You mean, convert the units to meters in Excel, where I open the CSV report?

This is my current solution. I'm just wondering if there's away to set the units before the report is generated.

Really? You stopped using yours? Why?

Anyone else?

Someone must have asked this before:

Is there a way I can choose the unit for the "Generate Report" function found under the file menu?

My reports always come out with inches as the units, regardless of the units I've set for the model.

Perfect. Thanks, TIG.

Another thought on a workaround:

If you can get the lines you want in illustrator, why not export to DWG from there and import into sketchup for a starting point?

So it sounds like moving a point to specific xyz coordinates can only be done through a plugin, or directly from the console. Is that correct?

A related question:

Can I choose a point, and move it to and x,y,z coordinate, instead of moving it based on length with the move tool?

Hi All -

I've been using a 3d navigator from 3d connexion for several months now. I didn't intend to use it this way, but I've found I prefer to disable the "Tilt", "Spin", and "Roll", and I use the remaining functions with the orbit command on the mouse. It may sound strange, but I prefer it to putting all the navigation onto one nob.

I definitely prefer having more buttons on the navigator than less (another surprise for me), and I'm wondering if moving up to the units with the LCD and programmable functions offer a similar boost in productivity. I've used the space explorer, and space navigator.

Finally, I'm located just down the road from the 3d connexion offices, so I've been lucky enough to drop in on them for a demo. I've found them to be very accommodating, and several of us at my office have taken advantage of the evaluation program they offer. If anyone wants to try one of these units out, send me a PM and I'll forward you a form (of course, you can sign up directly on the 3d connexion website as well).

Thanks, Chris and TIG.

I think a quick change of the layer color in the DWG exported from SketchUp from within Autocad is the quick fix here. (Chris, you got the scenario just right).

One of my frequent collaborators, who uses Autodesk, is asking me if I can set my SketchUp layers to indexed colors (for AutoCAD print styles) instead of the RGB values that I've been using.

Is this possible?

Hi all -

Has anyone found a great free, web based, desktop sharing app that can be used for a two way meeting?

I'm looking for something that I can use to work on SketchUp with someone in another state. I want to both of us to be able to see each other's desktops at the same time, or to toggle between, as we work together.

I'm booked for the Best Western Golden Bluff Lodge. See you all there.

I like the idea of SketchUcation members using their nicknames for the event--especially the admins. In fact, can we just call you all by your board names?

Hi Andreas -

I use SketchUp to produce conceptual construction drawings, and I share your desire to see my models displayed similar to industry-standard drawings. That being said, I'm not sure I understand your question.

You can achieve the darker outlines by turning on View > Edge Style > Profiles , but this isn't exactly the look I prefer (you may like it just fine).

As far as the hidden lines go, it depends on how you're using sketchup: Are you displaying a 3d model in various 2d views, or are you drawing in 2d in sketchup?

Wow--this is a long topic. I made it through about six pages before I jumped here to ask my question:

What is more important for SketchUp: system RAM, or video RAM?

Does anyone have any suggestions for a notebook computer that will do well with larger sketchup files?

Perfect. Thanks.

I think I saw a solution to this a while back, but I can't find it now.

I have an imported CAD file that appeared to be 2d, but upon examination, the lines are spread out along the z axis.

Is there a way I can select all of these objects, and move them to z=0 with one command?

This is a "left" view of what should be a flat parking lot. The green axis is along the bottom of the image. I don't want to change the x or y locations of any of the objects.

Is there any reason to keep the .skb files after I'm done with a model?

I typically delete the backup files after each modeling session. What do you do with them?

Hi All -

Here's a challenge that, frankly, I don't know if even the great minds who browse these forums can tackle. (Ok, I just said that to lure the great minds to try )

I've tried this several times, with limited or no success:

1. Go to Bing maps (I know, I know, Microsoft blah blah), and navigate to an area that has buildings and roads. Set the view to "Bird's Eye", and take a screenshot.

2. Attempt to perform a Photomatch in sketchup, using the screenshot from Bing maps.

3. Place a 3d element into the matched photo in sketchup, and get it to look even remotely natural.

Here are my thoughts on why this is so challenging:

The perspective has been removed from the Bing bird's eye imagery, and so it's hard to set the vanishing points correctly using photomatch.

Even thought the bird's eye images aren't a top-down map view, they are still close to top-down.

I know that Building Maker from Google allows the use of similar "bird's eye" imagery to create simple buildings... but that isn't my goal here.

@unknownuser said:

Are you using the COPIES feature to create the copies?

Sometimes. I'd prefer to use a direct count of the component, if possible.

When I do use the COPIES function, the component I want to count is embedded a few levels in. So I might have:

First Level: Main DC
Second Level: Component to copy
Third Level: Component to count (say 10 copies of this component for every Second Level component)

I suppose I could use the COPIES function on the second level, and multiply by the copies of the Third Level component.

Hi Shannon -

I've been similarly frustrated. I don't have a slick method for merging two docs, but I would suggest using the layers to paste from one document to the next.

Here's how I would minimize the time and effort to bring a complex page from one LayOut file to the next:

Right click on the first layer (in the Layer list toolbar), and choose "Select Entities". This will select all the entities on that layer. Paste it into the correct layer in the target LayOut file. (I believe all the objects will paste into whatever layer you have selected).

I would do this one layer at a time, leaving your sketchup model viewports and associated dimensions for the very last move. Once your page only has models and dimensions on it, select all, then paste them together. If you still loose the association, you can just deselect the models, and set the scale (this wouldn't work if you are not using a standard scale).

I hope this helps.