I’ve used SU 2017 Pro a lot and am quite comfortable with all the functions, however, I’m a relative novice with Layout.
I am about to create more standard detail models for future use, but I would like to know the best workflow options to create this library.
Currently I have a dwg CAD file loaded with my most used details which I use in work, for use in 2D AutoCAD. While this has been successful, I feel the presentation SU/Layout offers me would be MUCH better to use. Not to mention the speed factor.
I’d like to keep them as separate details, saved on our server in a folder system that I can maintain and update as required.
So, once I’ve done my detail model, exported to Layout, annotated etc and is essentially complete, how do I then get that particular detail into a different project/Layout file?
I’m assuming that I can do this, or at least something similar…
Im utterly tired of exporting screenshots plus I know for a fact that I could have a hugely improved final product.
This is pretty much all that’s stopping me from dropping AutoCAD altogether, except maybe some fine tuning here and there in 2D before exporting. This in turn means I can save money by dumping AutoCAD subs. and use the NanoCAD I keep for emergencies (like ACAD licensing not working etc) instead. Potential big money saver.
I searched the forum but I didn’t see anything which outlines the process.
Save your imported details individually into a scrapbook. When you need that detail, insert it to the any new document.
If necessary, you can modify that detail and again save it as a new scrapbook detail, then both versions can be inserted in any new document or project.
Bring in your SketchUpfile scenes and set them up on a page or pages. Make the viewports the most likely used size so they’ll come in correctly sized later. In Document Setup>References, Unlink the .skp files so LayOut will only look at the embedded copies. Then use Save as Scrapbook.
Before you get started, go into the Scrapbook and open one of them for editing. Maybe the arrows since they are SketchUp model viewports. Notice how it opens as a page and how things are distributed.
Although you can do it, I would recommend that you don’t do much actual drawing in LO. If you’re used to a “proper” 2D CAD system like AC, you will find it very clunky. Either draw in SU (in one plane) and import or import something from AC.
Do you mean you actually like the slowness of LO? For most of us, it drives us nuts! Mind you, you are on a PC and I believe it’s a bigger problem for us Mac users.
