Whenever I push/pull a rectangle or other figure to make a new 3-d object I expected I could make it a group directly after. It seems that that is not the case in 2016 version. I have to go about selecting the sides the ends, and then the lines etc. to then group the entire object. Sometimes I can just click 3 times but many times this selects other geometry that now intersects with the new drawing. Perhaps it is a problem with the way previous parts of my drawing are done, but is there an easier way to group a 3d object right after you make it?
It’s a problem with your workflow. Draw only the geometry you want included in the group or component. Then select it and make the group or component before moving on to the next part.
Dave is absolutely correct, it is a workflow problem. The moment you draw new geometry abutting existing non-grouped geometry, they stick together. At that point it is too late to select them without the kind of issues you describe. Instead, you have to draw just what you need and immediately select and make it a group or component. Then additional geometry won’t stick to existing unless you open a component/group for edit.
I am not 100% sure I followed what you are asking, and I am a rather new person to Sketchup, but I might have a solution for you.
If you are creating something new around something already in existence, with a little preparation, I think you can get what you are looking for. There is probably a simpler way, but…
- Make a component (or maybe a group) out of what already exists.
- Create your new shapes.
- Select move tool, and move the previous stuff off to one side, making sure to follow a direction line (red, green, blue)
- Before doing ANYTHING else, type in a distance (5 inches, 5 feet, 5 meters, or whatever separates the old from the new, and remember that distance.
- Use the selector to draw a box around the new stuff, starting on the right, and moving to the left (selects anything even partially in the box)
- Make your component/group of the new parts
- Using the move tool, click on the old component, and move it in the opposite direction you moved it originally, and type in that distance again (this will put it back where you had it).
- Box in everything, and side-click, and select intersect if that applies.
- Create the new combined component/group if that applies.
I am not sure if this answers what you asked. I hope it does.
That’s a lot of unnecessary work for the result.
I won’t argue that point. Learning as I go. I figure if I make known how I am doing something, others might tell me a shortcut or better way. And every once in a while, it might actually help somebody, or at least give them an idea of a direction to head.
At the very worst, I did give my credentials, specifically so that people would know to take it as a possible answer, not a guaranteed solution.
I have similar issues come up regularly, so I am paying attention to what everyone else has to contribute, in hope of finding a more streamlined method.
If you’ve made components or groups of the parts you’ve already drawn, you can simply triple click with the Select tool on the newest geometry to select all that is attached and then make it a group or component. If you are working cleanly, the triple click will only select what you want to include in the component or group.
If you want to see examples of that work flow, I can post links.
Yes, examples would be greatly appreciated… (heading off to go experiment with this idea)
Thank you. and now for the research!
Ok-that’s what I thought. I was working on a plan that I had started when I first looked at Sketch-up and did not make my groups and components quick enough. Thank
Thanks. I though it had to do with my previously poorly done geometry. Wanted to make sure there was not a way to get around it quicker now.
DaveR-The problem is some of my previous work was not made into neat components and groups. Will do better in the future to skip this problem. My previous work was my very first attempt at using it.
While it is possible to divide things up into groups or components after the fact, it’s likely going to be easier to start from scratch and make the components/groups. That is if you want to fix up your old models.
Yes, let’s not only thank Dave for the links, but for the blog posts themself too 
Hi again, After asking this initial question on making a group out of a simple pushed rectangle I have got around my problem by sometimes making the object else where and then dragging it into the bad spot. However I found an easier way-before pushing the object, make the newly drawn rectangle(for example) a group immediately. Then edit it, push it, and close the object. All parts will be in the group.
I’m not exactly sure what you mean by [quote=“rschwartznj, post:16, topic:23273”]
All parts will be in the group.
[/quote]
I don’t think that’s what you want.
For the type of models you are creating, I think you’d find it easier to create parts in situ and making components/groups as you go. This will reduce the work load because first, because you don’t have to know all of the dimensions to create all the parts and you won’t have to be moving parts into place. It will also reduce the possibility for errors due to incorrect placement or component/groups.
You are right, but this got me around the problem in an existing model. What I meant by “all parts will be in the group” was that instead of having to select all the sides of the pushed rectangle to make it a group when I was having issues with connected geometry(non grouped older stuff) was that this way the pushed rectangle is already a group, just needs to be closed. No selecting necessary.
I see. If the geometry in your old models is that bad, you’d probably find it less work to redraw them from scratch using a smarter workflow rather than trying to repair the problems they have.