"visible geometry to merge with..."

[bobrsta]

I am trying to do a before and after model of a kitchen remodel. I have inputed the existing kitchen layout, selected the walls that are to be demolished and moved these to a new layer I've called "existing walls". I now am attempting to draw the new layout over the existing (which I have hidden now) and keep getting a dialog box stating "Your recent operation has caused visible geometry to merge with existing geometry on a hidden layer". SU is not allowing to extrude all of the new walls. My goal is to be able to look at the old and new together so as to discover any issues that may exist in building the new. This doesn't seem to be working as expected. Is there a way to accomplish what I'm attempting? Thanks

[jeff hammond]

hey bob,
welcome to the forums.

first question-- are you grouping the geometry prior to placing it on a new layer?
if not, this is your problem.

all 'raw' geometry should remain on the default layer.. from the default layer, you can group (or use components) the raw geometry then move it to a new layer.

[one way to make a group is to select the desired lines/faces then right click and choose 'Make Group'... then select that group and put it on the new layer]

[edit- if that's not the problem then it's probably best if you attach your problem .skp to your post via the 'upload attachment' button which is available when you're typing a post here]

[bobrsta]

Hi Jeff

No, I had not grouped the objects before changing the layer status of the objects. (If I understand SU correctly, you don't actually "move" objects to a different layer, its only an organizational construct). I'll try that. I must say that properly selecting all of the objects to group is a bit difficult. I have, before, spent some time selecting objects to group, only to make an errant mouse click and lose all my selections, then having to start the selection process over. Perhaps there's a trick to this as well.

Anyway, I'll try that. Thank you!

Bob

[jeff hammond]

@bobrsta said:

Perhaps there's a trick to this as well.

there are all sorts of selection tricks which make life a bit easier but for now, i'd suggest getting used to using groups and components..

especially if you foresee yourself using layers in the model..

if you like drawing everything raw and stuck together etc, well, that's ok.. i like doing it too during initial drafts or other situations when it doesn't matter either way..

if i'm drawing in that manner but i see myself wanting to group something i'm about to add to the model, i'll select everything then group that first... now i draw raw geometry on top of the group and when finished, select all -> deselect the other group you made-> group what's left then explode my original mess back to raw..

(really though, you have to find your own way of doing things as there isn't only one right way.. but if you're going to be using layers, you must learn to group)

[sonder]

Implementing grouping and layer assignment from the beginning is very important for the workflow. When I start a home, I immediately create my layers - Foundation, First Floor, Second Floor, Roof as the initial basics. Once I draw a particular floor (always draw on layer 0), I group it and assign it to the appropriate layer. Then you can draw on top of that layer to create the next group. Repeat the process and you will have a clean model with easy control.