# Dynamic Component help & advice **URL:** \ **Category:** Dynamic Components\ **Created:** [October 9, 2026, 8:40pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496 "2026-10-09T20:40:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![themitchells777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c77e96/32.png) [@themitchells777](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/themitchells777)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2026, 8:40pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/1 "2026-10-09T20:40:15Z")
Hello all! I need some help with a DC that I am trying to create. It’s a basic stud wall with a sheet of ply/mdf on the front. The stud frame I would like to be able to use a drop down list and change the timber size, anything from say 2x1 all the way to 10x2. The same goes for the sheet material on the front, users can select a thickness from 3mm all the way to 32mm. I’ve started to model and input formulas etc and for the most part I think I’m getting there but I feel I might have reached my limit. When I try to change the timber width from a drop down box they all scale in the same direction, how do I get a middle stud to scale evenly from the centre or a left/right stud to scale in the opposite direction? My goal is to have a standard size based on 8x4 (2440 x 1220mm) with the studs keeping spacing etc when the DC is changed? I feel that if I could further understand certain formulas I could crack this. Any help or advice would be appreciated and apologies if this sounds confusing, I’ve attached my model to date. Thank you [DYNAMIC\_TEST.skp](https://forums.sketchup.com/uploads/short-url/opdhAfhHRjf6ElDOWVmzbbHn5Mf.skp) (124.4 KB) Ben ---
**Author:** ![d13tz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/41988e/32.png) [@d13tz](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/d13tz)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2026, 5:40pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/2 "2026-10-12T17:40:06Z")
Hi Ben, Here is an edited version of your DC. I made a few changes to the formulas which I think will help. For the center stud, I simply changed the axis to be in the center instead of the corner. This keeps it in the center when the width changes. For the right stile, I changed the X position formula so it will always be at the far right side. It would also work to change the axis on this one. Or if the center one needs to have the axis at the corner for other purposes, the formula could be WIDTH/2 + LenX/2 For the Toggles, I created two attributes: one for when both sides show, and one for when only one side shows. It does the math to figure out the correct length for the pieces, and then chooses which one to apply based on the width of the frame. Let me know if you have any questions or I misunderstood what you’re trying to accomplish. [DYNAMIC\_TEST\_Edit.skp](https://forums.sketchup.com/uploads/short-url/nd01P0gmB4tRhze8wFFg6MspXhE.skp) (136.2 KB) ---
**Author:** ![themitchells777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c77e96/32.png) [@themitchells777](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/themitchells777)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2026, 7:11pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/3 "2026-10-12T19:11:42Z")
Hey d13tz, I can’t thank you enough for this, it’s incredibly useful. It’s so interesting to see someone’s workings and to understand how you do it. You understood perfectly what I’m trying to achieve and I’ve made some further adjustments myself, however I’m stuck, again. I’ve attached a copy. [DYNAMIC\_TEST\_EDIT\_12\_10\_2026.skp](https://forums.sketchup.com/uploads/short-url/i2uPTMitQA9iKZjZiDnIRfZ5eAO.skp) (130.3 KB) Would it be possible to ask for your help a little further? I’ve attached my updated version, and you’ll see straight away that the top rail and the bottom sill are now causing me a slight issue when re-sizing to 2’, they now overlap both the left and right stiles, can you help me ith this at all, sorry. I changed the axis for the toggles as per your method and that works perfectly. I’m not too sure with the total height options that 2440 and 3050 will now conflict with the timber widths, any help on this would be amazing, if you have time of course. And one last thing, what are your thoughts on making this whole thing scalable? I’m trying to make this thing as felixable as possible but if I were to scale I would need to maintain the starting full plywood sheet at 1220 x 2440 and anything bigger would just add additional bits of ply until it reaches a full sheet again, that probably sounds confusing, I can explain further if needed. Thank you so much again Ben ---
