It might also be worth experimenting with the sandbox tools, especially the 'create mesh form contours' tool as it can do quite a good job of getting a good starting mesh which you can then elaborate on.

Theres also indigo which can do instancing, i find the interface a bit more intuitive as well, but thats probably just me.

@olenordmandsen said: ... 2. The introduction of SECTIONAL VOLUMES. By this I mean that any closed volumetric geometry can be designated as a SECTIONAL VOLUME. Where a SECTIONAL VOLUME intersects with other geometry everything inside the SECTIONAL VOLUME is hidden and sectional cut lines are displayed at the intersection of the SECTIONAL VOLUME and the intersecting geometry.... you are reading my mind!!! this would allow for many fantastic results, once accessible from within ruby, this could be very helpful for shaping - like now it's possible to use a section plane as a virtual push/pull but in any direction, having complex cutting geometry available, we could quickly take out parts of a building with visual feedback... and of course you could achieve this by nesting group with individual section planes, but it's very complicated to move them planes

Thank you everyone for helping me. The problem is now solved. The model I exported had a lot of Dimensions visible. When i removed the visibility of this layer an exported, all measures in AutoCad was equal with the model from skethup. All the answers you have given me has been a learning process for me. So thank you again everyone. This Forum is perfect for me as a beginner of using SketcUp.

Thank you both for taking the time to answer..Tom, you suggestion worked perfect.. Richard

@unknownuser said: The possibilities for beatiful pictures are endless! isn't it [image: TSpj_flowers.jpg]

Hi, yet another version (see attached). Note that this seems to be a perfect example of the only exception when you should not work in scale 1:1. SU tends to "miss" some small faces when already working in millimetres (1/16 inches). This is especially true when using the follow me and intersect tools (they would end up with really small faces sometimes). Also, the follow me tool has some glitches when following arcs (it tends to draw/create the faces perpendicular to the arc and therefore leaving you with some overextruded shapes). cl_shelf_G.skp

You ought to be able to get a solid background colour as Susan says...by turning off both the sky and ground in Styles, then setting whatever colour you like as a background.

[flash=425,355:1eiho4la]http://www.youtube.com/v/3vrlJFOCbsM[/flash:1eiho4la]

I had to look and look again at your name. How very interesting. I thought at first you were making an Operatic reference to : Cosi Fan Tutte Did you parents think of that too?

Reflection is not possible in SketchUp. There are workarounds however like in this topic.

@jean lemire said: I took the liberty of using your model to start. Jean, I'm honored. And that it a very clever trick! I never would have thought of using the move tool. Thanks.

Evey project I work on is different so a generic background model would be very difficult to achieve. Are you wanting high levels of detail or just massing models? You could use pre made buildings such as the ones here at FormFonts (subscription required) http://www.formfonts.com/search.php?area=Models&query=buildings It is possible to create a photomontage by placing your model into a photgraph of the surrounding area. There are many ways but we would need more specific details to give better information.

Let us know how you get on

I have a Logitech LX5 Cordless Laser Mouse that wouldn't orbit using the scroll wheel. I have just discovered the solution from a Logitech forum, to re-assign the scroll wheel to "middle button". Works great now http://forums.logitech.com/t5/Mice-Software/LX5-can-t-orbit-or-pan-in-3DS-Max-or-SketchUp/td-p/198517

Dont know if this was what you were asking for, Jim, but to create objects that seems to be painted with different colors, you can do this: Turn on "Color by layer", face style "Hidden line" and line color "By material" in your standard crayon style, and get a result like the one attached. As far as I know, this works with all styles, and I have this as my default style when working on floor plans and such (though not crayon style ), and each type of object in a separate layer (chairs in one, tables in another and so on). // Olle [image: 1rp5_Crayon.png]

http://www.crai.archi.fr/RubyLibraryDepot/Ruby/RUBY_Library_Depot.htm You will find there a ruby which set shadows automatically at 45° from the left Marc

Thanks for these tips Jean. Quite obvious to seasoned users but no Newbies Mike