I’m a long-time SketchUp user who really values the flexibility of Dynamic Components (DCs) — but I believe they could be even more powerful with a few key improvements. As someone trying to build complex, reusable components, I’ve found some limitations in how DCs handle data and user interaction. I’d like to propose some enhancements that would make DCs behave more like true object-oriented entities.
Attribute Inheritance Through the Hierarchy
Currently, attributes don’t naturally flow from parent to child, or to deeper levels like grandchild or great-grandchild. Each nested component must be managed independently, which introduces a lot of redundancy. I’d like to see SketchUp implement a true inheritance model, where user-defined attributes (and possibly system attributes) can cascade through the hierarchy unless overridden — just like object-oriented classes.
This would allow for more modular, reusable components, and simplify complex assemblies significantly.
Visibility of Nested Attributes in the DC Options Dialog
As it stands, only the top-level component’s attributes marked as “Display in Options Dialog” are shown to the user. I propose extending this functionality so that any visible attribute in a nested child, grandchild, or deeper component is also accessible in the DC Options dialog.
Ideally, this could be presented in a collapsible, structured layout, similar to how the Outliner presents the component hierarchy — making it intuitive and consistent with the SketchUp experience.
– Additional Suggestions –
Custom UI Grouping in the Options Dialog
Let us group attributes visually with section headers, collapsible panels, or tabs — this would improve usability, especially for components with dozens of attributes.
Improved Debugging Tools
Error reporting and formula validation would be a game changer. Currently, it’s hard to track down why something isn’t working, especially with deeply nested components.
Copy/Paste of Attribute Structures
Being able to duplicate and reuse attribute sets (with formulas intact) across components would speed up prototyping and promote consistency.
These changes would not only make Dynamic Components more powerful and flexible, but they would also lower the barrier for advanced users building configurable models — from furniture and cabinetry to architectural and manufacturing systems. It would also help align SketchUp more closely with modern, object-oriented modeling practices found in other 3D platforms, while keeping SketchUp’s simplicity intact.