How do I explode dxf floor plan?
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Hi guys,
Ok so I have imported a dxf floor plan from which I intend to create a 3D model of a house. The tutorials I've watched tell me to explode the image, but it just won't give me the option to do this. I'm working on a PC... any ideas?
Cheers
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Very likely the DXF file came is as raw geometry instead of as components. If that's the case, there's nothing to explode you you could skip that step and move on.
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You think it'll be ok? Sorry I'm totally new to this. It is acting strange when I try to box off certain sections the whole thing fills in... I'm not making any sense am I?!
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@gu5to said:
I'm not making any sense am I?!
Not much. No.
It's hard to say without seeing the SKP but if you treat the lines as if you just drew them, you should be able to go ahead and do what you need.
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If you import geometry - say from a DXF - it is imported inside a component named after the file - unless there is no preexisting geometry in the model at all - in which case it comes in as 'loose' geometry.
To explode a component-instance or group select it and use the Context-menu item 'Explode'.There are two ways of using imported geometry...
One way is the Explode the DXF import into loose-geometry [if necessary] and the use SketchUp's tool to draw over edges , make rectangles etc etc to cause faces to appear... you can then use PushPull of those to form walls, openings etc as desired.
The disadvantage is that CAD drawings are notoriously sloppily put together... you might find that a wall's edges do not form a continuous loop and so SketchUp cannot form a face for it, or some edges are not-parallel and the resultant extrusions then cause issues down the line when you try to punch a hole in them as the back face refuses to vanish!The second way is to leave the DXF as a component [or make it one if necessary], lock it so it doesn't move, then 'trace over it using the rectangle tool to form rooms and walls - adding or erasing edges as needed to replicate the form entirely overlaid in SketchUp.
This way ensures continuous loops of edges that auto-face and extruded walls that will successfully punch with holes.
There are several video tutorials about this approach: see this one which is pretty old and talks about DWG, but DXF is the same difference:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsnT8KN8xIM -
Thank you TIG, this was VERY helpful!
Cheers
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