[REQ] Pumped-up Group tool

Arty2 · 8 Jan 2011, 21:27

Hello SketchUcation crowd, I've been a lurker for a while but this is actually my first post here.

I'd first like to send a big THANK YOU towards all of you dedicated plugin writers without the work of whom our modelling time would be count in multiples.

I wanted to keep this plugin idea as practice work for my leap into ruby scripting, though since my time is limited untill I get my diploma in February, here goes, hoping someone is kinn enough to give it a try, further enhancing our productivity:

description: User selects geometry, enters command (shortcut/menu), a naming dialog pops up (thus if that group is later converted into a component, it retains the name) then the groups axes are re-oriented automatically but the user is given the option to choose an edge to align the geometry box, exactly like how scale with orientation of scaling box by Freddo works.
In case the selection does not exist, enter group editing mode (I find working inside an empty group very convenient at times as lines don't intersect etc).

I also tried to make a simple logic diagram for a clearer illustration of the above:

I just hope it's all do-able, and somebody has free time to spare on this, otherwise I'll have it a go as my first script in March

thomthom · 9 Jan 2011, 11:39

Very nice and clear plugin description.

@arty2 said:

In case the selection does not exist, enter group editing mode (I find working inside an empty group very convenient at times as lines don't intersect etc).

You can't open group editing mode from SketchUp. No access via the Ruby API. There is a method to exit group editing mode, but it's bugged so if you undo afterwards you will find that part of the geometry will shift.

Arty2 · 23 Jan 2011, 22:21

I see, seems like the idea has hit a hard wall
Thanks for looking at it though :]

TIG · 23 Jan 2011, 22:28

You CAN enter group edit mode IF you are on a PC, have a shortcut key-combo set to do it... AND activate that shortcut using a WinScript key-stroke script... BUT it's not ideal
See this http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?p=266830#p266830 and http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?p=11776#p11776