Is a fully loaded SketchUp becoming a monster?
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Hi Guys,
This question has been at the back of my mind for some time. When I initially discovered SketchUp (v1) I was immediately converted to it. It simply was a breath of fresh air after doing battle with other 3D programs that I was trying to get the grips with.
I must say that I am a 'purist' user, a nice term for a basic user. I don't use many short cuts and even fewer rubies. I find I can achieve most of my work using the native application. Okay. it may take me a little longer to achieve some things but this doesn't bother me too much as with SU I tend to design as I draw. Before SU I had to do some rough pencil sketches.
When I say Monster, I mean is it getting complex for the average user with a load of plugins installed? I know the plugins don't have to be installed but we all know the temptation is great as many of these are free or a reasonable cost.
I'm not quite sure what I would like to see in place to make life easier for the average use but I feel something might be implemented. What sparked me to mention this subject was some tidy up work I was doing on my Mac today. I installed Fun Dock to help me rationalise my application dock. It allows me to set up various work environments, design, writing, photo work, web stuff etc before I start a project. I can now just have the essential apps for the job in hand in the dock.
Could something like this be implemented in SketchUp, any thoughts?
Mike
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Sounds good, Mike:
I wonder if Alex Schreyer's (pardon if misspelled) plugin manager, or anyone else's for that matter is anywhere in the neighborhood of what you speak of? -
Well I do have a lot of plugins, I think just downloading random ones is becoming a habit. But I say as long as the ones you need are at close at hand its ok. I recommended an idea a while back when I suggested Sketchup in full screen, for those of you who don't remember here it is:
Basically when you put SU in full screen all you see is the modeling window. But if you move your mouse to the side your tools slide out. So it was possible to have a normal window full of tools (most of them are obviously from plugins) and still have plenty of work space.
Now the idea was ahem AWESOME in my opinion but it aroused not many people to their delight.
But back to the topic - the only monster it becomes is the monster that a computer might not be able to handle. Even though I'm trying my hardest to reduce all the junk that came from my habit, I still can't get it to the point like it was. But don't worry I'm getting close.
So if you don't mind having over 100 files in your plugins folder, then go ruby crazy. It took my modeling to the next level to say the least.
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