Thanks Dave!

I really appreciate your quick response, and diligence on helping me understand how to use SU Layout in a more efficient manner. I know it has taken me a few weeks to reply, and show appreciation, but I am sincerely thankful. On March 6, I issued my first Schematic Design package using SketchUp & Layout exclusively (something I have been wanting to do for many years).

I am not sure why I had to select AutoScale for dimensions (seems like it should just be AutoScale automatically), but indeed, it is the process. Also, thanks for the heads up on the viewport & SU scenes. Lastly, I was working from a presentation model, and got sloppy on the round column placement (I added grid lines as an afterthought, wrong way to model). I have cleaned up the SU 3D Model to reflect many of your suggestions.

I'll leave the posts I made with all the questions I asked, even though a bit embarrassing, to assist others that might have the same issues when initially using SU & Layout.
It is a pretty good tool, but could use some more refinement. I'll save those for another post.

Thanks Again,
Happy 3D to everyone,
Andrew

Yes,
Layout file is too big to attach (5,868KB). I tried to PM it too you, I can email it directly to you Dave. Would like to keep it non-public if able.

As far as profile lines setting to 0.1,
I just want the result to look clean, straight vector lines (similar to cad/revit).
I figured the lines might be too thick, and throwing off dimensions (but I do not think this anymore, after my last reply post). I am open to suggestions on this.

I watched several YouTube tutorials on Layout, but today (and yesterday is my first test-drive).

Also,
Something I noticed, is that when I copy the Column Grid Lines (annotation in Layout) from page 1 to page 2, the Column grid lines no longer line up precisely with the columns from the SketchUp Model (see image).

Also, page 2 (as compared to page 1, above) dimensions are a bit smaller between grids, when measure in layout, as compared to the page before. However, in Layout, SketchUp Model view tab is set to ORTHO, and scale of 1/8" for both pages.(Why is this giving me problems, this is likely related to the issues I am having). Both views are not exactly scaled correct, but Layout tells me they are? (I guess).

I am so confused why they are representing differently (see image).
Thank you,
Andrew

Hi Dave,
Thanks for your reply,
Precison is set to 1/64" in both SketchUp & Layout. (see image)
When I measure things in SketchUp, I get exact lengths , for example 30'-0" column grid (nothing with a ~30' - I model very precise). Layout is not giving me the same dimensions - yuk!

I am using SketchUp Pro 2014, and Layout 2014.
Operating system is PC, Windows7.

I am also having issues in Layout when using Vector style, and setting lineweights to 0.1. layout crashes.
I went into SketchUp, and disabled the graphics acceleration, as suggested here: http://help.sketchup.com/en/article/3000062 ~ but, this only made things worse. I even saved Layout as a 2013 file, but things just stayed locked up whenever I opened it up, or changed pages.

Trying to make progress here, been waiting a while to take Layout for a full test drive, frustrated so far.

Thanks,
Andrew

I am having the same Issue! .... HELP!
I have tried all the suggestions listed in this Thread, and I am still not getting accurate dimensions. For example, I have put lines in my SketchUp Model that represent Grid Lines (for Columns), they are 30'-0" apart in my SU Model, but showing 30'-19/32" when dimensioned in Layout.

I cannot figure out what is going on, and I have to get a Schematic Design Pricing Package out to the client ASAP. I was counting on SketchUp (w/ Layout) to be a bit easier to produce Schematic Level Documentation. Any help would be greatly appreciated, see attached image.

Long time SketchUp 3D Modeler
~Andrew Telker

Hi Thomas, SU Modelers

I am working on an exterior Rendering of a residence and currently working on the materials and textures. I have created my own custom stone from a photo I took and manipulated in photoshop. I was able to manipulate the displacement/bump-map images needed for that as well, as I found some good video tutorials on such.
I am wondering: Are there any repositories/resources for SketchUp/Vray exterior material displacement/bump-map images (alpha channel), or does the artist need to make each one him/herself?

Can you recommend any settings for painted wood siding -- I downloaded some siding from: http://www.vray-materials.de/register_complete.php?regkey=923c1bebe6cc014330075ecca8a6f87f -- but , as mentioned above, this is formatted for 3DS Max not SU. I am trying to use it regardless to create the displacement image. I cannot get the image to tile or repeat, or any effect to take place. I dont want to use the "out of the box" siding material in SketchUp due to the continuios lines that make up the generic pattern.
Maybe, I will take the siding image texture material in SU, save it, edit it in Photoshop, and use the B&W/grayscale to make the displacement, and then leave the material fill color/diffuse a solid color, and see if that renders correctly.
Any thoughts?

