# Can you make a hole a component? (not a hole in a component, the actual hole IS the component) **URL:** \ **Category:** SketchUp\ **Created:** [June 26, 2023, 8:28pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/can-you-make-a-hole-a-component-not-a-hole-in-a-component-the-actual-hole-is-the-component/233847 "2023-06-26T20:28:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 12\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![georgewaller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e56c9b/32.png) [@georgewaller](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/georgewaller)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2023, 8:28pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/can-you-make-a-hole-a-component-not-a-hole-in-a-component-the-actual-hole-is-the-component/233847/1 "2023-06-26T20:28:07Z")
I’m trying to make a ceiling cloud (an acoustical treatment for the ceiling) that is a dynamic component, with the ability to choose the number of lights and have them populate automatically with the correct spacing. I have figured out how to do all of that. However, to get an accurate render, there must be a hole cut into the ceiling cloud where the light fixture will go. Thus, I would need to somehow be able to control how many holes were in the cloud with the dynamic component options. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Wo3Dan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/wo3dan/32/7450_2.png) [@Wo3Dan](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/Wo3Dan)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2023, 8:35pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/can-you-make-a-hole-a-component-not-a-hole-in-a-component-the-actual-hole-is-the-component/233847/2 "2023-06-26T20:35:07Z")
You can make a ‘Glue to’ component with the property ‘Cut opening’. Each close loop inside without a face cuts the loop area when placing the component on a face. The loop(s) need to be at local z=0 and in the local red/green plane to cut. ![Screenshot 2023-06-27 00.31.59](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/7/0/7089a4325e888e92b81e738d5d781cdd22745808.png) ---
**Author:** ![pcmoor](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/pcmoor/32/3427_2.png) [@pcmoor](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/pcmoor)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2023, 11:53pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/can-you-make-a-hole-a-component-not-a-hole-in-a-component-the-actual-hole-is-the-component/233847/3 "2023-06-26T23:53:25Z")
if you make a cutting component of copied cutting components, then on deleting the copy or creating further copies or swapping the internal component, the extra outside cutter will extend to cover the copies / movements, [holes 2.skp](https://forums.sketchup.com/uploads/short-url/isdZVw6qbX6gU2mjR5LEqXECs4N.skp) (28.9 KB) this is more fun with dynamics ---
**Author:** ![georgewaller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e56c9b/32.png) [@georgewaller](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/georgewaller)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2023, 12:41pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/can-you-make-a-hole-a-component-not-a-hole-in-a-component-the-actual-hole-is-the-component/233847/4 "2023-06-27T12:41:33Z")
Well, once again the SketchUp forum has taken something I thought was likely impossible and given me a solution! Thanks so much, guys, this is brilliant! ---
**Author:** ![technical3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a88e57/32.png) [@technical3](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/technical3)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2024, 7:57am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/can-you-make-a-hole-a-component-not-a-hole-in-a-component-the-actual-hole-is-the-component/233847/5 "2024-10-25T07:57:52Z")
Hi all, Just seen this, this will help to make a cut opening included with an object. I have 1 more question to add, Can the hole opening be done into a group or into double faces, i:e if i have a steel hollow section, how would I make it to cut all the way through not just on one face ? ---
**Author:** ![pcmoor](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/pcmoor/32/3427_2.png) [@pcmoor](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/pcmoor)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2024, 8:58am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/can-you-make-a-hole-a-component-not-a-hole-in-a-component-the-actual-hole-is-the-component/233847/6 "2024-10-25T08:58:12Z")
Yes, group1 is the top cut with sides, group2 is the bottom, the axis can be in same direction so values copied You can do quite complicated series of ‘holes" to make detailed rebates, multi shapes and levels. Copies of "holes’ can be created by imbedding them into another cutting parent Always start inside the surface, then use the options to size and position via the attributes. Best as cutters are XY with Z out or inwards, work from XY plane and then Z A circle, push/pull vertical. offset the top. make the inner circle a group, enter this group and push/pull to bottom, delete top and bottom surfaces, select all (double click) and reverse the side faces, exit group, name it maybe “top cut”. draw the circle at base (from top or reverse Z, matching axis for connivence) make a group maybe " bottom cut" enter delete surface, exit then Make the cylinder and the two cutter groups a component. For multiple cuts, copy a hole then make both a cutting component, delete the inner copy , then you have a cutting component with cutting group, then use the copies formula and array as required So you would end with the parent with two cutter components each with a cutting group Try it, will send examples later ---