**Author:** ![d13tz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/41988e/32.png) [@d13tz](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/d13tz)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2026, 7:53pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/4 "2026-10-12T19:53:50Z")
You’re welcome. Using the same concept, in your formulas you can change the hard coded numbers to variables. So instead of the LenZ of the stiles being `height - 4.4`, it would be `height - (timber_width * 2)` Position Z for the stiles should be `timber_width` Rail top you could use `height - timber_width` or just use `height` and change the axis to the top corner. As far as scaling, I don’t have a lot of experience with scaling dynamic components. I’m sure you could design it so that when the size increases beyond the standard, a hidden piece of plywood would become visible. It might get complicated with the framing. ---
**Author:** ![themitchells777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c77e96/32.png) [@themitchells777](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/themitchells777)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/5 "2026-10-12T20:21:09Z")
Thanks so much, I’ll work those formulas into the DC and see what happens. It won’t be until the morning as I’m in the UK, so can give you an update tomorrow if needed. Really appreciate it! Ben ---
**Author:** ![ryan.moore](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/ryan.moore/32/106089_2.png) [@ryan.moore](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/ryan.moore)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2026, 11:29pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/6 "2026-10-12T23:29:02Z")
FYI I have posted a response but it is waiting to get unflagged because I quoted @themitchells777 use of the word cr ack, which is apparently far worse than some other words… > [@All of a sudden my post needs approval?](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/all-of-a-sudden-my-post-needs-approval/350545/15): > > The auto mod software is ass and doesn’t give a ■■■■ if you fuck around and what all, just don’t do cr ack… wink (Word that is blocked out is sh it …) What can I say, hopefully it’s worth the wait. 🤷‍♂️ ---
**Author:** ![themitchells777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c77e96/32.png) [@themitchells777](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/themitchells777)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2026, 5:12pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/7 "2026-10-13T17:12:49Z")
Hey Ryan, Looking forward to your response, apologies for using the word c\*\*\*k, I had no idea it would cause a headache like this. ---
**Author:** ![themitchells777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c77e96/32.png) [@themitchells777](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/themitchells777)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2026, 5:17pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/8 "2026-10-13T17:17:45Z")
@d13tz, I’ve managed to add the some of the formulas you mentioned in your previous post and they work a treat, but the LenZ on the stiles where you suggest removing height-4.4 and replace with height - (timber\_width\*2) I’m having trouble with. This will definatly be user error at my end but if you wouldn’t mind taking a look at the attached you’ll see what I mean. Thank you in advance Ben [DYNAMIC\_TEST\_EDIT\_12\_10\_2026.skp](https://forums.sketchup.com/uploads/short-url/kelf56kylPRg5IlY2NsFU82bX31.skp) (121.0 KB) ---
**Author:** ![d13tz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/41988e/32.png) [@d13tz](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/d13tz)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2026, 5:39pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/9 "2026-10-13T17:39:45Z")
Sorry, I should have been more accurate with the formulas. When you are working in a nested component and are referencing a parent component, you need to have it’s name in the formula followed by “!”. The first part is correct: `=FLAT_FRAME!HEIGHT` But then the second part needs to be `(FLAT_FRAME!TIMBER_WIDTH*2)` `=FLAT_FRAME!HEIGHT - (FLAT_FRAME!TIMBER_WIDTH*2)` Or as @ryan.moore points out, you can just use `Parent!` instead of `FLAT_FRAME! `This will work if you have more nested components. `=Parent!HEIGHT - (Parent!TIMBER_WIDTH*2)` ---
**Author:** ![ryan.moore](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/ryan.moore/32/106089_2.png) [@ryan.moore](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/ryan.moore)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2026, 6:24pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/10 "2026-10-13T18:24:38Z")
I started this reply this morning and then had to go do a bunch of stuff, and then Levi @d13tz beat me to the post! Anyways FFIW here is my response. > [@themitchells777](#): > > I feel that if I could further understand certain formulas I could cr\*ck this. Which ones? Some DC resources: > [@Dynamic Components Resources \[wiki\]](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936): > > Dynamic Components Resources These lists are wikis. They can be appended or repaired by anyone with wiki privileges. [card_index Directory of Resource Lists](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/1)[notebook User Guide: Sectional Outline](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/2)[card_box Keyword Index](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/3)[[image] Training