OnClick functionality
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I want to create a component, then be able to click it and open a .doc or .pdf file related to that object. Is this possible?
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Not currently. There were security concerns with people linking to outside sources, so it was decided not to include it in this release.
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HOWEVER, you can add a link in the Component Options box if that helps. So the person could select the component and open the options box and have a nice link in there pointing to your pdf or webpage.
The response from Google on that is that they didn't want people to be unknowingly clicking on internet links. So having the OnClick work as a hyperlink was out. But they do let you add a link to the options window, since it will look like a link there.
Chris
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Yes, it would be cool.
I think this is something they could fix and make stable too. How about when you hover over an onclick component, it turns the cursor into a hand (like it currently does). But if it is a hotlink, the component also glows blue (like the clickable buildings in Google Earth). Then also how about an auto window pops up and warns you that you have just clicked on a link. Would you like to follow it? And you can disable the auto pop window if you'd like. Or leave it enabled if you'd like.
Chris
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Chris, i was just thinking exactly the same thing. Might still be a bit dodgy though, especially if youve got people new to SU who dont fully understand some of its capabilities and just keep clicking to get dialog boxes out the way.
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Maybe instead of a check box in the popup (like most optional pop-ups have), perhaps you have to disable through the preferences menu. Then people will only find it after a while - hopefully after they have discovered that clickable components might try to take them to the web.
Chris
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I would like to be more specific, in hopes that a workaround, or a recommendation of another program that would work might be suggested.
I want to create my office building virtually (Sketch up has been an indispensable tool in doing this). Then I want to start filing digital copies of all technical documents relating to servers, switches, phone system programming and manuals, etc... and link each to the model of each device in the sketchup model. Most manuals and purchase info already comes as a pdf or other digital format from vendors.
I have no idea if standard network permissions could apply, so only an administrator could create, change or modify the information, but a regular user could toggle an 'information' button on the toolbar to activate the 'on click' feature and highlight items with info attached.
I understand Sketchup doesn't do this, but is there anything out there that is similar to sketchup that does?
Thanks in advance for any responses.
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You can add a clickable url to the component description. So instead of using the onclick tool, they would select component and open the Component options dialog box. And in there you can use some basic html that could include a series of links - One for the .pdf users manual, one for "Open a support Ticket" or along those lines so they could send an email to you letting you know its broken, and on and on. That should be viable, and it gives you some html functionality with multiple links which sounds like it would be helpful.
Or I am learning ruby, and it is possible to write a ruby that would allow for the onclick function to open a url (over-riding the onclick defaults). I don't know how to do it yet, but I could try to learn if you prefer that method,
Chris
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Hmm, I was trying to put together an example for you, and I am seeing that the mailto function does not work. I thought I could implement something like this (example from a website):
<a href="mailto;manish@simplygraphix.com?subject=Feedback for webdevelopersnotes.com&body=The Tips and Tricks section is great">Send me an email</a>But it is not clickable. So I guess you could make an internal website for tech support for each device, then provide a link to the correct webpage from each component. So your DC's could have a list of links like:
"Xerox 5362 Homepage" <-- points to the http://www.xerox.com/5362 (thats a made up link)
"Request ink for Xerox 5362" <-- points to your webpage with a "Request Ink" button, sent to you.
"Request Service" <-- points to your webpage with a button that sends an email to IT asking for service
"Report Xerox 5362 as Broken/Not working" <-- Points to your webpage with a button that sends an email to IT letting them know the copier is "broken"ETC, I'm sure you get the idea. Might be a little bit of work, but it is an interesting way to create a 3d system for people to report faulty devices, find pdf help docs, request supplies, etc.
Chris
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