SU scenes will not remember Outliner component visibility

Reekardo

@dave r said:

Where to start?

It would be helpful to see your LayOut file. Perhaps you could post it?

You shouldn't be using Hide to control visibility between scenes. You should be using layers. That's what they are for.

Let's see exactly what you've got an go from there.

Thanks. I had seen a video tutorial or read an article where the author was adamant about not using layers. He claimed that layers were a holdover from previous generations of CAD applications such as Autocad. I think he also claimed that it was a holdover from 2D drawing programs and did not work well with SU's modeling paradigm. Although I don't recall seeing another person restating this sentiment, it solved some problem I had. I believe that the problem was the hidden layers still interacted and caused quite a bit of grief. I use layers in Illustrator all the time to great effect.

I'll reduce my SU model to a very simple model as to minimize my identity and post it. It will also be useful to allow me to learn the fundamentals. I'm doing some pretty ugly things regarding my model to brute force the drawings because I was reluctant to build the entire model stud by stud. In other words, I realize that the truss should be 3D and I should probably be using sections to show a cross section. I also realize that the truss is no way able to support anything and is merely a placeholder for the truss building company.

It's pretty obvious that I'm clueless so be patient with me. Here are a list of simple questions. If anyone could point me towards an article or video educating me, I'd appreciate it.

When using Styles, I'd like to a create a simple collection of styles. I just now figured out that I can create a custom collections folder and save styles to it. Is this the best way to manage styles?
I'd like to learn learn how to use arrays of components. Can you point me to a tutorial?
I've got a copy of Sketchup for Dummies. It's useful but my particular copy is dated. Can anyone suggest a good book or series of videos for SU 8 specifically?
What are the important upgrades to SU 2013 from SU 8? I've got Sketchup Pro 8 and I'm reluctant to upgrade since the $500 out of pocket expense was not insignificant for me and I'm reluctant to pay a subscription fee for an application that is kind of a one time deal.

Thanks again.

Dave R

I think I would stop paying attention to the guy who mislead you about using layers. He did you a big disservice.

@unknownuser said:

When using Styles, I'd like to a create a simple collection of styles. I just now figured out that I can create a custom collections folder and save styles to it. Is this the best way to manage styles?

Yes. This can all be done through the Styles window.

@unknownuser said:

I'd like to learn learn how to use arrays of components. Can you point me to a tutorial?

What sort of arrays are you thinking of? Arrays are generally created using the copy function of the Move and Rotate tools. The first place I would start is on the sketchup.com site and look at the videos there.

@unknownuser said:

I've got a copy of Sketchup for Dummies. It's useful but my particular copy is dated. Can anyone suggest a good book or series of videos for SU 8 specifically?

There aren't any substantial changes in SketchUp 8 that would make the book you have obsolete. For the time being, since you already have it, I would just stick with it.

@unknownuser said:

What are the important upgrades to SU 2013 from SU 8? I've got Sketchup Pro 8 and I'm reluctant to upgrade since the $500 out of pocket expense was not insignificant for me and I'm reluctant to pay a subscription fee for an application that is kind of a one time deal.

Most of the changes between SU8 and SU2013 were under-the-hood sorts of things. There were a few additions such as the Extension Warehouse which makes it easier to install plugins. (The Sketchucation Plugin Store also makes it easier to install and manage plugins and you should probably get that at some point although I would suggest you not trouble yourself with plugins until you are at least somewhat proficient with the native tools.)

There were a number of big improvements in LayOut, too.

You should read on the SketchUp site about licensing the pro version and see what that means for you if you decide to upgrade to SU2014 or SU2015 later.

Waiting to see your file.

Reekardo

Thanks Dave. I'm working on the simplified Sketchup model. It's a bit embarrassing for Babby's first SU model, but you've got to start somewhere.

Box

You can always PM it directly to Dave to save public exposure.

Reekardo

Well this is humiliating, but here's a reduced drawing. How much storage space are we allowed for free? Can I delete this drawing to save space?

I've been drawing 2D floor plans on the "floor" of the model. Is this reasonable or should I be actually sectioning the building with a horizontal plane? Note that I have drawn the floor plan in component <Floor Plan>.

Reduced info attic drawing

Dave R

@box said:

You can always PM it directly to Dave to save public exposure.

True, that.

Dave R

Where on the planet are you? Maybe we could do a little confab and look at this together. It might be easier.

Reekardo

@dave r said:

Where on the planet are you? Maybe we could do a little confab and look at this together. It might be easier.

I'm in California but am a night owl.

That said, I have a very flexible working schedule.

Reekardo

Well, that was an amazing tutoring session that Dave just gave me. It's great that people want to help. It gives me a really positive feeling about this community. I'll donate some bux to our local dog rescue organization http://www.sbdawg.org.

Having someone point out Sketchup basics will hopefully allow me to make some progress.

Dave R

Rick, I'm happy I was able to help. Sometimes it's just a little thing that pushes you over the edge.

Thank you for making the donation, too.