Create a Layout-like plug-in for Autocad and Bricscad

[rockadayjohnny]

For users who like SketchUp but don’t use Layout (need the more extensive feature set of a larger CAD program) what about a plug-in that allows hot-linking to a SketchUp file (like an XREF in CAD). This woul have features similar to what Layout allows – hybrid or raster rendering, set to scale, etc.

I have posted about this in a couple of other forums and that discussion may help to clarify what this would involve:

Possible to create a plug-in for Autocad/Bricscad to hot-link SketchUp file?

I’m an architect, not a developer, although I have some programming experience from many years ago. I use SketchUp in my architectural practice for 3d design but do my 2D work and construction documents in Bricscad (a clone of Autocad). I’m not interested in switching to Layout as it does not provide the CAD capabilities that I need. This is more of a theoretical question than a how-to – but would it be possible to develop a plug-in for Autocad and/or Bricscad that would work sort of like Layou…

SketchUp Raster Elevations into Autocad or Bricscad

Hi, I’m an Architect and have been using SketchUp since Version 2. It is very important to my practice. My construction documents are done in Bricscad (a very good Autocad clone), all in 2D so no BIM or anything like that. But 3D modeling for almost every job is done in SketchUp. I use raster images exported from SketchUp as elevations in my CAD program. Generally they look better than elevations drawn with vectors (assuming resolution is sufficient) and I can get material colors, shadows, etc…

Info on cross-platform Autocad and Bricscad development:

Build & Sell Apps for BricsCAD with the BRX API

It perhaps would not be for everyone (those who use and like Layout can use Layout) but for those of us who use Autocad or Bricscad it would be a great tool and would extend the SketchUp philosophy of playing well with others.

[Odd_Haakon_Byberg]

I´ve never used bricscad, and only used autocad for 2D, but if there´s an efficient way to dimension 3D geometry correctly, I would just keep a 3d export of the sketchup model referenced into that drawing, and re-export the xref-ed dwg from sketchup when needed.

[rockadayjohnny]

I understand what you are saying, and there probably is a way to do that. But two things I would like to have that this method does not provide:

• Materials, colors, and shadows from the Sketchup model retained
• No need to export every time the Sketchup model is changed.

I have a way of working around these issues (see my link to a post in the general forum) which involves exporting raster images from SketchUp. It is ok but could use some improvement which is why I suggest this new feature.

[simoncbevans]

If someone could come up with a Layout replacement that maintains a hot link to a SU file, they would make a fortune. Or at least, they would if they were able to deal with all of LO’s shortcomings, principal of which would be its speed. But including a fully featured 2D set of tools would also be key.

I presume that if all this were easy, it would have been done long since by Trimble who must be well aware just how clunky LO is and how much it annoys many experienced users. Or by someone else spotting the gap in the market.

Trimble have not ignored LO altogether but the various tweaks and workarounds that we currently live with are really just sticking plasters and don’t stem the blood loss.