Circles and curves

SketchUp Feature Requests
61

@CJT1963, while we are at it I asked chatgpt a simple question (just wanted to know if I am drawing flat or something else, you know!)

What kind of program is SketchUp?

SketchUp is a 3D modeling program used for a wide range of applications, including architecture, interior design, engineering, construction, and game design. It is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive tools, making it accessible to both beginners and professionals.

The software allows users to create detailed 3D models quickly using simple drawing tools, push-pull extrusion, and a vast library of pre-made models from the 3D Warehouse. SketchUp is available in free and paid versions, with the latter offering advanced features such as solid modeling, dynamic components, and enhanced rendering capabilities.

So 3D , what a relief!

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62

Amazing! Never thought of trying that before. I wonder why it can’t be copied and pasted.

63

I going to have to assume that, for the same reasons, Bezier surfaces would present the same issues.

64

This is why so many people get annoyed by your posts and don’t bother even responding to them.
You are exhibiting the classic ‘I want it to do this but I haven’t bothered to learn that it can do this, so I will demand this’ syndrome.
This is standard for people that come from other software and don’t take the time to really learn the difference.
It would be the same if I now started using autocad and decided to tell them how it could be better.
You really need to fully understand ‘something’ before you try to educate the makers.
You may miss the point here, but try talking to an actual old craftsman about their trade and the tools they use and how a simple understanding of how to make a gauge or sharpen a glass cutter wheel on a slate or which polish works with what wood…
You’re badgering a blacksmith about how a watermill works.

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65

While I have no need for a perfect circle in SketchUp, I think that when changing the number of sides, the program should force the number used to be rounded off to the nearest multiple of 4. Otherwise, a user can introduce error into the model. The great thing about SketchUp is the absolute precision. The program is precise, and the user needs also to be precise.

66

I’m merely making suggestions, and a truly appreciate polite and helpful feedback. I have to say that, over the past few years, I have noticed that all to frequently when someone makes a suggestion, or worse, a criticism, they get a rude response, as though the suggestion were an attack on SketchUp. Nothing is perfect, and there’s always room for improvement. Personally I have been most appreciative of much of the valued education I’ve received on the Forum.

67

Have you actually read any of your posts as a third party.
They don’t read well.
But we all know the written word does not convey intent, there is no sarcasm font (as they say) but this is a forum of enthusiastic users who like to help. We get burnt out by ‘why can’t it do this’ over and over again. We try to explain and get branded as Fan boys etc.
Is it any wonder we stop helping. Shouldn’t have bothered trying to help.

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68

Don’t play the victim.
It was about here when you started getting rude and combative .

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69

Point taken, but it is a little off base to suggest that a 2D vector program uses NURBS.

70

Yesterday, I wrote a rather long post in which I quoted and responded to every feature in his request list. But before posting, I realized that I might have wasted my time explaining things to someone who seems to firmly hold onto their own perspective and is unwilling to accept anything new or a different approach from what they already know. So, I decided to delete my draft and leave the topic.

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71

I never did.

72

But I did. I didn’t want to be too scientific because the actual mathematics is beyond me, but I understand that Bezier curves and NURBS surfaces are mathematically related.

73

All right, let’s keep it real simple. Baseline dimensioning. Your thought?

74

Edit: Sorry, I feel bad again, I got nothing to tell you my thought.

75

Just my though on that subject, based on my history of using 2D representation of 3D objects.

When I was about 7 years old, my father had me observe a reproduction of the Grand Canal by the Italian painter Canaletto. He had me look at the perspective showing how objects get smaller as they get further from the observer.

He also took the habit to show me how to draw things to give the illusion of 3D.

Later, I started using two vanishing points to draw imaginary cities using simple geometric figures. After a little time I added a third vanishing point to get more realistic views when the observation point is low or high above the horizon. I was around 10 y.o. when I was drawing these images.

I stopped for a while but, when I got my first Apple II in 1978, I began again drawing on my monitor. I got hold of a program allowing drawing 3D representations in wireframe. It was primitive when compared to today’s softwares capabilities but, at that time, it was the summum to me.

Later, for my job, I had to do technical sketches and I began using MacDraw then PowerDraw to do sketches representing 2D and 3D objects. Of course, If I needed to show an object using different views, I had to start all over. This was at the start of the 90’s.

Then I stumble on SketchUp early in the 2000’s. It was version 3.0.

For me, it was like finding a treasure. Finally, I was able to draw real 3D objects and manipulate them as needed during their construction and once completed. This was heaven for me.

Of course, this was representation on a 2D screen but nevertheless a 3D representation.

The next step might be 3D printing to explore another facet of this kind of software. Of course I was exposed to AutoCAD, Catia, and a few other big names in CAD softwares. I also had a look at Blender. All these softwares have a relatively steep learning curves and some are very expensive.

In conclusion, SU is, for me, the quasi perfect software to produce 3D representation of anything I might imagine. The basic toolset is pretty complete and not overwhelming. I have seen the capabilities increase as the years went by with the addition of nice tools and plugins that allows incredible objects to be created and, to me, I see these objects in 3D even if they are displayed on a 2D screen. And, finally, if I need curves to be looking very well, I simply use more segments in arcs and circles.

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76

Your assumption is quite reasonable. I have to confess I have no knowledge of how some of this stuff is done. Take a look at this circle drawn in MS Word:

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How it’s done is beyond me.

77

Yes, it is nice but it is a 2D circle drawn on a flat sheet of paper. It doesn’t need 3D coordinates to localise its center in space nor its circumference.

78

I understand that, but it’s process I’m curious about, and is it a process that can be used and adapted by other applications?

79

Somewhere inside lurks the equation that produces a circle. All software, then, converts that into a polygon to draw its image on the screen. Word has used a large number of segments to make them not distinguishable. AutoCad has a system variable (Viewres) to control the appearence. SketchUp always draws a polygon as it needs the vertices when it is push-pulled to form a cylinder but preserves the “circleness” info so the number of segments can be altered if needed.

80

As I’ve mentioned before, that can cause errors in modeling. Changing the sides of a circle to any number that is not devisable by 4, can result in errors in modeling. At the very least, SketchUp should force the number of sides to be a number devisable by 4. I don’t see any advantage to allowing users to make mistakes that are easily avoidable. I wonder how many users out there appreciate this detail.