How to create a Mask in Layout

porch_unplugged · 2 Nov 2012, 14:47

@dave r said:

I see.

About 90% of the work I do in LayOut involves dimensions, lots of dimensions, and I don't have any trouble getting accurate dimensions. Maybe it's just me.

I started getting this ~ symbol in some dimensions as well as there being problems getting vertical dimensions from 2D elevations, where it was picking up different points in the 3rd dimension. i'm just so used to autocad dimensioning (setting up styles etc.) that it's second nature to me. only thing that annoys me is i can't snap to a point with the jpegs.

but sure if layout works for you, keep going.

Dave R · 2 Nov 2012, 14:57

The ~ just indicates that your dimensions don't fall on increments set by the Precision.

Ah, well. To each his own.

bmike · 2 Nov 2012, 18:35

@porch_unplugged said:

@dave r said:

I see.

About 90% of the work I do in LayOut involves dimensions, lots of dimensions, and I don't have any trouble getting accurate dimensions. Maybe it's just me.

I started getting this ~ symbol in some dimensions as well as there being problems getting vertical dimensions from 2D elevations, where it was picking up different points in the 3rd dimension. i'm just so used to autocad dimensioning (setting up styles etc.) that it's second nature to me. only thing that annoys me is i can't snap to a point with the jpegs.

but sure if layout works for you, keep going.

so how are you getting accurate dimensions in autocad by dimensioning jpgs?

like dave said, to each his own, but i get accurate dimensions...

Dave R · 2 Nov 2012, 18:40

Mike, those are beautiful.

porch_unplugged · 3 Nov 2012, 14:45

@bmike said:

so how are you getting accurate dimensions in autocad by dimensioning jpgs?

like dave said, to each his own, but i get accurate dimensions...

maybe it's just me then.

At the minute(and i've only really started the thought process really) I'm importing the jpegs with a scale bar and just scaling up to 1:1 in cad. like i said, i can't snap to the end points for dimensions, so for the minute i'm scaling off the sketchup model, and offsetting construction lines in cad to snap to. not ideal i know, and i think i'll probably have to revert to using dimensions in sketchup so they export with the jpegs. this is my first project doing it this way (sketchup to cad), so i'm making it up as i go along. still only in sketch design, so ultra accurate dimensions aren't required yet.

Dave R · 3 Nov 2012, 14:52

That just sounds like a lot of work to me. If it works for you, great. If I had to work that way I think I'd quit and do something else.

porch_unplugged · 3 Nov 2012, 16:44

@dave r said:

That just sounds like a lot of work to me. If it works for you, great. If I had to work that way I think I'd quit and do something else.

It's not too bad, drawing out a clipping mask in layout sounds like a lot more work to me. Doesn't look like I'll be getting Pro and layout any time soon, so it'll have to do.

bmike · 3 Nov 2012, 18:05

@porch_unplugged said:

@dave r said:

That just sounds like a lot of work to me. If it works for you, great. If I had to work that way I think I'd quit and do something else.

It's not too bad, drawing out a clipping mask in layout sounds like a lot more work to me. Doesn't look like I'll be getting Pro and layout any time soon, so it'll have to do.

have a look at my layout overview.
even if you don't go pro - there are lots of ways to setup your sketchup to streamline your workflow.

porch_unplugged · 4 Nov 2012, 15:33

@pbacot said:

Brian: Have you tried a dwg export or vector pdf to CAD? I think there a plugins for the dwg or dxf if you don't have pro.

thought never crossed my mind, i'll look into it, thanks Peter.

@bmike said:

have a look at my layout overview.
even if you don't go pro - there are lots of ways to setup your sketchup to streamline your workflow.

I'm sure I've watched it already, but just waiting for it load again now (rubbish internet connection) Thanks Mike

pbacot · 4 Nov 2012, 16:00

Brian: Have you tried a dwg export or vector pdf to CAD? I think there's a plugins for the dwg or dxf if you don't have pro.

penumbra · 13 Nov 2012, 02:45

How about this? What do you do when you have elements on an elevation that are not orthogonal with the view plane as in walls that are at an angle and receding away from the viewer?

Dave R · 13 Nov 2012, 02:49

What do you mean, "what do you do?" What would you do? Could you post an example?

TIG · 13 Nov 2012, 10:58

You could us Fog in SKP scene-tab or a Style with depth-cues - to show them feinter.
You could use a SectionPlane in the SKP scene-tab to hide everything towards the back of the model.
You could make a large white grouped vertical face on a special layer that's only on in that scene-tab, locate it to obscure the back of the model.
Or a shaped mask face overlaid in LayOut to hide them, or even made edgeless and translucent to show what's behind feinter.

There are many ways to achieve different effects - you choose or invent one that does what you want...

penumbra · 13 Nov 2012, 12:55

Thanks tig. Very helpful.

pbacot · 13 Nov 2012, 17:23

Penumbra,

In common elevations, one should be able to see background elements of the building. Here is a masterful use of fog by Sonder, in SU and LO:

.

http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=15911&p=374990#p374467

Peter

penumbra · 16 Nov 2012, 02:08

Thanks Peter, i find fog difficult to control but once is setup right, looks great.

bmike · 16 Nov 2012, 13:07

@penumbra said:

Thanks Peter, i find fog difficult to control but once is setup right, looks great.

I find it difficult to use as well, likely operator error on my part.

TIG · 16 Nov 2012, 15:15

Use [and update] scene-tabs, styles etc to 'remember' your settings for fog, layers etc

sonder · 16 Nov 2012, 18:19

Fog is really easy to use. I set it up always in SU saved to the scene. Once you understand how the two arrows work, it is really intuitive. I like to think of the two as - right arrow = overall fog thickness - thicker as you slide to the left. Left arrow = fog depth from view point to your model - gets thinner as you slide it towards the right arrow.

I wish the fog in my brain were so easily controlled.

bmike · 17 Nov 2012, 03:30

@unknownuser said:

Fog is really easy to use. I set it up always in SU saved to the scene. Once you understand how the two arrows work, it is really intuitive. I like to think of the two as - right arrow = overall fog thickness - thicker as you slide to the left. Left arrow = fog depth from view point to your model - gets thinner as you slide it towards the right arrow.

I wish the fog in my brain were so easily controlled.

Do you need a separate style anytime you change the arrows? Or is it remembered per scene like the shadows?