Does Sketchup get confused as a model goes on a long time?

SketchUp Pro
21

One reason not to draw using Parallel Projection is we continually see things like this where the user thinks they are drawing in 2d but the reality is something else.


As a moderately experience sketchup user I often use it for drawing things in 2d, but I would never recommend it to a new user who only wants 2d. There are many more appropriate 2d drawing tools out there that don’t get you lost in 3d space.

First and foremost Sketchup is a 3d modeling program in which you work in perspective in a 3dimensional environment, it has the ability to set the camera to Parallel Projection for the purpose of visually flattening your models for traditional 2d presentation, plans, elevations etc which can then be used via scenes in the full 2d environment of Layout. Or output as 2d images etc

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22

Exactly, I’ve used sketchup for almost 15 years, and I know how the program works and sometimes it’s easier to model using the parallel projection, specially on top view, there are plug-ins that also are easier to use on parallel projection like Dibac for example.

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23

Not to beat a dead horse, but I regularly see people creating 3D messes because they want I model in 2D in a a 3D program. Parallel Projection does not stop you from drawing in 3D, it stops you from seeing what you are drawing in 3D.

The fact is, SketchUp will always allow you to work in full 3D… things like length snapping or not being careful about inferencing will cause problems when modeling. Your view of the model will not fix messy modeling.

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24

Truthfully for my uses it doesn’t matter, but I always listen to the experts because they’re experts

How do I get that file I downloaded from Colin fixed by Dave live? All I get is ‘read only’ which means it’s locked.

25

Clearly that is not always a healthy way of looking at things.

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26

I almost always start drawing with the rectangle or circle tool instead of the pencil tool in part because you are certain to be planar right out of the gate.

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27

I haven’t learned all the idiosyncrasies of the rectangle tool yet. I’m going to start a post looking for best tutorials but when I start learning…I think I will also use the rectangle as a starting point.

28

To help achieve your goals, some time spent at the SketchUp Campus and at the SketchUp - YouTube channel will be very worthwhile. Both sites are from the SketchUp team. On the YouTube channel, pay attention to the Square One Series. It covers the basics for each tool.

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29

I went to school by majority vote. Thanks for the help and you were the only one to mention Sketchup YouTube

Thanks

30

I agree with the consensus, and to add my view on why i agree, I just thought i’d add…
Groups are so important in SketchUp that my normal way of thinking/ working now is NOT
“i’ll draw a line”
but rather…
“i’ll make a wall… so i’ll draw a line, i’ll draw a line at right angles to it, i’ll select them both and go Edit> Make Group, then I’ll open the Group by double clicking and add the other lines, and Push it upwards to is height”,
and i now have a wall. I can add other walls as separate groups, or I can add angles and side walls within that first group, but the important thing is… they are not just lines any more, they are an object in space that can be edited, moved, rotated, stretched etc, independently of other Groups.
My Sketchup files very rarely have a line in them any more, they are just collections of Groups (and components but that’s another story…
Hope the learning curve goes well for you!

31

Did you know if you right click in open space you can start a group or component before you even start drawing.

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32

Ha!
No, I had no idea! That’s really cool.
I’ve watched quite a few videos over the years and I don’t remember any of them ever mentioning that.
Thanks

33

It is fairly recent.

34

Whenever a new version is released I read the release notes :wink:

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35

…and by a week later, all I can remember is that I saw something about it but can’t remember how to do it until @Box reminds me.

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36

Look for Aaron’s Sketch Up Square One videos on YouTube. I have been using SU for quite a while and I still usually get a different approach or a different use of a tool when I watch a video.

37

I can’t up vote this comment ENOUGH times!!! Way to go!

38

I had been trying to learn Sketch up for 10 years or so and was never able to get through that FIRST project to feel success so I always quit. This summer I was determined. Once I FINALLY made through a little mobile work table draw up al of the sudden the lights just started coming on left and right. YouTube videos have made ALL the difference too!

That said. I would always go back to Layout for just doing line drawings instead. I REALLY got good at layout and loved it. I have drawn out a few of our house remodels through the years. I think it’s a great 2D program for house design. You have to purchase a Sketchup license in order to use it, which is a HUGE bummer, but it’s a great program for house design.

GOOD LUCK!

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39

You don’t have to buy a SketchUp Pro license to use it as a hobbyist! There is SketchUp Free and if you can get your hands on it there is SketchUp Make. Free to use for non commercial use.
By the way you should update your forum profile, I think you use SketchUp Pro instead of SketchUp for Schools…

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40

I think @Cackleberry_Farm was referring to the use of Layout, which does require access to SketchUp Pro.

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