Share models with password

alepav · 8 Feb 2010, 08:42

hallo!
is it possible to share a skup model with someone who do not have skup, without giving him the model?!?
i mean...i would like to send a model, but i do not want that who will receive it can modify it...is it possible?
is there the way to export the model and making it read-only?

thank you,
ale

remus · 8 Feb 2010, 08:48

You can get them to download the sketchup viewer: http://sketchup.google.com/download/gsuviewer.html

although it is not currently possibe to stop them downloading SU and modifying the model.

One option if your worried about someone stealing your model is to send them a sabotaged copy: explode all groups, delete all layers etc. so it remains visually the same but near impossible to work on. Not very good if you need aforementioned person to do some work on it, though.

d12dozr · 8 Feb 2010, 08:49

You could make it a 3D PDF...or there is a Sketchup viewer that will let one see but not modify the model.

...remus beat me...

alepav · 8 Feb 2010, 11:34

thanks to all!
i will try the 30days version of OSG, which seems to be what i need.
i don't like the idea of the viewer, because anyone will be than able to install the complete version and modify the model.

thanks again,
ale

idraft · 8 Feb 2010, 13:04

whats OSG?

You could try Simlab links here, http://sketchuplinks.blogspot.com/2010/01/simlab-sketchup-plugin-for-3d-pdf.html

alepav · 8 Feb 2010, 13:38

this is OSG.

http://www.simlab-soft.com/3d-products/osg-composer-main.aspx

i think it is the complete suite.

KXI System · 8 Feb 2010, 23:16

You can just right click the model in folder and choose Properties Attributes Check box "Read only"

TIG · 9 Feb 2010, 09:39

And to make it read-able reverse those steps at the other end !

The only way to give someone else your actual skp file in a way that won't be very 'useful' to them is to copy it and explode every group and instance [then purge], remove layers, styles etc and sabotage bits and bobs so it is not at all user friendly.
They can still edit it but it won't be very useful for 'harvesting' or reuse...
Alternatively make a 3D PDF of it so they can still look around it and print off, but not edit it.
You can make it read-only but that can be undone in a second.
You can ship it with a special ruby that limits what can be done to it - but simply removing the ruby from the plugins folder will scupper that plan...
No one has come up with a way of 'locking' or 'password protecting' skp files - enough have tried...