Classifications? Where, When and Why to use them?

[derei]

Hy,

As I didn't rely on SU Pro until now, I had little to no curiosity about Classifications and what are they good for.
I was googling earlier about, even reading the sketchup knowledge base. All I could understand was some very abstract concept of classifying components... but why to do that, when to do it, when not to do it, why is it useful (beside reports), i did not really got it.

So, if anyone has a deeper understanding of Classifications, I would be really grateful for a dumb-level explanation (but complete and comprehensive), to know if it has any use for me, or not. Also, I am sure this explanation will be of great use for all other readers who are asking themselves the same questions.

Thank you very much.

[Jim]

Classifications are a way to add information to a SketchUp model. Strictly speaking only Groups and Components can be classified[1].

A Classification defines the allowable data and data type which can be attached.

When you classify a Group or Component[2], the attributes (allowable data) of the Classification automatically become editable attributes in the Component Options dialog[3].

One specific use as discussed in this topic is to attach custom data to Groups and Components.

The major intended purpose of Classifications in SketchUp was likely born from demand from BIM users wanting to exchange models along with with information with other software.

[derei]

thank you very much for the explanation.
This means that any type of classification can be assigned to components, even custom made ones, for other purposes that are out of the building standards, if I want to use those classifications to make some reports using the built-in report tool that is in SU PRO?