Whats the best way to render/depict exterior siding?
Thanks

Andrew

Hi Guys,

I an interested in making an animation with Google SketchUp.
Style is WireFrame, with Flythrough Animation tour, and animated (pipe) flow diagrams. (very similar to the Link below)

Any suggestions to get this type of result?
IClone?, Flash + SketchUp, SketchYPhysics?

Thoughts and comments welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks
Andrew Telker
"SketchUp Lover"

Not sure why,
but the material I used on the Floor (wood flooring), is getting distored, and zigzag geometry when I export the current scene as an Image (Tif, Jpeg, Png). The flooring material appears fine when in the "Model view".

Things, that I know I changed recently. Using Section Planes, Using Sunlight in these scenes. I am not sure where/why, things went bad. In an attempt to remedy the situation, I have reloaded my Computer, open/closed the files, purged, and fixed everything in the model.
Same results, and the flooring is goofy.
Might be quicker to make a new Floor... hmmmmm
blah... ...any suggestions?

-Andrew

Performance: SKETCHUP8

◦In this release, SketchUp is now built using the /Largeaddressaware property on the PC. This change allows SketchUp to potentially allocate/address more memory on 64-bit machines. (Note: 64-bit users must have at least 1.89 GB RAM to see any improvement, and improvement is only noticeable in areas where memory was a limiting factor (e.g exporting images).

Error 404 (Not Found)!!1

(sketchup.google.com)

I am working on a Rendering of a project modeled in SketchUp, and rendering in VRAY. The File size is about 53MB after purging and such. There are a bunch of texture image items. I cannot complete the Rendering process. During the Render, I am running Low on Memory, but I have 8GB of RAM.

Does SU8 have any better optimization than SU7. I am currently using SU7, and havent upgraded to SU8, due to Texture and material Rendering issues I have read about.
SU7 is limited to only 32Bit, has anything changed in SU8. Also, any ideas on Optimizing my performance (Ram, Geometry, Vray)

Comments Welcomed,
Andrew Telker
http://twitter.com/AndrewTelker

Is it Possible to paint in Artisan w/o Exploding a Group first?

I noticed that when I EXPLODE the geometry created by the (Fredo6)CURVILOFT PlugIn, it changes slightly, and adds several lines (as shown in my image above). Soften Edges doesn't eliminate all the Lines, and selecting them individually will take too long. I will have to figure out how to select the Lines on All Faces w/o selecting the Face Mesh as well.

In Addition, the Artisan PlugIn I am using to add Textures and Paint to an Organic Surface, only works when an object is EXPLODED. So, I have a bit of a Conflict. Is there a WAY to PAINT a surface using Artisan w/o Exploding a Group or Component?
I wish there was a USERS MANUAL
Happy Modeling

Andrew Telker
http://twitter.com/AndrewTelker

Hi KiraNL,

Mirror... or
Make the HALF-Item you want to Mirror as a Component, and then make a copy of it. Scale the COPY of the Component by -1 in the opposite direction, hide centerplane (lines & face) then, put the 2 pieces together. I almost always use a reference (center) point, or draw a reference line to match up the items if they are other than square.

-Andrew Telker
http://twitter.com/AndrewTelker

hmmm.... interesting comments everybody - Thanks,
I took note and tried a few of the suggestions.

Well, I did Not trim it - I just redrew the Shape so I didnt have to trim it. I noticed that when I EXPLODE the geometry created by the (Fredo6)CURVILOFT PlugIn, it changes slightly, and adds several lines (as shown in my image above). Soften Edges doesn't eliminate all the Lines, and selecting them individually will take too long. I will have to figure out how to select the Lines on All Faces w/o selecting the Face Mesh as well.

In Addition, the Artisan PlugIn I am using to add Textures and Paint to an Organic Surface, only works when an object is EXPLODED. So, I have a bit of a Conflict, but, out will come a workable solution, I m certain.
Thanks

Andrew Telker
http://twitter.com/AndrewTelker

I am using CurviLoft 1.1, Loft along Path, and I am creating some geometry that is amazing. It took several tries to get the exact geometry I envisioned. I'll keep working with the Tool.
I have to say this is one of the Coolest PlugIns I have seen for SketchUp!
BRAVO Fredo6 !

