How to get dimensions parallel

Dave R · 21 Apr 2011, 13:10

Barry, thank you.

I guess I haven't done a blog post specifically on dimensioning but I could. Since dimensioning became available in LO, I almost never use SketchUp's dimensioning tool. As far as my work flow in LO, I generally get all my views set and then start on the first page and insert dimensions where I need them. I try to go through one layer's worth of stuff before doing something else to avoid errors. So my SU views are on one layer, dimensions on another, leader text on a third and so on. I end up going through the document several times but at least I generally get like things on the same layer. I wish layer management was like SU's with the ability to move things to a layer without having to make that layer active.

baz · 21 Apr 2011, 13:33

Dave. Totally agree about clunkiness of layers in LO. (and most of the rest of it actually).
I note you are a believer that boulder will get it betterer in next V, I fervently hope so.
I use it exclusively for any presentation now, tho sometimes I give up and edit in Fireworks or PS to get rid of, for example, pesky dim lines which interfere.
Be great if you did a dim blog post.

Here's hoping the planet has a great easter, which, for alien visitors, is the time when we celebrate the life and death of a great man, and the possibilities and potentials of our planets' race's getting it's act together.

baz

baz · 21 Apr 2011, 13:35

whoops

Dave R · 21 Apr 2011, 13:39

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll work on them.

It does seem like you have a bit of an apostrophe catastrophe going on.

baz · 21 Apr 2011, 13:51

@dave r said:

It does seem like you have a bit of an apostrophe catastrophe going on.

You are too far cleverer than your own good(one).
G'nite.

bjanzen · 21 Apr 2011, 15:58

Ah, I see. Thanks Dave. So you're trying to get dimensions in LayOut to match dimensions in SketchUp.

b

Dave R · 21 Apr 2011, 16:10

Hi Barry, no. I don't really care about matching LO dimensions to SU dimension. I don't use SU dimensions if I'll be going to LO for the final product. I prefer the control I have over line thickness and arrowhead size as well as arrowhead style in LO. What I would like to see is LO's dimensioning tool being able to do is match the perspective in the SU view. That's a plus for SUs dimensioning tool which I end up faking in LO by using the guidelines as I showed.

Edson · 2 May 2011, 14:39

@dave r said:

I set out some guidelines in SU and dimension between intersections. I set the dimension right at the intersections of the guidelines. Then I explode the dimension, delete the extension lines, draw new ones tracing along the guidelines to get the angles right and I turn on fill for the dimension text box. The dimensions are shown correctly so I don't have to edit the text.

dave,

forgive my thickness but I cannot follow some of your steps. how do you explode a dimension? Iright -clicked on it and there was nothing like explode on the contextual menu.

Dave R · 2 May 2011, 19:11

Edson, I am exploding the dimension in LayOut. You should have that option available to you. In case I wasn't clear, I am not using the dimensioning tool in SU at all. I use the guidelines in SU to assist in placing the dimension in LO.

Edson · 1 Nov 2012, 22:28

I came back to this topic as I needed refreshing on LO dimensions only to conclude once more that LO dimensions badly need to be revamped. it is fine to dimension 2D stuff but dimensioning a 3D view is a nightmare, dave's workaround notwithstanding..

let's hope the sketchup people under trimble will take LO ahead.