Line weight in base Skp. Model and Patterns

[spewis]

The "default" model line weight when plotted is too thick to make legible plans. Is there a way to change the base SketchUp Model line thickness? In Layout, the model styles window shows a line weight adjustment option, but it is inaccessible to me in Layout. In the SketchUp model styles the line weight nowhere to be seen.

I find the stock pattern line weights also to thick when plotted. Is there a way to edit the pattern transparency, or create/edit my own without Photoshop?

These seem like simple issues, probably covered before...but I can't seem to find a good explanation.

Thanks.

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[Dave R]

The Line Weight setting in LO is not accessible because you haven't got a SketchUp view port select. Select one and you can change it. For most of the default templates, the line weight is set to 0.50. Try setting it that way and see if you can get suitable results.

The lineweight setting in LO is really a multiplier for the line weights from Sketchup. The normal edges in SketchUp are 1 px wide. If you have Profiles set to something higher than 1, they will appear heavier.

So start with the lineweight in LO and consider the Profiles weight and adjust that in SU if needed. Remember, if you modify the style in SU, you need to update it for the scene(s) so the changes will transfer to LO.

[spewis]

I have tried this. When the viewport in LO is selected, the line weight box activates in the model styles window but will not change. If I clear the line weight box with the delete key the view port deletes.

[Dave R]

So you don't see something like this when you change the value for Line Weight?

Click on the picture

[spewis]

Okay, a quick reboot and now it allows me to change line weight. Ugh. Thank you.

What about the pattern issue? I don't have photoshop and I would like to edit the stock patterns or create new ones with a lighter line weight, and or transparency. When they plot the patterns are to bold and distracting. Another rookie move?

[Dave R]

Which pattern are you referring to?

[spewis]

Any of the ones that come loaded with LO in the pattern fill window. I have tried a few of them. Some of them plot to dark, or to light. Is there a way to copy and edit the stock ones, or create new ones in SU & LO without photoshop?

[Dave R]

The patterns are raster images so you canlt modify them in SketchUp. There are image editing options besides Photoshop. A quick Google search will turn up a number of them.

You could make your owns hatch patterns by drawing them in SketchUp and exporting a PNG file. You'll need to crop the image to make it square and then import it as a custom pattern.

[spewis]

Great! I'll give it a try. Thank you.

[Richard]

Easier to create the patterns (hatches) direct in LayOut and export as PNG. Just setup your page to square!

[Dave R]

True dat, Richard.