You need the pro version of SketchUp to edit Dynamic Components. They probably have the component set up so you can only choose the standard sizes the manufacturer offers. Perhaps it is setup to be modified from a list in the DC's Component Options window.

Try also this free one : a Sketchup on stéroïds! The best CAd ergonomy existing: Direct modeling inpired by SU of course! DesignSpark (it has a SKetchup export skp! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_kIb-O4mcI

Thank you chaps.

Also, if your thinking of rendering you could take the approach the legendary Silver_Shadow used in "The River Runs Through it". http://www.sketchupartists.org/tutorials/sketchup-and-advanced-modeling/the-river-runs-through-it/ If not' like me you'll pick up a hell of a lot of modeling technique from this.

Have a look here Grizzler, you might be pleasantly surprised with the collection.. Styles Collection

I have done it many times: export a dwg/dxf file and import it into SU.

@box said: In the shadows dialog box, un tic Display on ground. Perfect, thank you.

Well, to be honest, I do not even model or render nowadays too much - but I have a pending job based in an EU bid and I would make the whole thing in Lumion3D. It has a completely different camera handling algorithm and though I often wish there were some tools to match SU scenes with Lumion scenes (which is not possible ATM) an animation (video) is much easier to make in Lumion than in SU (regarding smooth camera movements at least). Of course, the rendered output is completely different, too.

Thank you Cotty

@tig said: 'Flattery' works on PC [and probably MAC]. Are you extracting/installing it properly ? It is an Extension and needs activating etc ? Also look at:- Jim's simple "jf_UnfoldTool.rb" http://sketchuptips.blogspot.com/2007/08/plugin-unfoldrb.html and MattC's "AutoUnfold.rb" http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=323&p=342121#p342110 There's also the similar "unfoldtool.rb" by anon, that I have but can't remember where from... The error was something to do with "encryption", I just reinstalled it, clicked "OK" a bunch of times and it seems to be fine Thanks for replying as I'd probably have given up on it otherwise.

@mitcorb said: You may be aware that another Trimble owned company/software is Tekla Structures, which I think is a BIM application. Perhaps Trimble plans to integrate the Sketchup modeling process into this application in some way? I was not aware of that, but you can certain that I soon will be much more familiar with it

Dave told you what was wrong, either the entire model was made a very long distance from the 0,0,0 of the SU model, or you had some geometry hiding way out far away from the origin. That is one of the only things that will make "clipping" be that bad.

PicPick for me. Has a simple image editor included to crop or adjust the captured image. Does not do video.

@grizzler said: ..., I need something that will get me from A to B without too much difficulty. My suggestions would be: Look for a renderer that is under current and ongoing development. These are more likely to offer decent documentation and active user forums, as well as optimizations for today's hardware. Once you've found a renderer to try, go to youtube and/or vimeo and look for video tutorials made with that particular renderer software. So, search on youtube for "XYZ renderer tutorial" or something like that. Seeing someone work through the selections while setting up a render session can be much more helpful that reading through poorly worded, overly technical documentation. You usually have to view multiple tutorials in order to 'catch' tips, suggestions and explanations for the arcane stuff that is inevitable in rendering software. Rendering software is full of technical jargon that sounds like complete and impenetrable gibberish to a rendering newbie--it's a technical subject all its own and it's tough to get a basic footing in it. Perhaps start first with truly free rendering software, like Kerkythea or LuxRender or Blender, since there is no artificial time limit on your use of the software. That will give you plenty of time to search for understandable tutorials and to practice at rendering. Lots of the knowledge you gain will transfer into other rendering software later on if you decide to then go for a licensed software.

Hi, sketchup is primarily a visualisation program with a very easy, almost vertical learning curve. Basicaly, Bim starts as a visualisation tool but vertically intergrates project management cost estimation etc.

I tend to use http://www.last.fm You can search for an artist or genre etc and it will give you a bunch of similar stuff. Works well to keep you floating in a comfortably numb way but allows you to find new music that fits your mood. No real need for most users to log in.

@rich o brien said: Fredo's SUClock Tsk tsk, where are my manners - I forgot to say thank you

@tig said: Looks like you've broken SketchUp Can I suggest you close SketchUp and try a 'Repair' on the SketchUp app in the 'Programs and Features' Control Panel... When you restart SketchUp what happens ? Well as usual I feel ridiculous. So simple was the fix that I suspect you may have been winding me up TIG Grabbing the edge to expand the box does nothing to show the layers, but simply clicking in the grey tab at the top! [image: wX9p_Layersmissing2.png]

I replied to your PM. You are to be commended on your cheek, good sir!

No need to feel foolish if you learned something. For more LayOut questions, you might find it useful to go to the LayOut Forum.