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    What's your beginners tip?

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    • A Offline
      AMadinger
      last edited by

      Having just started with SU a couple days ago, the most important tip I've received is how to multiply/divide a copy.

      For example, I wanted to make a brick wall. To use this feature:

      select the object to array
      select the "move" tool
      push ctrl (this shortcuts the copy feature)
      click on a part of the object as a base-point to move from

      IF you want to use the multiplication tool

      place the copy in the direction you want your array of copies
      also place the copy a distance away from the original at desired interval (all copies will have this spacing)
      after placing the copy (before leaving the move tool) type in the number of copies you want in the format "#x" for example, if I wanted 3 copies made in addition to the original, I would type "3x"
      if you need more or less, type again. you can edit the number of copies until you leave the tool

      ELSEIF you want to use the division tool

      place the copy in the direction you want your array of copies
      also place the copy at the desired position for the last piece
      after placing the copy (before leaving the move tool) type in the number of copies you want in the format "#/" for example, if I wanted 3 copies made in addition to the original, I would type "3/"
      instead of continuing outward infinitely like the multiplication tool, the division tool will space the copies out evenly in between the original and the specified end piece.
      if you need more or less, type again. you can edit the number of copies until you leave the tool

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      • sh00ksS Offline
        sh00ks
        last edited by

        • Start with copying/modeling stuuf in your direct surroundings
        • Start simpel and work your way up to the more fine and difficult stuff
        • Ctrl-S is your best friend
        • Ctrl-Z is your mistress
        • Doubting if there is no faster/easier way to do 'something'? ask here and search for plugins.
        • Press every button, use every tool, change every setting and learn as you do

        Last tip, but certainly as important: don't let your courage drop when you see all them beauties of models on the net, here of where else! One day, you will be able to do the same it just takes time and experience.

        Ooooh God, how I wish I could buy time. Any tips on that anybody? πŸ˜„

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        • E Offline
          ElliottAero
          last edited by

          My tip is use the follow me tool to make lathed edges

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          • A Offline
            ArcTec
            last edited by

            Make sure all the faces on the outside of the model are white, and the one's inside are purple (or blue, i'm colour blind). This will save you a lot of trouble later on when you start exporting into other packages/games etc. To do this, simply select the purple face>right click>reverse face(s) you can select multiple faces to do this at the same time. If you have textured your object and can't tell which faces are what, then go view>face style>monochrome and this will show your object as if it was un-textured.

            Hope this helps,

            -Archy

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            • B Offline
              bistek
              last edited by

              practice makes perfect! there are lots of tutorials in the youtube and one of my favorite is the 60 seconds tutorial in sketchup.

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              • KrisidiousK Offline
                Krisidious
                last edited by

                Visit SketchUcation every day... That's my tip.

                By: Kristoff Rand
                Home DesignerUnique House Plans

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                • unrealVizU Offline
                  unrealViz
                  last edited by

                  There are some repetitive tasks - in modelling, texturing, rendering nearly in every phase. I always try to make notes of them - they are like algorithms. They've got to main tasks - to remind you those repetitive jobs and not have to invent the wheel from scratch and to help you in improving those jobs. From one time to the next of using such an algorithm you will try to make it better, simpler, or more effective. Every time you find a good improvement idea - change the algorithm note. That'll make your progress keep a good direction. It's nice to use some notes tools for it, like evernote or springpad. Which would be my next advice πŸ˜„. To use a useful tools!

                  http://www.unrealviz.blogspot.com

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                  • S Offline
                    sitbaknchill
                    last edited by

                    yes I need a follow me short cut thanks. My tip from beginner (me) to beginner:
                    Learn the art of mirroring, (using groups and components for such) and intersect with model. Two good videos for these are the speeded up tractor (you tube) and the sketch up help videos 'intersect with model).

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                    • R Offline
                      rodman100
                      last edited by

                      If you are more used to AutoCAd than SU, don't assume that layers are the same in both apps. They behave very diffrenetly in SU. In SU use 'Scenes' and 'Outliner' (under Window-Outliner)to control visibility. Consider putting all CAD info onto one layer (after cleaning up the CAD drawing first) before importing into SU. Try keep SU layers to a minimum at first.

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                      • porch_unpluggedP Offline
                        porch_unplugged
                        last edited by

                        @unknownuser said:

                        If you are more used to AutoCAd than SU, don't assume that layers are the same in both apps. They behave very diffrenetly in SU. In SU use 'Scenes' and 'Outliner' (under Window-Outliner)to control visibility. Consider putting all CAD info onto one layer (after cleaning up the CAD drawing first) before importing into SU. Try keep SU layers to a minimum at first.

                        if I'm importing a cad file into sketchup, I normally import it into a 'new' file (if I've been working on a model), delete all the layers and make a new one such as 'cad plan' or 'cad elevations' or whatever. then copy and paste into the main model file. no messing about with cad layers then.

                        I also use prefixes for my sketchup layers, e.g. s-furniture, or s-cars. this is helpful if I import something from the 3D warehouse that has some layers in it. I can then quickly identify which layers are not my own, delete and assign the imported model to the appropriate layer.

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                        • S Offline
                          sitbaknchill
                          last edited by

                          not sure if already mentioned, but grouping objects with same texture/colour helps when you add said textures/colours. and check plugins for ease of use tools (ie workplane tools).

