I think ruby can draw circles (at least with some of its libraries). But Open GL can’t be used to draw circles. Qt can draw circles. Maybe some new possibilities are opening up?
This is the second time you bring this up in your last few posts. Wrong !
It is the user that should be allowed to determine the number of segments.
Think of designing a gear box with spur gears with [ 17 teeth <> 41 teeth ]. You suggestion to force a multiple of 4 would be a nightmare to make them accurate.
Zoom out a bit and re-think your suggestions" before you start demanding them to be implemented.
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So the user should have the option to override the default “suggestion by SketchUp”. Again, I have to say that not realizing that you can be inadvertently creating modeling errors, is no advantage. How many users are currently aware of the “circle subtlety”? I’m thinking far too many are unaware.
The number of segment shall be equal to what is needed for the modelling.
For example, if you want to simulate Meccano gears or chain sprockets, you will need numbers that are not all divisible by 4. See this page:
And, for actual gears that you find in various machines, you also need numbers that are not all divisible by 4.
Of couse, you can multiply the number by 4 or 8 or more if you want. Then, for a 19 teeth gear, you can use 76 sides or 152 or whatever suits you. Why not 38 sides.
I’ll simply repeat what I said before, which to my limited mind makes sense.
So the user should have the option to override the default “suggestion by SketchUp”. Again, I have to say that not realizing that you can be inadvertently creating modeling errors, is no advantage. How many users are currently aware of the “circle subtlety”? I’m thinking far too many are unaware.
This is already the case. The default number of sides is 24 which is a good compromise between decent visuals and low polys, and has the divisible advantages of a 12 based system which fits for many standard angle choices.
If the user wants something different they have to modify the default. Do nothing and you get 24.
Change the default to 22, and then draw a line on the x axis from the center of the circle to the edge, Then draw a second line from the center to the edge of the circle in the opposite direction. Weld the two lines, and what do you have. What you don’t have is the diameter of the circle. At 22 sides, you may notice the problem. But at 123 sides it would be very hard to notice. So creating a value that you thought was the true diameter, and then relying on that incorrect value for precise calculations in you model, could be a serious problem. I’ve never heard, or seen any warnings about this “trap” in SketchUp. I used SketchUp for years before realized the importance of a circle’s vertices being at the precise location for determining such things as the length of the diameter, or quadrants of the circle.
Those things are important to me too. Can’t be done in Sketchup that way. It requires another workflow. It would be cool if, when breaking a circle or arc we could break it exactly at a point along those geometric curves, but then an important feature of Sketchup would break - wysisyg - because those curves paths don’t match the actual model.
Just because it is a computer does not mean it can do everything. There are limits to what the hardware is capable of and limits to programing. There are things you are looking for that can be useful, many will require a major rewrite of the code. Again I say find a software that meets your requirements.
We only need the software to be as accurate as we need it, and we need to use the software in a way that uses that accuracy to our end goals. Artistans, craftsmen and designers who truly understand their tools create beautiful things - often with what is perceived as little effort, almost magically. But using a nail gun like a hammer or a violin like a timpani will end in frustration.
One of my early ‘big’ projects was the round barn. I knew enough even then that setting up my circle for the perimeter of the barn, as well as the number of segments - was key to being able to model is successfully.
My formative years in design were using AutoCAD, HSBCad and the early days of Architectural Desktop. When I discovered SketchUp I embraced it for what it is… and I haven’t looked back. I’ve never once wished it could be something completely different, and I’ve learned to use it much like one would learn to use a parallel rule, compass and pencil.
I don’t model round pegs for timber frame joinery at more than 8 segments. I limit my representation of steel rods and bolts to only the detail required to tell the story of how the building goes together.
But when I do need to precisely lay out valley rafters on complex roof systems, (like the carousel below) or the framing for something like the round barn - I think about the tools I have available and make use of them so they become a strength and part of the process.
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Yes but this is still a circle and not a bunch of segmets. The viewres command was a way to help with viewing this on older, slower computers. AutoCAD can do nurbs, curves and circles with ease.
Excellent example of being able to snap to a circle’s quadrants precisely.
Yes, because I understand the tools…
SketchUp is keeping the circle data behind the scenes. The segment number you type in tells SketchUp how many edges to draw the circle in, which may help with performance. If you export a 3D DWG or DXF, you’re given the true circle or curve.
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I know this BUT why does it butcher it for 2D dwg output?
This is what the Entity Info Window is for. Personnally, I have it visible all the time.
Clic on a circle and you immediately see its radius.
If you prefer, click on the Dimension Tool and then you can place the radius or the diameter of the circle on your model.
I suggest that you look at the instructional videos about SketchUp that you can easily find on YouTube. View the SketchUp Live sessions. I did and still do it to learn new tricks and discover the enormous possibilities of this program, especially when you add plugins…
I suggest that you right click on all the objects in a model to see all the possibilities that contextual menus are offering. Open the Instructor Window to see what each tool can do. Use the online help. Believe me, even after more than 20 years of using SketchUp, I consult these ressources from time to time.
Don’t be afraid to get other programs if you think that SketchUp can’t do what you need. I do that on my job, preparing a nice piping sketch, for example, presenting to a client, transferring it to a technician as a dwg file to be put on an official drawing and, sometimes, added to a Catia model of a complete power house containing mechanical, electrical, civil, etc.
Because that is basically a screenshot, often from perspective or otherwise non-orthogonal viewpoints. A foreshortened circle is not a circle, as the result is supposed to be 2D.
I think it’s more than a screenshot 
Some data behind
Have you tried camera view top perspective off 3d DWG export?