A Welcome Message to New SketchUcation Members
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Thank you Remus. That was EXACTLY the problem. Worked like a charm, and thanks for the fast answer!
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Hello, everyone. I'm kinda new to SketchUp, too... Well, I'm actually not a "new" SketchUp user.
I first discovered it in 2004 after graduating as an architect, played around with it, drew random shapes, push/pull'd them, and then got bored when I couldn't even do a simple house, while I was already proficient in ArchiCAD. So I just let my little nephew play with it while I worked in ArchiCAD.
Years passed, I hoped ArchiCAD would finally integrate a decent modeler, but it didn't happen. I wasted lots of time creating ArchiCAD objects from slabs and walls for even simple shapes. And since most of my clients want custom-shaped doors, windows, and furniture, ArchiCAD libraries are next to useless to me in this regard.
And then, last week (Monday 5) I received a call from the local branch of the Jehovah's Witnesses (as I am one, too) asking me to design a few small things for our convention hall: A structure for an information board, a place to wash mops, etc. Since these are small things and this would not be paid work (And thus not require photorealistic renderings) I decided to give SketchUp a try for this project. (At the time, I had no idea that there were good rendering plug-ins for SketchUp). So I downloaded GSU7, and watched all the introductory videos within 24 hours between Wednesday night and Thursday night. On Friday morning I visited them with my first proposal for the info board, which they liked. I made a couple more proposals, feeling confident of my newly acquired basic skills.
Watching the videos and then coming to forums like this one made all the difference for me. SketchUp has tons of features, but they're hidden and unless someone points you in the right direction, you would have never notice them unless you're extremely curious. The manual is boring and lifeless compared to the video tutorials. I hope most software companies follow Google's steps in creating such a good learning experience. I once tried to learn to use Form-Z, but finally got tired of trying to come to terms with the convoluted interface. Perhaps if Autodesys posted tutorial videos on Youtube...
Now I feel the urge to tell all those who graduated with me to use SketchUp. The sad part is, most of them are not very fluent in English, and both GSU7 and the videos are currently English-only. I once taught design principles to a class of Freshmen. I guess it's time to become a teacher again...
BTW, Where do I find the old issues of Catch Up?
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Hi Miguel and welcome (back to SU) and on the board!
As for SU and English/Spanish - until the Spanish version comes out, those not so confident in English, can still use SU 6 in Spanish. There are some tutorials in Spanish, too (true not that many) and we have a "subforum" here in Spanish if someone has any question.
Lately I've discovered that YouTube videos (where many of the tutorial videos are also hosted) can have captions in different languages. Some videos are already provided with (English) captions but the idea is that the user can change between languages although these captions certainly need to be created (written) first.
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Hi, my name is Rick and I joined earlier this month. I am a finish carpenter living in B.C. Canada.
This is a great web site for learning SU. I have learned alot from just reading various posts and then trying the exercise myself in SU. Also, my recent posts were promply and accurately answered.
I used SU last year to draw two projects I had to build at work - a pool cue rack (not so ordinary) and an arch shaped walk-through (with keystone) in a custom house. Having a 3D image on paper certainly helped to get my head wraped around what I had to build.
Thank you to those who got this site going.
Rick
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Hello everyone,
Just thought I would take a moment and say hello. I have only been a member for a few days and only been using sketchup for about a month. Within the last few months I just began learning autocad, sketchup and kerkythea. So I think it is fair to say that I am definitely a beginner however since I have some illustration background I am finding the programs realitively quick to learn. I say relatively because from browsing the forums I am humbled by many of your portfolios and websites. Well anyway as I am in my thirties and have gone back to school for interior design I expect I will be asking my share of questions as time goes on.
If it isn't too much trouble I would like to ask one now. Since I began shetchup on my own and didn't about this website at first I have done some work that isn't as efficient as it could be. So I made the mistake of making some components in one layer and then tranfering them to another. After spending several days watching videos in the tutorials section I have learned that my models could be smaller. So How do I purge layers that have component data in them but are now in a different layer? For example: I built some mirror bedside tables in a file and named it "mirror table" in a layer of the same name (at the time I didn't know I should build everything in layer O.) Anyway I loaded this file into another model and wanted to move it into a layer named "furniture." Easy enough. Until I go to turn the visibility of these layers on and off. The group info is still in the original layer (so I can't purge it) and the component is under the new layer. What is an efficient way of purging these old layers without having to enter each and every group and selecting the right layer in entity info? I have many layers and components like this so any help would be appreciated.Thank you,
Jeff Oppermann -
Hi Jeff,
Welcome to GSCF as well as "messy layer land"
Well, yes, the "general rule" to use layers (especially when you are a beginner and can esaily get lost) is to model all raw/primitive/loose (call it whatever) geometry on Layer0 AND leave it there forever. After grouping it or making components, you can assign different other layers to these higher level entities ONLY.
Also, to make sure that you are following these rules, NEVER change the active layer (with the round raio button on the left of the layer list) from Layer0.
But you have already learnt these rules and now want to correct your files.
Thank TIG, there is a nifty plugin called "default_layer_geometry.rb" which "defaults all 'loose' geometry and any geometry in groups or component definitions to Layer0. The layers of groups or components are NOT changed".
