SU-->CAD-->SU Advice and Best Practices
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Hello again!
I am sloshing back into the murky depths of the best software CAD package that best integrates with SketchUp. I have investigated a few through the years (DoubleCAD, TurboCAD...) and I wonder if anyone else has some suggestions on how best to take a 3D, layered SU model to a CAD package for detailing, hopefully with round-trip integration back to SU.
I realize that the best integration is Layout, but wondering if there is any other solutions or workflows that experts are using.
A promising workflow with landscape design in Land F/X and wonder if anything is close for an architecture?
Thank you all for any advice!
Cheers,
Eric -
Seems that for landscapes' animation, Lumion, LumenRt, Twin Motion, Unity 3D, Unreal Engine are some suitable!
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I use AutoCAD LT for 2D, then do 3D in SU, Than again finish in AutoCAD. Same blocks-components, layers-layers. I use RichSection plugin for slicing 2D from SU model. It is fast workflow in the beginning, but the problem are changes in both directions when model gets complex.
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@srx said:
I use AutoCAD LT for 2D, then do 3D in SU, Than again finish in AutoCAD. Same blocks-components, layers-layers. I use RichSection plugin for slicing 2D from SU model. It is fast workflow in the beginning, but the problem are changes in both directions when model gets complex.
That's why I use Sketchup only and make all 2D design on SectionCutFaces.
It's simple and effective. I also have some 2D details that are components just components floating around away from model and on a hidden layer. I don't work on 3D details but some people do that.
Everything is then managed in Layout and output for PDF and of course CAD for people who need it. Most people are fine with PDF's though.
If the CAD output makes people unhappy, I have to use some free CAD software only for the 2D. Draftsight or NanoCAD are fine for that.
If I want to enhance a layout for competitions I import the pdf into Inkscape and use gradients or other vector editions and from there export to raster images.
I avoid touching CAD all the time though, as it simply isn't fun...
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Great suggestions! I have really tried to use Layout as more than a design development tool, but usually fall back on the speed and efficiency of a regular CAD package for construction documentation and details. I agree that it is not a lot of fun, but I can't argue with expedience.
I am just wondering if there is any other CAD package that has the ability to dynamically link a SU model? I have heard SPIRIT did this years ago, but I can't tell if this is a possibility.
My real desire is not to relearn a new program because as I see the growth and development of Layout, I realize that it is a matter of time to have the core functionalities that make CAD hard to finally put on a dusty shelf for good. I would love to see the functionality of DoubleCAD that could import SU models in a much more stable environment for further documentation and delivery.
Thanks again for the conversation, I always appreciate the input.
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Kyeric
IMO the best option for a decent price is TurboCad Deluxe.
(it is 2d and 3d)
It has been my choice as Architect of record for about 10 years
If you do not need Revit or equal then this will really do for both Cad and Sketchup integration.
I has both model and paper space (for scaled dtls etc) and the latest version 2015 both reads and writes Su 2015 files as well as Acad 15,3ds, stl and a bunch of other file formats.
xref too.
Very customizable for icons and keystrokes.
Nice graphic interface and not a command line like ACAD.
I give it a 10 and they do discount if you call.
30 day demo too.
Good docs and forum.dtr
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Wow Dtrarch. I've looked past TurboCAD so many years (perhaps because of the name?). Looks interesting and pretty cheap. I would guess there's something wrong with it, but this makes me want to check it out.
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HI pbacot
No charge to give it a run and I have done projects of considerable scope with Tcad and it really works for me.
Of course there is a learning curve but it is pretty easy to get up to speed on and well worth the try IMO.dtr
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