@Edson and everyone here, thanks for talking about this topic. I wish to have an open mind regarding other approaches to this problem that might be helpful (or better??)

I agree with your points on this topic. The pros and cons are correct.

However, there will always remain the need to deal with CAD-like detail in some way- whether it is dealt with in a pure CAD programme or in LayOut. I admire the efforts to take detail into the 3D realm and this is a worthy alternative that should be encouraged and advanced, e.g. Like Robertson & Walsh Design http://sketchupdate.blogspot.ie/2010/10/sketchup-pro-case-study.html Personally while I love creating neat documents in small/ medium doses, I hate the huge effort it takes to create construction documents which is why I created this methodology in the first place 👊

While I love efficiency, there can be an over-reliance on automation for an area that requires very close and careful monitoring and this is where I saw many of the problems that were evident in Autodesk AEC (now dead) and the overly complicated tools in some other packages. One source told me about a certain softwaRe that attempted to create a good workflow for construction documentation and didn't quite achieve it (due to the fact that it was a complete disaster- not my opinion)

Tools should definitely be developed to assist in the area of 2D documentation. The world is tired of sad ol CAD http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=1a97699ccccefb478d83901d4c57a251

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/download?mid=1a97699ccccefb478d83901d4c57a251&rtyp=lt&ctyp=other&ts=1254452187000

@errror404 said:

MY WORK-FLOW from Layout to AutoCAD

Once Schematic Design is done and the client agrees to move into Design Development I export my elevations and roof plan from skecthup

IN LAYOUT:
I create a custom size paper in layout big enough to fit all my Elevations and roof plan in one sheet at 1/8" = 1'-0".(It doesn't matter the size of the paper actually, if your drawings are outside the paper space they still get exported just fine).

Make all the views Vectors.

I export them as DWG with Output Space set to "[b]Model Space[/b]" Scale: "[b]Custom = 96[/b]"
(If your views are at another scale, you will need to figure out what would your custom scale be.... example 1/4" scale = 48, 1/16" scale =192.... you get the idea).

IN AUTOCAD:

As soon as I open the drawing, I can't see anything! (that is because my default background color in autoCAD is black). I also don't care about Layout's layer system, because I'm planing to redo them in AutoCAD anyway and add all the required details. All I want is the basic shape to get started.

So, I make a line on layer 0 and use the command "MATCHPROP" (also known as "MA") select the line that I just made and then select the whole drawing! All of the sudden all the black lines become white and I can see them :bounce:

Unfortunately (and I don't know why) There are many repeated lines on top of each other. Maybe they were in different layers and now they all are in layer 0... I don't know and I don't really care. To take care of this issue, I select everything and use my favorite command in AutoCAD: "overkill".

After that, the model is pretty much ready for one of my drafters/designers to take over. I write in Defpoints notes of things to watch-out and a warning that my exported elevation is for reference purpose only to verify [u]everything[/u]

If for some reason the client goes crazy and wants to change things and see them on sketchup... then it's going to cost them extra 😉

Errror404: believe I've reviewed all of your recent advice/responses to exporting Layout files to Acad and have a few questions for clarification -- if you don't mind:

We're using the most current versions of Sk_up & Layout and attempting to export a couple of 'paperspace' Layout files in DWG format to the engineer who complains that our files 'are empty' & too small at 30kb.

Based on forum feedback -- am wondering if we've been exporting raster images vs. vector images -- thus the problem...? If this is the case, can we go back and make this change without re-creating an entire file...? (I haven't come across anything in Layout that allows me to save to raster vs vector -- so assume that's gotta be handled in Sk_up)...?

I also understand that certain (Acad) settings need to be in place on his end -- in terms of paper vs model space -- but we instructed 'paperspace' with no results on that end.

Also read where there can be an issue with Acad's black background... Anything we might advise him if that's still an issue with exporting Layout files...?

Thanks for any/all assist with this issue. Really enjoy Sk_up -- but gotta be able to communicate with Consultants.

C Fraulino

[/i][/i]

I have a solution for Mac users for this problem.

Verdana.

This is the Font that Layout uses for it's default dimension typeface. If the font is not available to layout then dimensions will not be visible while using the dimensioning tools. So, activate the typeface or reinstall it.

Font management applications.

I use a Font Management Application which apparently turned this particular face off. If you use such an application make sure it's on.

Awesome! Thanks TIG. You're a legend.

I moved this post into the LayOut Discussion because the topic has nothing to do with a bugs in LayOut.

Thanks Gai. I have been playing around with Layout a lot this past week. It's pretty cool.

No worries Kyle, glad you like them. 👍

Good point.

NVM. I have a default setting to an oversize sheet so that inserted images won't be shrunk down. ZOOMING is OK with regular size sheets. For some reason LO doesn't want to zoom out (by scroll) past some point in these oversize sheets. Thanks.

Hmmmm? Well that's an eyes up - thanks mate!

Trevor, I'm using fractional inches but yes, I think it has nothing to do with the units you are using.

@arcad-uk said:

Sonder, is there some magic way you get dims to lock? I frequently update views and find dimensions left detached and floating although the original points are still there just in a slightly different location.

I responded to your other thread. If you are frequently updating, is it possible that you originally dimensioned to a "modified" scene and then corrected later. That would do it.

Thx for the Infos 😄

Duh 😳 👍

Now I have found a way to use SU Layout also for other documents having pdf's:
I have a pdf with paper size and scale as needed. Then save this image as a png file (with a high dpi resolution like 300). Then make the white color (for example the paperbackground) transparent. Then import this png in SU Layout, paper size must be same as the original pdf. Then scale the png in the upper left and under right corner. That'it, now the size is like importing a pdf.
Maybe ohters can use this too...

Screenshot2012_08_16_14_09_57.jpg

sound advice

I made new attempt: I create a two new scene in sketchup with only text and the original scene without text. then I overlapped in layout the new scenes: the text one vector rendered and other raster rendered. The result is that some text are now invisible directly in Layout as you can see in the attachment...even stranger!
But the text in pdf export is very beautiful!

Desktop screenshot.png

Thanks mate. Had seen that video. Sonder's work is very impressive and inspirational. Been admiring it for a while.

Here's what we consider a rendering bug in LayOut:

If you export a 2D png in SketchUp, your raster-rendered model in LayOut should match.
If you export PDF in SketchUp, your vector or hybrid-rendered model in LayOut should match.

But it sounds like you're describing an unsaved style in a a scene that isn't updated. Save the style first, then save the scene.

b

ps - whenever I say that, it reminds me of the TV show Heroes: "Save the Cheerleader, Save the World".

Weird. There are ways of going back to the defaults on PC (View->Restore Default Workspace), but if it fixed itself you don't have to worry about it.

b