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                          • ivanI Offline
                            ivan
                            last edited by

                            Go to Window>Preferences>Shortcuts and assign:

                            Ctrl+G to Edit/Make Group
                            Ctrl+Shift+G to Edit/Item/Explode

                            This way you can group and ungroup fast, change component to group...

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                            • B Offline
                              bakanne
                              last edited by

                              Know how to turn them on and off. A straight line can accidentally end up being several end-to-end segments which "endpoints" will show you. Endpoints will show intersections of very slight angles that you wouldn't otherwise notice and help you see polygons that you didn't know where there. It will help you see why some surface shapes defy closing as you draw line after line.

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                              • X Offline
                                x2nie
                                last edited by

                                Yeah, use google (or ur favorite search-engine) when you tired to repeat your activity with SU!

                                For example, as beginner I dont know how to make a model with paper.
                                I rotate and rotate again each side of my model...
                                Luckily, there are some plugin (fold) that makes my life easier,
                                Even, I feel blessed since there are free-plugin (no cost), as I were a beginner and has no profit from my current work.

                                So? even often a stupid word (such "Sketchup print model to printer") will make us happier

                                πŸ˜„
                                Best regards,
                                ==x2nie

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                                • A Offline
                                  Aarhus8000
                                  last edited by

                                  In woodworking/construction: Model as you are going to build. Learn the dimensions of the materials you are going to use during the build and adhere strictly to these in your model. And draw the hidden parts as well: if you for example will be using mortise and tenon in a joint then draw these too. While you draw your model as you're going to build it you will go through all kinds of considerations and you will find the best solutions for them.

                                  And it's so much easier to press 'Undo' than trying to glue sawdust back together. πŸ˜‰

                                  • Kristian
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                                  • dukejazzD Offline
                                    dukejazz
                                    last edited by

                                    Tip_dj no 14
                                    Alternet way to restore toolbars prosition
                                    without using veiw-Toolbar - save toolbars prosition (reg ToolbarsUserCustom-Bar)

                                    Ok you know that everytime you boot sketchup the tool bars are set the same as you left
                                    right

                                    now if you move thing around and if your tool bar get mix up by resizing sketchup bordders and you want to restore toolbars prosition to a standard view (veiw-Toolbar -restore toolbars prosition is ok to use)

                                    but

                                    To return to how it was when you started, just start a new sketchup instance then exit out the old then exit the new.

                                    when you come back toolbar are fix to how they were πŸ˜„

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                                    • dukejazzD Offline
                                      dukejazz
                                      last edited by

                                      Tip_dj no 1
                                      This is my best tip all year of 2011
                                      by dukejazz on Mon Dec 19, 2011 7:52 am

                                      When sketchup starts up it doesn't see any hidden ruby files

                                      (note: With windows explorer toolbar, Tools-folder options-view-show the hidden files = on)

                                      You can hide what you don't need to load, and unhide the require ones that you do.

                                      Later with Jim ruby toolbar you can load the hidden ones.
                                      That's because your telling the script loader about the name, type and location of ea. plug-ins to load...

                                      thus no need to double buffering of plug-ins in folders by loaders.

                                      Also the plug-ins are in the folder that are meant to be in.
                                      😍 win win!

                                      Jim
                                      http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?t=1542
                                      Ruby Toolbar
                                      pic_0051.jpg
                                      Download here
                                      http://sketchuptips.blogspot.com/2007/08/plugin-ruby-toolbar.html

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                                      • peter_shawP Offline
                                        peter_shaw
                                        last edited by

                                        if this works you are my hero

                                        @dukejazz said:

                                        Tip_dj no 14
                                        Alternet way to restore toolbars prosition
                                        without using veiw-Toolbar - save toolbars prosition (reg ToolbarsUserCustom-Bar)

                                        Ok you know that everytime you boot sketchup the tool bars are set the same as you left
                                        right

                                        now if you move thing around and if your tool bar get mix up by resizing sketchup bordders and you want to restore toolbars prosition to a standard view (veiw-Toolbar -restore toolbars prosition is ok to use)

                                        but

                                        To return to how it was when you started, just start a new sketchup instance then exit out the old then exit the new.

                                        when you come back toolbar are fix to how they were πŸ˜„

                                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                        • RedFoxyR Offline
                                          RedFoxy
                                          last edited by

                                          Some of these are really good advices. I keep having trouble with keeping things tidy, but as it was mentioned so many times, nothing makes the work easier than well created groups.
                                          All i can add is that practice makes perfect so keep working with sketchup on a daily basis. Since I started my regular -couple of hours a day, everyday- practice with sketchup I have learned a lot for such a short time, the progress is easily noticeable.

                                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                          • F Offline
                                            Futurepast
                                            last edited by

                                            @redfoxy said:

                                            Some of these are really good advices. I keep having trouble with keeping things tidy, but as it was mentioned so many times, nothing makes the work easier than well created groups.
                                            All i can add is that practice makes perfect so keep working with sketchup on a daily basis. Since I started my regular -couple of hours a day, everyday- practice with sketchup I have learned a lot for such a short time, the progress is easily noticeable.

                                            And it's good to "test" yourself. When I started 6 months ago I would download a random dwg file and covert it to 3d. I would spend all day trying to get it perfect. This morning I did one in less time than it took to drink my coffee, it's a boost to the ego to measure yourself.I have learned to do a full set of house plans etc. but it's still good to go back to basics once in a while and see how well you can do, as compared to a month or so before.

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