Problem introducing inches or feet

Jeff89 · 23 May 2017, 12:19

Hi,

Until now, I used SU with metric units.
However I have to draw something with feet and inches now.

However, while drawing a line, SU let me introduce the number, but not the feet ( ') or inches ( ") symbol.
I can only introduce these symbols, AFTER drawing the line.

Is this normal behaviour?

Jean Lemire · 23 May 2017, 15:02

Hi Jeff, hi folks.

If you have millimeters set as your default unit, it is normal that you need to enter the ' (ft) or " (inches) symbol after the value and it is normal that you need to enter a value after drawing the line.

If you prefer, you can change the default unit to feet or inches by using Menu Window --> Model info --> Units.

Once done, you can type values without using the ' or " depending on your choice of default unit.

In short, SU interpret any length number as using the default unit and any length number as alternate unit if followed by**'**or " or mm or cm or m.

Default unit is a file parameter, thus it may change from file to file. If you foresee the use of different units, you may set-up templates with the units you use the most.

Best regards.

Jeff89 · 23 May 2017, 15:56

Thanks for helping me Jean.

I might not have expressed myself too well before. The problem is that while drawing the line I'm unable to introduce the ' or the " into the box at the right below the screen.

While drawing the line, I can introduce 102 for example. That will draw a line of 8'an 6".

If I want to introduce 8' 6", directly, during the drawing of the line, I can't, because I'm unable to tick 'or " into thecornerbox.
I first have to draw the line, press escape and fill in 8' 6" in the corner box afterwards.

Garry K · 23 May 2017, 17:56

I just tried it and it works fine with Windows on Sketchup 2014 and 2017 (your information says you are on Windows and Sketchup 2014)

My model is mm
I start the line click where the line is to start and move the mouse in the direction that I want the line. Then I type 8' 6" and the line completes as expected.

Jeff89 · 23 May 2017, 18:31

Garry: I'm on a mac with version 2015 (the profile information must be outdated).

I start the line click where the line is to start and move the mouse in the direction that I want the line. Then I type 8', but in the corner I see only 8, without the 'sign. There is no way I can introduce the ' or ".

TIG · 23 May 2017, 18:35

Remember that there should be no gap between the feet and inches.
So it's:
8'6"
NOT
8' 6"

BUT just as I type this, you now say you are on a MAC...
I suspect another issue...
Ensure that 'smart-quotes' are NOT set, otherwise the MAC can substitute the wrong kind of quotes !

http://www.iclarified.com/38772/how-to-disable-curly-quotes-in-mac-os-x-mavericks

Jeff89 · 23 May 2017, 18:47

Thanks, good try!

I turned of 'smart-quotes', didn't solve the issue however...

TIG · 23 May 2017, 18:52

Are you sure the preferences for keyboard's smart-quotes is switched entirely 'off' ?

If you use the Text tool and type 'cat' and "cat" - with the quotes, do they all come out as simple ' and " quotes ?

Jeff89 · 23 May 2017, 19:30

@TIG

Yes, sure. I followed your link and switched them off.
I can type 'cat' and "cat" with the text tool. No problem.

Jeff89 · 23 May 2017, 19:36

I solved the issue.

I had the keyboard language set to "U.S. International - PC".
Changed it to "U.S.".... and that did the trick!

Thanks everybody!

Dave R · 23 May 2017, 21:43

@jeff89 said:

I solved the issue.

I had the keyboard language set to "U.S. International - PC".
Changed it to "U.S.".... and that did the trick!

Thanks everybody!

That would have taken us a long time to guess. Thanks for reporting the fix.

Jeff89 · 23 May 2017, 21:49

@unknownuser said:

That would have taken us a long time to guess.

Yeah, I think so too .

However TIG put me on the right track somehow.

Thank you all for your help and being such a fine community!