How to get dimensions parallel
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I don't like using dimensions in SU because I can't get them to match the style I prefer in LO. Most of the time I only apply dimensions to orthogonal views but when I must dimension a line in a perspective view, I've found a work around that gets the job done.
I set out some guidelines in SU and dimension between intersections. I set the dimension right at the intersections of the guidelines. Then I explode the dimension, delete the extension lines, draw new ones tracing along the guidelines to get the angles right and I turn on fill for the dimension text box. The dimensions are shown correctly so I don't have to edit the text.
I would like LO to be able to detect that the view being dimensioned is a perspective view and create dimensions automatically like this. I figure the LO4 will have all sorts of new dimension-related capabilities. It's still young.
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Been following this thread for a while to see what you guys might come up with, I get myself tied in knots with dimensioning sometimes..... GO DAVE... a workaround that works.
I'd like to know more about peoples' workflow with dimensioning, for example Dave, do you have a post or FW blog yours?ps: I'd love a ruby that put dimensions on their own layer by default.... wait! there it is!!!
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Barry, thank you.
I guess I haven't done a blog post specifically on dimensioning but I could. Since dimensioning became available in LO, I almost never use SketchUp's dimensioning tool. As far as my work flow in LO, I generally get all my views set and then start on the first page and insert dimensions where I need them. I try to go through one layer's worth of stuff before doing something else to avoid errors. So my SU views are on one layer, dimensions on another, leader text on a third and so on. I end up going through the document several times but at least I generally get like things on the same layer. I wish layer management was like SU's with the ability to move things to a layer without having to make that layer active.
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Dave. Totally agree about clunkiness of layers in LO. (and most of the rest of it actually).
I note you are a believer that boulder will get it betterer in next V, I fervently hope so.
I use it exclusively for any presentation now, tho sometimes I give up and edit in Fireworks or PS to get rid of, for example, pesky dim lines which interfere.
Be great if you did a dim blog post.Here's hoping the planet has a great easter, which, for alien visitors, is the time when we celebrate the life and death of a great man, and the possibilities and potentials of our planets' race's getting it's act together.
baz
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whoops
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Thanks for the suggestions. I'll work on them.
It does seem like you have a bit of an apostrophe catastrophe going on.
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@dave r said:
It does seem like you have a bit of an apostrophe catastrophe going on.
You are too far cleverer than your own good(one).
G'nite. -
Ah, I see. Thanks Dave. So you're trying to get dimensions in LayOut to match dimensions in SketchUp.
b
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Hi Barry, no. I don't really care about matching LO dimensions to SU dimension. I don't use SU dimensions if I'll be going to LO for the final product. I prefer the control I have over line thickness and arrowhead size as well as arrowhead style in LO. What I would like to see is LO's dimensioning tool being able to do is match the perspective in the SU view. That's a plus for SUs dimensioning tool which I end up faking in LO by using the guidelines as I showed.
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@dave r said:
I set out some guidelines in SU and dimension between intersections. I set the dimension right at the intersections of the guidelines. Then I explode the dimension, delete the extension lines, draw new ones tracing along the guidelines to get the angles right and I turn on fill for the dimension text box. The dimensions are shown correctly so I don't have to edit the text.
dave,
forgive my thickness but I cannot follow some of your steps. how do you explode a dimension? Iright -clicked on it and there was nothing like explode on the contextual menu.
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Edson, I am exploding the dimension in LayOut. You should have that option available to you. In case I wasn't clear, I am not using the dimensioning tool in SU at all. I use the guidelines in SU to assist in placing the dimension in LO.
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I came back to this topic as I needed refreshing on LO dimensions only to conclude once more that LO dimensions badly need to be revamped. it is fine to dimension 2D stuff but dimensioning a 3D view is a nightmare, dave's workaround notwithstanding..
let's hope the sketchup people under trimble will take LO ahead.
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