on. Bob

I thought so Robert, but then it was worth a try. Things sometimes work in mysterious ways.

Yes, i miagine it is your graphics card (or lack thereof.) Id suggest going to window->prefrences->opengl and try turning hardware acceleration on and off and also trying fast feedback on and off. This should sort your problem out.

Eric: Perfect! I knew there was probably a solution I was overlooking. Intersect with Model worked nicely. Thanks Jim

You could always set the axis relative to the model. All you need to do is go tools-> axes and thne line up the axes in an appropriate way.

about "5" point...will be need to develop external modules-scripts or assigning with authors of renders-exporters for supporting...or make api-sections for devs....near cad-skipy future great features are....

I can't figure out why this thread is in the Podium forum so I'm moving it to the main SU Discussions if you don't mind...

It may also get stuck behind the main window (like dialogue boxes often do so). If you have your main window NOT maximized (but don't collapse it to the task bar), you can move it around and see if it's behind.

As remus wrote, in addition to turning AA off, increase your virtual memory to the maximum allowable (in XP at least - dunno 'bout Vista). Virtual memory can be found in the advanced tab of the systems properties window, and you'll set the minimum and maximum. Generally, it's set at a lower amount than the maximum possible (which I believe is related to your RAM).

Visually the building itself is very interesting but like you said the site needs some work. There are a few things you could try while rendering directly from SU but to really get an image to "come to life" Photoshop or some other editing program should be used. A few suggestions: 1.Adjust the shadows darkness a little more to help the relationship between the building and the site read a little clearer. Currently the shadows get lost. 2.Another thing could be to render without lines but this only works really well if there is enough detail in the model. This often helps in making the model feel more realistic. 3.Add shrubs and varying species of ground cover. I'm sure some will exist on the site somewhere. Along with the other mentioned comments you should be well on your way. Goodluck.

Any response / news Craig ?

I succeded in exporting an image with the maximum theoretical resolution ever possible with SU!!! 9999 x 5587 pixels Done with @ latest MBP 4 Gb