Install the plugin into the Plugins folder of SketchUp in the Program files (I don't have it so I don't know where it will "ppear" in SU but I suppose that under the Plugins menu).
This should solve your problem in the first run.
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Thank you Gaieus,
I appreciate the reply. I wouldn't have a chance to try this for a day or two however it seems easy enough. Thank you and I'll give an update after I try this. Thanks.
Cheers,
Jeff
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Hi everyone,
Hats off to all of you forum members and masters. Your skills and this athmosphere of helpfulness all around is highly appreciated!
So here I am, amidst the radiance of your glory:
male, 39 years old, married, daughter of 7 month, initiator of a small company for event/media/lighting design in Berlin.
I wouldn't say I'm a newbie to SU, but I am definately no computer specialist.
I met SketchUp around two years ago and since then, it has been a very productive relationship and lots of fun. Then, a few month ago, Podium came acoss and opened an even higher dimension to me. I am hooked and happy - and there is still so much to discover...cheers
a.s. -
Good to hear it shura, and hello
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Welcome Alexander and don't worry you are not a "computer specilist" - very few of us are here. In fact, the best thing in SU is that (apart from trouble shooting some glitches), you needn't even be one.
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My friends call me Sparky. It's a long story, but amusing nonetheless. A buddy on a Jeep forum tipped me off about Sketchup during a discussion about building a trailer. So, I downloaded it and started playing around with it a few days ago. Today I started drawing up my plans for said trailer. So far so good (considering I started about 8 hours ago). Now I've come to a point where I need some pointers from the experts. Let me just state for the record that I haven't done much plan drawing since my high school drafting class, many decades ago. I've done a bit of blueprint reading in a previous job building aircraft furniture for Cessna and Raytheon bizjets. I am not computer literate, nor am I much of an artist. However, I have done quite a bit of woodworking in my own shop, building cabinets, shelves, hopechests, etc. I rarely ever followed any plans, nor drew any, just keeping the general idea in my head and building off of that. Now, on to the problems:
Since I couldn't figure out from the tutorial videos how to draw the entire trailer with the details I wanted (a friend wants plans of my finished trailer so he can build one, hence the need for detailed drawings), I have started by making a drawing of the sub frame, main frame, and the frame for the bed of the trailer. I haven't gotten around to drawing out the railings or tailgate yet, nor have I drawn the spare tire carrier, axle, tool box, or other small additions. So, what I have is three separate drawings, and now I want to put them all together into one. Eventually, after drawing up the other parts previously mentioned, I need to know how to add them to the completed drawing so that I can view the entire trailer as one whole concoction. Any help?
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Hi Eric and welcome.
If you drew these parts in three separate models, you can always import an existing and saved model in several ways - the best options would be:
- File > Import > 3D model... (in this case it comes in as a "component")
- Open up the other model, select all copy (Ctrl+C), change to the "master model" and paste (Ctrl+V) - in this case it comes in as it is in your brought-in model so you may want to make it a group first(select all > right click and clickon "Make group" in the context menu) so that the parts won't "stick" to each other but you can easily position them.
If you drew the part in the same model, just group the individual parts (for the above reason), click on the Move tool and pick one to snap it into its place.
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Thanks, Gaieus, I was up early (grandson woke me up at 5 am), so I've been working with it on and off all day. Got it all put together finally about 30 minutes ago. Worked well to save each part as a component, then copy and paste them into each other as a progression. I may have done some of the things the hard way, but I got them done, nonetheless!
Now I think I'll go design a scale model of a nuclear reactor, inside and out, down to the last needle and dial....or maybe I'll just take a nap. 
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I look forward to seeing this model
(dont tell me you chose the nap option...) -
I want to learn Aguarunas Schöpp to become a professional with the knowledge I am considering building "Architecture" thank you
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Welcome SM and I hope you can learn a lot and quickly!
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I guess here's as good as any other place. FrnchDp's the name (think sandwich). Started CADing about 8 yrs ago. I've worked different jobs, from design to architecture, and now find myself stuck in the corporate world.. for now. Played around with SketchUp about 4 yrs ago, then stopped. And now I'm self-learning using Pro 6. The idea is for me to start creating models from our stores to present to the less blue-print savvy, yet higher ups. Learning as I go, and 4 days into it, I have created 2 full size models (55+ sq ft) as well as a quick dept option for our fixtures.
I'm looking forward to learnign more as I go, and this place has already been a great help.. so thank you.
More on me - I currently reside in California (Bay Area). I grew up in France, moved to the States when I was 10, and I've lived up and down the west coast since then.
Anyways, I'll be around here, and I'm sure I'll have a laundry list of "silly" questions - but hey.. ya gotta learn somehow!
cheers..
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Hi Yann (if you don't mind,I won't call you "Sandwich
)welcome! If you've been CAD'ding, watch out your layer in SU which won't separate geometry like in CAD apps.
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hi my name is antonio, i'm an architect, i'm using su since almost one year now i'm practicing with a pro6, i'm looking around to get some new tricks.
my goal would be to find a chance to build my render by using su and some very fast learning plugin for renders.
thank's to everybodi for the helpfull topics around the forum. -
Hi Antonio and welcome.
Glad you found your way (did you get my response to your email reagrding logging in?)
Cheers;
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