**Author:** ![technical3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a88e57/32.png) [@technical3](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/technical3)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2024, 9:02am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/can-you-make-a-hole-a-component-not-a-hole-in-a-component-the-actual-hole-is-the-component/233847/7 "2024-10-25T09:02:34Z")
I will try a few , the examples will help me alot. does this adjust the Z lenght If add into a different section with a different Depth ? ---
**Author:** ![pcmoor](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/pcmoor/32/3427_2.png) [@pcmoor](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/pcmoor)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2024, 9:28am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/can-you-make-a-hole-a-component-not-a-hole-in-a-component-the-actual-hole-is-the-component/233847/8 "2024-10-25T09:28:49Z")
you would use parent!depth, where depth would be of one of the 3 sizes. lenx,y or z, or if all same axis then parent!lenz There are a few on my warehouse, plus video [Steel column CHS round or rod - - 3D Warehouse](https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/244d28bbe156cb65c0c2a30d1ae7e5b/Steel-column-CHS-round-or-rod) [dynamic hole builder - - 3D Warehouse](https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/25c4463957ad36c2635f69bba8c8ac7/dynamic-hole-builder) [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/b/0/b0452041334185a5e2c1474f9c78151b8c31309b.jpeg "Dynamic hole cutters") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nist4KJ4S6w) [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/b/4/b4d0ceec9c1886b02698a1c10442740bfea52ad3.jpeg "creating multi-cutting holes") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eswaZPVCz24) ---
**Author:** ![technical3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a88e57/32.png) [@technical3](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/technical3)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2024, 9:31am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/can-you-make-a-hole-a-component-not-a-hole-in-a-component-the-actual-hole-is-the-component/233847/9 "2024-10-25T09:31:17Z")
I will look at them latter, I need to finish a job off. Thanks pcmoor. the forum definitely coming in handy ---
**Author:** ![pcmoor](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/pcmoor/32/3427_2.png) [@pcmoor](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/pcmoor)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2024, 9:47am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/can-you-make-a-hole-a-component-not-a-hole-in-a-component-the-actual-hole-is-the-component/233847/10 "2024-10-25T09:47:23Z")
Realized you would need a delivery DC, after placing, one explodes and redraws to activate the cutters on surfaces Because DCs are an extension, they do not respond immediately. If you are serious about using DCs in your work flow, then consider using ruby as a companion to choose, place, rotate scale and update, [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/9/e/9ef4a5bdb691a9fbb391b010b5fb785302976e83.jpeg "Framing with DCs and own ruby tool") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QROfPue5FG4) is an example how to choose and place using a “line tool” please message for contact, if want discuss further ---
**Author:** ![technical3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a88e57/32.png) [@technical3](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/technical3)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2024, 1:28pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/can-you-make-a-hole-a-component-not-a-hole-in-a-component-the-actual-hole-is-the-component/233847/11 "2024-10-25T13:28:08Z")
if i do not use the explode do i still need a DC? i still need to look into these videos properly. which i will over the weekend . Thanks ---
**Author:** ![pcmoor](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/pcmoor/32/3427_2.png) [@pcmoor](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/pcmoor)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2024, 10:12am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/can-you-make-a-hole-a-component-not-a-hole-in-a-component-the-actual-hole-is-the-component/233847/12 "2024-10-26T10:12:33Z")
[![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/original/3X/3/b/3bf612432b84b24216f62d8aa574fd613cadf68a.jpeg "Getting Started with Double-Cut 2.0") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFGN04SbYYQ) is on1/2 price sale now until end of month, saves a lot of effort