Components](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/4)[mortar_board Tutorials](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/5)[books Books](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/6)[newspaper News & Blogs](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/7)[bulb Tips & Tricks](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/8)[notebook USERGUIDE](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/2) | [card_box INDEX](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/3) | [books BOOKS](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/6) | [[image] COMPONENTS ](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/4) | [newspaper NEWS](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/7) | [bulb TIPS](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/8) | […](http://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-components-resources-wiki/25936/5) > **[SKETCHUP DYNAMIC COMPONENTS - GOTCHA'S](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wBQJYUHTEiMpW5edqbyO1rmEIBxVPP6a_KqpyRpREzk/edit?pli=1&gid=0#gid=0)** > > This Sheet is private So a couple things: Use the generic Parent! reference for child components. Reduces the chance of typo errors and allows reuse of child components easily. Stay in one unit type, you are mixing inches and centimeters. You can use inches for a drop down I suppose, but set the display units to text I think and the option values need to be in cm. I don’t work in metric and there are some specifics to that: > [@DC apparently ignoring End User units and input with units](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dc-apparently-ignoring-end-user-units-and-input-with-units/49451/9): > > As per @MichaelW you need to choose centimeters in the drop down units, inches if using inches, but not text, as the value of text is assumed to be in inches > there are scaling issue with your collection of sub components, this probably was produce with the various stretching as changes were made, its good practice to build DCs without changing the original values, always returning to them after testing before adding another formula, otherwise the various subs can get out of sync (out of scale) > > I suggest you use groups for the subs, as there is over 1 MB of collected component rubbish for the 150kb component > Can you post a true scaled set of groups without any formula, then I will give it a go using metric Anyways here is another version for you to pick apart and learn from: [Dynamic Wall v3.skp](https://forums.sketchup.com/uploads/short-url/z76b51Ax6DGgiJZgTXYL264nqLa.skp) (193.3 KB) I made quite a few changes. You can enter any width of height value. The “stiles” and “toggle\_left” members logic has been changed to use copies. You will notice I separated the end members for these into their own components. I could go into more detail but probably better for you to look at it and then ask questions about what you need clarified… ---
**Author:** ![themitchells777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c77e96/32.png) [@themitchells777](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/themitchells777)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2026, 7:04pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/11 "2026-10-13T19:04:07Z")
Wow Ryan, Thank you, thank you, this is amazing info. I need to get my head into it properly but taking a look at the model you have tweaked makes a lot of sense. I knew I was out of my depth but this is next level. I’ve attached a clean geometry model of how I nee this wall set up to start. It’s odd but in the UK we still use terms like 3x1 as a general term for timber sizes but adhere to metric at 22 x 70mm, as an example. The same for the plywood sheet, although marked as 8x4 we are strict on using the metric at 2440 x 1220mm. This applies to the majority of the materials we use. So the dropdown list being in inches as a description is fine, I think and it does get a little confusing using centimetres too but centimetres are just Millimetres with a decimal point in a different place, you are correct that it makes things confusing but it’s just what I need to try an stick too, sorry. If I could start like this and say have a drop down list for say 4x2 (95mm x 45mm/9.5cm x 4.5cm) this would give me good starting point to then copy and add the other options in the list. If you feel like having a go that would be very appreciated but if you don’t have the time then I totally get it, just happy for the support. Thanks again Ben ---
**Author:** ![themitchells777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c77e96/32.png) [@themitchells777](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/themitchells777)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2026, 7:05pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/12 "2026-10-13T19:05:10Z")
[DYNAMIC\_TEST\_WALL\_CLEAN.skp](https://forums.sketchup.com/uploads/short-url/2iFx56KeFGOfeezFk4i2lfFAZcX.skp) (163.0 KB) ---