One Problem I am having is when I use the INTERSECT with Model tool to intersect the Fin Top I created with Curviloft with the Dome Shape I created using sketchup followme tool, the Shape I created with Curviloft gets weird (after exploding the Group in preparation for interesect with model command), and adds extra Lines and distorted geometry. I need to trim the Shape, and then Hide lines, but the geometry gets funky using the intersect process in SketchUp. {How do I only select the countor Lines on the END of organic geometry w/o selecting the entire mesh face? I would like to HIDE the Lines/etc. Do I need to use "Tools on Surface" in order to work with created shapes in Curviloft?} --- Main Question, I Need to Trim a Shape made in Curviloft without it distorting. (Also, when I explode the group of the Curviloft Formed shape, I also get LINES all over the geometry, is there a way around this?)

I have been working with Artisan to apply the Color/Texture to the Fin area. Modeling and SDS in Artisan will take a bit more playing with the software. Also, I see WHAAT just put out a NEW Video Tutorial for Artisan on 3.25.11 on Subdivide & Smooth. This is a subject for another post however...

I like this 3D Organic Modeling Tool for SketchUp Fredo6
Thanks - Andrew Telker

I have to say this is one of the Coolest PlugIns I have seen for SketchUp!
BRAVO Fredo6 !

I am using CurviLoft 1.1, Loft along Path, and I am creating some geometry that is amazing. It took several tries to get the exact geometry I envisioned. I'll keep working with the Tool.

One Problem I am having is when I use the INTERSECT with Model tool to intersect the Fin Top I created with Curviloft with the Dome Shape I created using sketchup followme tool, the Shape I created with Curviloft gets weird (after intersect with selected), and adds extra Lines and distorted geometry. I need to trim the Shape, and then Hide lines, but the geometry gets funky using the intersect process in SketchUp. How do I only select the countor Lines on the END of organic geometry w/o selecting the entire mesh face? I would like to HIDE the Lines/etc. Do I need to use "Tools on Surface" in order to work with created shapes in Curviloft? I'll be painting it soon as well.
Basically, I Need to Trim a Shape!

I am really digging this Organic Modeling Tool for SketchUp Fredo6
Thanks - Andrew Telker
http://twitter.com/AndrewTelker

![Curviloft Shape Cut - After "Intersection"](/uploads/imported_attachments/nXPq_ConcreteDome_Curviloft_TelkerDesign_Image2.jpg "Curviloft Shape Cut - After "Intersection"")

![Curviloft Shape Cut - Before "Intersection"](/uploads/imported_attachments/wIC9_ConcreteDome_Curviloft_TelkerDesign_Image3.jpg "Curviloft Shape Cut - Before "Intersection"")

Hi Solo,

Like many SketchUp 3D Digital Modelers on this forum, I am amazed by the results you are able to acheive with SketchUp and her PlugIns. Can you list the PlugIns, in addition to Artisan,(Paint on Surface, Curviloft?) that you may have used to compose your Organic Character Modeling of our well known Pink Friend above?
I was hoping you would put together a Video Tutorial (fee or free), and outline some of the Techniques you utilize. I am puzzled as how you merged the Geometric Mesh of shapes to get things seemless, without too many polygons or surfaces. It looks like you are using a consistent center reference point, and making some neat geometry. I watched some of Chips Video on the Tron Bike, and saw his use of SubDivide applied to a Simple Geometry, and found this interesting and insighful. I watched all the YouTube Videos I could find on Artisan and several YouTube Videos on 3D Organic Modeling PlugIns for SketchUp.
In addition, I checked out your WebSite, it is Inspiring and Intimidating.

I was wondering if you are Mirroring any of your Geometry (w/ PlugIns), or copying the shapes and then using an inverse scale function. Everything looks seamless. Very Nice work. BTW what is FFD?

Well, I am using Artisan and some other PlugIns for a Concrete Dome Project I am working on, particualrly on a FinTop Ridge on the exterior. It is some weird geometry in certain areas. I am exloring techniques & PlugIns that will accomplish this. Any feedback would be helpful.

Thanks,
Andrew Telker
http://telkerdesign.com/

Awesome Chip!

