@errror404 said:

MY WORK-FLOW from Layout to AutoCAD

Once Schematic Design is done and the client agrees to move into Design Development I export my elevations and roof plan from skecthup

IN LAYOUT:
I create a custom size paper in layout big enough to fit all my Elevations and roof plan in one sheet at 1/8" = 1'-0".(It doesn't matter the size of the paper actually, if your drawings are outside the paper space they still get exported just fine).

Make all the views Vectors.

I export them as DWG with Output Space set to "[b]Model Space[/b]" Scale: "[b]Custom = 96[/b]"
(If your views are at another scale, you will need to figure out what would your custom scale be.... example 1/4" scale = 48, 1/16" scale =192.... you get the idea).

IN AUTOCAD:

As soon as I open the drawing, I can't see anything! (that is because my default background color in autoCAD is black). I also don't care about Layout's layer system, because I'm planing to redo them in AutoCAD anyway and add all the required details. All I want is the basic shape to get started.

So, I make a line on layer 0 and use the command "MATCHPROP" (also known as "MA") select the line that I just made and then select the whole drawing! All of the sudden all the black lines become white and I can see them :bounce:

Unfortunately (and I don't know why) There are many repeated lines on top of each other. Maybe they were in different layers and now they all are in layer 0... I don't know and I don't really care. To take care of this issue, I select everything and use my favorite command in AutoCAD: "overkill".

After that, the model is pretty much ready for one of my drafters/designers to take over. I write in Defpoints notes of things to watch-out and a warning that my exported elevation is for reference purpose only to verify [u]everything[/u]

If for some reason the client goes crazy and wants to change things and see them on sketchup... then it's going to cost them extra

Errror404: believe I've reviewed all of your recent advice/responses to exporting Layout files to Acad and have a few questions for clarification -- if you don't mind:

We're using the most current versions of Sk_up & Layout and attempting to export a couple of 'paperspace' Layout files in DWG format to the engineer who complains that our files 'are empty' & too small at 30kb.

Based on forum feedback -- am wondering if we've been exporting raster images vs. vector images -- thus the problem...? If this is the case, can we go back and make this change without re-creating an entire file...? (I haven't come across anything in Layout that allows me to save to raster vs vector -- so assume that's gotta be handled in Sk_up)...?

I also understand that certain (Acad) settings need to be in place on his end -- in terms of paper vs model space -- but we instructed 'paperspace' with no results on that end.

Also read where there can be an issue with Acad's black background... Anything we might advise him if that's still an issue with exporting Layout files...?

Thanks for any/all assist with this issue. Really enjoy Sk_up -- but gotta be able to communicate with Consultants.

C Fraulino

[/i][/i]

@dave r said:

@cf-arc said:

-- thanks for the reply and understood. Would now like to take this idea to the next level in terms of producing a set of Construction Documents from 1 'parent' Sketch Up model while creating several copies or 'children' models in order to accomplish the necessary drawings, details & interiors -- thus limiting the file size of each. As such, here's the problem:

Have you looked at the LayOut forum. there's a good discussion on creating construction documents there. You should also take a look at Nick Sonder's videos on his work flow and methods.

@cf-arc said:

-- given the frequent design revisions that are part of every design 'process' -- how does one manage these changes in multiple Sk_up 'children' models which are copies of the one/original 'parent' model [b]without having to go back and update every 'child' model on an individual basis every time there's a change...?[/b]

You can't. That's the downside of making "child" files. You have to manually manage them. It would be nice if you could dynamically link multiple SKP files so changes in one would get carried through to the others but at this point anyway, that's not possible.

@cf-arc said:

-- understand that LO allows for update(s) as necessary using the 'update or relink' command -- but want to make sure all Sk_up models are 'on the same page' in terms of edits/revisions -- before exporting to LO...

What you get in LO is only as good as your SU models so you have to take the time to go through all of the SU files and make sure revisions are reflected accurately.

[size=50]Although I'm not using SketchUp and LayOut for architectural drawings as a rule, my models and construction documents can get to be quite complex and highly detailed. Still, I try to avoid using more than one SketchUp file as much as possible. If I have to create additional SketchUp files I try to make those 'child' files ones that won't be affected by revisions to the main file.
[/size]

-- Dave, thanks for the detailed response - believe you've answered my question in that it appears it isn't possible to keep 'child' models constantly updated per revisions to the 'parent' model. (however, plan to continue to think about some sort of 'work-around')... thinking this will lead to 1 very large model (in terms of file size & management) given the number of scenes req'd to produce even a small arc project. haven't yet explored the LO forum on the topic of CD's - but will begin. thanks again,
cf-arc

[I don't cut and paste, I Save as and reload. I find it is handy for building in a site. I can work on the building in a smaller file if I want.[/quote]

    -- thanks for the reply and understood.  Would now like to take this idea to the next level in terms of producing a set of Construction Documents from 1 'parent' Sketch Up model while creating several copies or 'children' models in order to accomplish the necessary drawings, details & interiors -- thus limiting the file size of each.  As such, here's the problem: 

    -- given the frequent design revisions that are part of every design 'process' -- how does one manage these changes in multiple Sk_up 'children' models which are copies of the one/original 'parent' model without having to go back and update every 'child' model on an individual basis every time there's a change...? 

    -- understand that LO allows for update(s) as necessary using the 'update or relink' command -- but want to make sure all Sk_up models are 'on the same page' in terms of edits/revisions -- before exporting to LO...

    -- any suggestions/ideas are appreciated as probably not the only one attempting this task.

Thanks,

CF-arc

@porch_unplugged said:

you could try cutting the component and pasting it (in place) in another, 'clean' sketchup file. make your changes, then cut and paste back into the original sketchup file.

what trouble making changes on the extracted component are you having exactly?

The goal here is to attempt a set of Constr Docs from the 3-d model. As such, am trying to stack the Plan 'slices' on top of the 'Working model' along with a series of Section 'slices' off to each side. If this works out - the 'extracted' Plans & Sections will be much easier to edit (vs going deep into the model) and each will eventually become a 'Scene/Page' in L/O... Thus far, seem to be having trouble getting the working model to reflect the edits/changes made to the extracted Plan/Section 'slices'...

CF-arc

Working on a rather complex Sk_up model and would like to edit/revise/refine a Floor Plan & or Section via an extracted (Plan/Section) component immediately adjacent -- in order to simplify the edit process. Able to extract the Plan/Section - but having trouble making changes on the extracted component that simultaneously reflects these changes on the Plan/Section buried inside the model... How about a blow-by-blow run-down by a pro that's accomplished this task. Very much appreciated...
CF-arc