Set the imageURL attribute of the dynamic component. @unknownuser said: The ImageURL attribute contains a URL to a GIF, JPG, or PNG file on the Internet that you want to appear in the Component Options dialog box. For example, if ImageURL is equal to http://mysite.com/myimage.gif, then 'myimage.gif' image would appear, instead of the SketchUp-generated thumbnail, inside the Component Options dialog box.

@dave r said: Faces have a front face and a back face. The default back face color in the style you used in the SKP file you posted is blue while the front is white. Blue faces should all be on the inside of the model and not exposed. Painting the faces can mask the face orientation but it doesn't fix the problem. Okay, never knew that could make a difference. thanks for the tip.

Or here: http://sketchucation.com/resources/tutorials/36-intermediate/115-internal-external-components#external-components (Indeed, "expand" the external component view to see the nested child components)

My SolidSolver now resolves many errors - but nothing is infallible, if you want to contrive a form that has enough convolution in the errors nothing can fix it but some hard work !

Draw the shape of the hole in the desired location over the decking. Use Push/Pull to push the shape of the hole through the decking. Select the geometry of both the "hole" and the decking, right click on it, choose Intersect Faces>With Selection. Delete the waste. Note that the "hole" and the decking must be in the same context. So if the decking is a component you must open it for editing and draw the hole inside.

'SCF Search' ? 'SCF' == SketchUcation Forum 'Search' is the menu option...

Actually all you have to do is go into 3D warehouse and you will see the plugin for products. CLick on it and it will show you all the different manufactures that are part of this plugin. Also, most are DC.... thanks for your input.... eccowboy

Thanks. Nice idea to post this!

I replied to your PM. You are to be commended on your cheek, good sir!

Hi folks. I already answered this kind of question. Click in sequence on the scenes tabs of this SU file for ideas: Array of holes.skp Notice that it covers both through holes as well as blind holes.

... CatchUp - SketchUcation magazine... you'll love it! Look for the tab at the top of the page [image: RcbJ_catchuptab.jpg]

@845adi said: I have tried 2004 and 2010 versions in both DXF and DWG....the DXF won't open at all, and the DWG now opens but there is very little information in the file. I've had to import CAD models that originated in Revit for work before. The problem is I have to go through an literally explode every block, otherwise sketchUp skips those items. What I'm not sure is whether this is because these are "AEC objects" (which I also dont necessarily understand & tend to ignore). Hope that helps. Isn't there a way to save a revit model into .3ds format and import through there? I believe I've done that once, and only had to flip a bunch of faces, but with very little information lost.

Thanks for the responses. Yes, the black dots are probably what are shown in the video. Since the endpoint inference dot is a different color, and I'm drawing in parallel projection/top view and not trying to inference anything, I thought the flashing black dot might have been a cardinal point. I guess it's an inference. http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/DrawMeAPicture/cardinalpoint.png

thanks guys for your opinions! i guess i just have to learn both of them.

Yes. It does sound like lots to learn. Although you can move the origin (the place where the axes cross) I would suggest you don't make a habit of it. As it is it gives you a good reference for the ground plane and which way is up (solid blue points up). My suggestion would be to get in the habit of drawing your models near the origin. This will help head off a number of problems. When I am drawing a project that has some sort of orientation I put the front left corner of it at the origin and work to the right and back. I always do this and it makes things like the standard views provide predictable results.

I use this great plugin: http://rld.crai.archi.fr/rld/plugin_details.php?id=112 Outputs several different "passes" to be combined in Photohop or what ever you use.

@cotty said: If you mean faces with hidden lines in it by "curves", you can activate view -> hidden geometry and use the texture on one partial surface and sample it afterwards... Hi thanks that works @dave r said: Why are you editing the dimensions of the material? Is it not already the correct size? Repetition will (and must) occur if the material image isn't large enough to cover the face. For that reason short sections of wood grain generally do not make realistic-looking materials. I prefer images of whole boards such as in this image. [image: 7974567274_bdf1469cf9_z.jpg] The narrow images don't show the full width of the image like the one on the right does. Hello Dave, thanks I will keep that in mind

Amazing.