How to make a group of components unique from its copy?

[Wim_Storme]

Hello,

I want to make alternate versions of the same model, in the same file. Is it possible to copy a group of components and make the components unique from its copy but not from each other? I hope this makes sense?

Grtz Wim

[pilou]

Normally make your copy
enter the copied group
select your components
Make them unique

But better post an example SKP for avoid missunderstand

• concept image wanted result

[Wim_Storme]

Thanks! This helps, the only catch is that you have to do this for every group of components in the model. It looks like you can not do this for the whole model at once..

Grtz

[HornOxx]

hope that helps

---

[HornOxx]

... or another approach could be to use the SU´s Component Window or the Ouliner - the right tactics always depends on the task to do

---

[Wim_Storme]

Tnx Horn Oxx for the visual aid! it helps.

Grtz

[Dave R]

Out of curiosity, what is different about the "alternative versions" of the model? There might be a more efficient process.

[Wim_Storme]

Hello Dave,

In this case, the alternate version has different textures on the faces

Grtz

[Dave R]

Is this to let a client see different options?

One way that I do this sort of thing is this.

1. Set up the model with the first materials options. Here I've got a bed in mahogany.
   
2. Copy (CMD-C on Mac) all of the components that will need to show a different material. In my case it's all except the ebony plugs and splines and the slats to support the mattress.
3. Assign a layer tag based on the material to the currently visible components. I made a layer tag called 'mahogany' for this example. If you need to you can group the components together and assign the layer to that group instead of to the individual components.
4. Turn off the visibility for that layer.
5. Paste in place. This puts copies of the component in the same locations as the originals.
6. Immediately, while the pasted components are selected, right click on one and choose Make Unique.
7. Apply the new materials to the faces in the components.
8. Create and assign a a layer tag for the new material. In my case I used cherry.
   

I would make scenes with the different versions visible so it's easy to switch between the different materials.

[Wim_Storme]

Hello Dave,

This is indeed the goal, In this case the “client” is my girlfriend, who can be considered difficult ; )

Thanks, in this way i can toggle between textures, I will certainly try this.

Grtz

[Dave R]

Good luck!

Although you might not want to tell your "client" it's possible to do, you could use this same basic process to show other differences like various cabinet door styles or arrangements, or hardware or whatever.