It is great seeing what is possible with the Artisan organic 3D Modeling PlugIn for SketchUp.
The symmetry and simplicity in the Geometry is amazing. The SubDivision Tool is a neat addition, among others.

After reviewing a few of the videos I was also wondering if videos will be fixed? In agreement with AndriyG81, "I think this is the best tutorial for Artisan so far. C0hippwalters thank you for your hard work and generosity!"
I am using Artisian for a Concrete Dome Project, and would love to have extra insight. Is there any AUDIo with these videos, I didnt hear any.

Thanks for some Great Tools and Great Videos
-Andrew Telker
http://telkerdesign.com/

I am having problems with cutting an Arch out of a Dome Shell.
The Arch and Dome have a very high Polygon Count (222 sides). When I use the intersect tool, the resulting geometry is less than an ACCURATE perfect geometrical cut. The Edges remaining after deleting the interesting geometry, tends to leave the edges Flared out a Bit (if u look very very close).

I am trying to cut an Oval Hole (18' Wide x 7'-7.25" High) in the Center of the Dome (23' dia, 12.5' High). Dome centerline is 1.5' above horizontal.
I want a nice clean cut, punched out from the front. When I cut from the front, the side elevation shows an uneven arch entrance. When I cut from the side, the front elevation shows the wall thickness (which is not desirable). I have used EDIT: intersect with Model, and Used intersect selected, - but with similar results.
My Arch opening and dome are both complex polygon shapes with and arch side count of 222.
Any ideas here. I posted a few pics & the SKP file here for feedback.

Thanks Guys,
Whiteowl77

Yes,

"Animation is an Area that really showcases a communicative Professional Architectural Presentation. Having 3D Character Animation is the icing on the cake". - Andrew Telker

Latest Comments on Character Animation:

I have been working with IClone, from Reallusion to add Character Animation to the Architectural Building & Scenes I have created with Google SketchUp. IClone4 is a good program, but has its initial limitations.

ICLONE4
http://www.reallusion.com/iclone/

Iclone Pros:
Price is only $200. Interface is Moderately easy to work with, as compared to other animation programs. 3D Exchangeallows a large library of items to be converted into Iclone format from a variety of 3D Objects found in the Google Warehouse. Special Effects are getting better, as the versions are progressing, I can't wait to see IClone5.

Iclone Cons:
Some of the animation has limitations to the Quality of the Final Render, but this is a compromise against time and PC power (as compared to Disney's tools). Content packs can be VERY Expensive, if purchased from the IClone Online Store. If objects are imported from SketchUp, they still need to be Rigged with Nodes for animation and pupeteering purposes.

All in All,
I think ICLONE4 is a SOLID Character Animation program for SketchUp. Iclone just had a rendering competition with SketchUp, and I am curious to see the winner, although I didnt get to compete this year. I am anxious to see what they will do together NEXT. 2011 Should be a GREAT YEAR for Animation & SketchUp.

on UNITY 3D:
http://unity3d.com/
I looked into the Unity Platform,
If I used Unity, I would be concerned that my clients would all have to download the Unity Software in order to view my animated files, and/or perspective "Fly-Throughs" virtual tours. This may prove to be a viable option, and I will look more into this. Some Youtube Videos always helps explain things.

on Movie Storm
http://www.moviestorm.co.uk/
MovieStorm looks really cool. The style and interface appears very similar to Antics or IClone, and the price and method of purchasing extra content is similar also. I just wonder if it is compatible with SketchUp. Well, we have some more 3D Character animation work to do.

on Blender
Free, but extremely complicated, and excellent results for 3D Animated Filmakers. Google files need to be converted, but they will work with Blender.

on Antics V5
Blah... I wasted enough time with this program. If a Program goes out of business, just Move on, and Count your Losses. IClone, took over where Antics V5 left off, with facial animation, and Google SketchUp compatiability.

Happy 3D Modeling

For More on:
3D Character Animation with Google SketchUp,
Follow my BLOG
http://andrewtelker.blogspot.com/p/animation-iclone-antics-sketchup.html

or Twitterme:
http://twitter.com/AndrewTelker

Yes,

Blender looks very HEavy Duty, and might need some had time to learn.
I have tried Antics V5, IClone, and a few others.
So far, I am still waiting to hit GOLD!