Reducing file load on complex models
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This is my first time posting a question so please have some patience. I have been using Sketchup for several years but have never explored the means and methods to reducing file load to optimize performance while working on a larger complex model. I am proficient at using the basic drawing tools, components and such but have never assigned layers or other controls to my models. I also am not CAD savy and do not have a knowledge base or practice in file structuring. With this context, can someone point me to some written instructions as to how to best organize the file in chunks or segments such that pieces can be edited to increase computer performance times while still keeping the entire model in tact such that it can be reactivated to produce final stills and animations? The files in question do not have any CAD files or lagrge photography txtures but they do include 3-d cars, people vegetation and other sketchup produced objects. The colors and textures are mostly sketchup based although a few are from .jpg origins from outside sketchup. I do not think these are causing any excessive file density.
A good step by step strategy to accomplish the above would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
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Hi Cory,
There a quite a few tricks to achieve what you have in mind. However the first thing to do is to get a good understanding of how Layers work in SketchUp. This short 6 min video explains good practice perfectly and well worth watching.
Google SketchUp Technique Series: Layers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBdP499iw0YMike
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Cory,
I process that has worked for me, and continues to do so, is the use components to divide and break down large models. This is particularly useful for large scale (urban scale) models where you have any number of buildings populating your model. In this case I make each building a component. Yes, a component. Once you make the building (or each model piece worth separating) a component you can use the context menu to do a "save as". this will in fact export the component out of the current sketchup model placing it in a location of your choosing.
You can now work on the individual building piece by itself without struggling with your large file size model. Once you have completed the edits you want to make to the component you can re-open the original model, right click the component you created originally and in the context menu select reload. you'll be prompted to search for the model to reload (the name if the model is already auto filled in the dialog box) you select it, reload it and you should have the updated, more complex, component in place.
This is something that works for us at our office for our large scale planning work but can also be applied to smaller, intricate models as well.Hope that helps.
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Note that edge styles can very likely slow down a model as having shadows enabled.
I usually have a modelling style and a final Style for my models. The modelling style got no edge effects, and edges are coloured all the same.
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Thank you for your useful tricks and techniques!
@penumbradesign said:Cory,
I process that has worked for me, and continues to do so, is the use components to divide and break down large models. This is particularly useful for large scale (urban scale) models where you have any number of buildings populating your model. In this case I make each building a component. Yes, a component. Once you make the building (or each model piece worth separating) a component you can use the context menu to do a "save as". this will in fact export the component out of the current sketchup model placing it in a location of your choosing.
You can now work on the individual building piece by itself without struggling with your large file size model. Once you have completed the edits you want to make to the component you can re-open the original model, right click the component you created originally and in the context menu select reload. you'll be prompted to search for the model to reload (the name if the model is already auto filled in the dialog box) you select it, reload it and you should have the updated, more complex, component in place.
This is something that works for us at our office for our large scale planning work but can also be applied to smaller, intricate models as well.Hope that helps.
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Thank you to all of you for your suggestions on the original post Sorry for the redundant posting.
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