My simple question has spawned a very interesting, and informative, discussion.

My primary use for Sketchup is to create objects which I can then import into Bryce. The objects can be created using other programs, but I find I can create them quicker using Sketchup.

It was good someone brought files sizes, because large files can help to increase render times in Bryce. I also have to be mindful when applying material in Bryce because sometimes a object, which was created in parts, doesn't import into Bryce with those same individual parts. So it is necessary to make sure when an entity is made a component, or group, they import into Bryce the same. Which isn't something which has been previously brought up.

Whether an entity is created as a component or group, it must also be taken into consideration if the model is likely to be imported/used in another 3D program. Because I'm only able to afford the free version of Sketchup, exporting using .dae enables me to import the same into Bryce because Sketchup.dae format is listed in Bryce's import list. And so far, my creations have imported into Bryce with only minor modifications. And yes, I know about the Object exporter plug-in, but it's use has caused me problems when importing into Bryce. But is this the case for other 3D programs? I use few others, so I don't know. Yet, this too much be considered.

All of those scenes are terrific. More than one really look like a photo.

Beautiful work, so very photo realistic.

While scrolling through this thread, and drooling at the wonderful models and scenes I saw, I saw several people tell how they were told some did not like Sketchup. Or thought it not a real 3D program. As I read those posts, I thought of people who produce wonderful scenes using other 3D programs, and how some say the same thing about those programs.

And I have to wonder if the reason some don't like Sketchup, or other 3D programs, is that it isn't their cup of tea. That is, they don't have the aptitude to use the 3D program. I've read posts on other sites where people said they were unable to use this or that program because they couldn't grasp the concept of using the program. So every type of 3D program is not for everyone.

A bad program is a bad program, regardless of the skill level of the user. But simply because one finds a 3D program unusable does not mean it's a bad program. It just means they should try another program until they find the one which gives them the desired results.

Interesting how a rather simple question can lead to such a lengthy discussion. One which doesn't have a definite ending. There doesn't seem to be a wrong or right answer, just different approaches to the same end. Producing that which is seen in the minds eye.

I've seen how making entities into components saves time if you have multiple entities, but I've also seen how making entities into components can cause problems IF you don't know what you're doing.

As I stated in a previous post, my wife wanted a wall shelf she saw in a magazine, and I knew my drawing skills were very weak. So I looked for a drawing program which I could use to make working planes. And that's when I discovered Sketchup. Sketchup was new to me, so in my usual fashion, I looked for videos, books, and whatnot, to help me learn how to use Sketchup.

I saw how using components could save me time because the wall shelf was going to have duplicates of some parts. I also read about layers, and thought I understood how they were used. Long story short, I now see the mistakes I made in creating my first project, because I didn't fully understand that ANY changes made to a components, either on layer 0 or on any other layer, caused a change to be made to the duplicated part. Because of my total lack of understanding on the use of components, and layers, and the difficulties I experienced with my first contact with Sketchup, I almost deleted it from our computer.

I didn't delete Sketchup, I did use it to create another project. And because of this recent project I now have more knowledge in how to use Sketchup. And I feel certain there are other projects which will need Sketchup in the future.

@jql said:

Here's more:

So you have to define first what you want to do and, as you don't specify your field of expertise I will give my example too:

I Use groups for:

• Walls, façades, roofs, floors (all the big parts of the building that don't repeat but I need so I can organize the project I'm working on and distribute to layers that can be made invisible/visible and also that I don't need to make a Xref from

I Use components for:

• Repeatable parts of the building like, knobs, sanitary ware, kitchens, floors, columns, elevators
• Doors, windows and their respective holes are components for me (double cutting components method you can read about in Sketchucation somewhere)
• X Refs of the whole house/building if it is part of a large urban plan, staircases, kitchens, bathrooms or any special rooms that I like to have a colaborator working on externally or I want to isolate to create special documents for
• Entourage proxies/models like cars, trees, people, furniture

I hope this helps even further,

JQL

@JQL: My field of expertise, before retirement, was as a cable splicing technician. But my use of Sketchup dealt with only personal projects. Several years ago, my wife saw a picture in a magazine of a wall shelf she thought would fill a spot in our kitchen, and asked me if I thought I could build two of them. I'd built small projects like these before and thought I could do so again. But from past experience, I knew anything I drew by hand was going to be messy and not very accurate, so I went looking for a free drawing program that would help me create accurate drawings for my project. And I discovered Sketchup.

At that time I learned enough about Sketchup to create a model of the shelf my wife saw in the magazine, one that I could work from. Today, I'm using Sketchup to create models which I can import into Bryce 7.1 Pro, Wings 3d, or GIMP if post work is needed. Though if I had another wood working project, I wouldn't hesitate using Sketchup to create an accurate model which I could print out and follow. So I guess you could consider me a hobbyist when it comes to using Sketchup. A hobbyist who realizes there is a lot to learn and can only be done one day at a time.

I really appreciate all the input I've received on this topic. I received practical information I couldn't find in any of the books I have or in any of the video I've watched. And if I have more questions, not found in books or videos, I know I can come to this site and find an answer.

@Jeff: Thank you for that information, it was something I didn't know.

Thank you to everyone who posted for your help.

Everybody, thank you for your comments, they really have helped. And Dave, now that I see you're a woodworker, I totally understand why you make everything a component instead of a group. And you answered another question I had about what Make Unique was used for. I see this would have fit well in with the two models I was constructing.