**Author:** ![gsharp](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/gsharp/32/25083_2.png) [@gsharp](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/gsharp)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 4:14am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/13 "2026-10-14T04:14:32Z")
I my Gotcha list private? I just checked my GDrive and think it is public to anyone but let if you have any access problems.. ---
**Author:** ![ryan.moore](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/ryan.moore/32/106089_2.png) [@ryan.moore](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/ryan.moore)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2026, 5:14pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/14 "2026-10-15T17:14:39Z")
Nope all good and working as expected. ---
**Author:** ![ryan.moore](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/ryan.moore/32/106089_2.png) [@ryan.moore](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/ryan.moore)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2026, 5:15pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/15 "2026-10-15T17:15:49Z")
Will have a look if I get some time, post an update if you make any progress. ---
**Author:** ![themitchells777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c77e96/32.png) [@themitchells777](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/themitchells777)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2026, 12:06pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/16 "2026-10-16T12:06:57Z")
Apologies for my late reply, thank you. I’m still working my way through this, I clearly don’t have the intelligence to understand like you guys do but I’m getting there…I think. I feel that if I understood coding or formula architecture better to begin with then this wouldn’t be so difficult, I do want to see this through though and I’ll keep you posted. Thanks again. ---
**Author:** ![ryan.moore](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/ryan.moore/32/106089_2.png) [@ryan.moore](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/ryan.moore)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2026, 6:53pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/17 "2026-10-16T18:53:07Z")
> [@themitchells777](#): > > I clearly don’t have the intelligence to understand Don’t denigrate yourself like that, everyone starts off not understanding. Post if you get stuck, easier to help one problem at a time than all at once. ---
**Author:** ![themitchells777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c77e96/32.png) [@themitchells777](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/themitchells777)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 6:24pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/18 "2026-11-04T18:24:40Z")
Hey everyone, Sorry for the radio silence. I’m going to just say it, I need help!! I’ve been trying to understand and get to grips with this further but I think it could be a push too far, I can scrape the surface with dynamic bits and pieces but I don’t think I can do this with out some assistance. To you guru’s this is probably a walk in the park and what I’m trying to create on paper seems so simple. I feel if I had a template set out with the basic rules I’m looking to achieve then I could carry the rest. This is a big ask but if anyone fancies a go to set out the basics for me it would be amazing! but I totally get it if not. I have a small list of what I would like if anyone is interested? This is my last call and I’ll try not to bother you guys after this. Thank you so very much. ---
**Author:** ![pcmoor](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/pcmoor/32/3427_2.png) [@pcmoor](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/pcmoor)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 9:51pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/19 "2026-11-04T21:51:12Z")
You can get help at any time on this forum, do not feel its a burden. Can do publicly on this forum which in turn may help others or private message ---
**Author:** ![ryan.moore](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/ryan.moore/32/106089_2.png) [@ryan.moore](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/ryan.moore)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 10:52pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496/20 "2026-11-04T22:52:13Z")
> [@themitchells777](#): > > This is my last call and I’ll try not to bother you guys after this. Post away man! Try to ask specific questions about what you are currently working / stuck on, not the whole thing at once. It’s easier to address issues one or two at a time and elaborate on each concept in more detail. Ask about the specific function or organizational concept at hand. Don’t feel it’s a burden mate, I learned DCs here from many folks (especially @pcmoor Philip) and enjoy paying it forward. That said I just had carpal tunnel surgery and this took 15+ mins to type lefty ( i am righty) so I may not be overly verbose for the next couple of weeks. Looking forward to your DC puzzles! [Next page](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/dynamic-component-help-advice/350496.md?page=2)