I have SU 2018 pro ( and would like to upgrade to 2020 pro if someone wants to sell me the license) and I have a question. When I try to select an object inside a viewport, the arrow turns into the move symbol instead of the selection box. How do I get this to stop with the move nonsense, and select to object so I can copy it etc.? I don’t want to move the object outside the view port, copy it and then move it back in place.
Thanks G
Are you trying to select a SketchUp entity by clicking on it as it shows itself in the Layout viewport?
What I think that you are trying to do – it’s not possible.
You can double click on the viewport to “edit” the SketchUp model but only to adjust the model view.
If you want to actually start manipulating/editing entities then you need to do that in SketchUp and then update the Layout viewport…
How do I get this to stop with the move nonsense
I don’t think it’s nonsense – you need to refresh yourself on how SketchUp/Layout works 
Yes, let’s say I have put several objects inside a viewport, such as the cut indicator in the image I posted, that I created with LO and I want to copy that one to paste it some where else. So I use the arrow key to try and pull a selection box over it but it won’t open the selection box but instead the move symbol appears and it starts to move the viewport. Then I have to hit control x to undo the accidental move. The select box is a bit awkward anyway since there is a lag before it opens, unlike SU, and I am not the most patient person. Plus it wants to select several overlapping viewports instead of the one object. I find it’s a frustrating tool to use. Hence: nonsense.
Well, if that’s the way it is, so be it. Thanks. G
Sounds like you need to look into layers and grouping in LO. The layers can help with selecting and isolating elements. The layer at the top of the list sits on top of all the others. I put my SU model on its own layer and lock it and then I can add stuff on top on appropriate layers like filled shapes, dimensions & labels. This way I can pick a text note without fighting with the model.
In concept that makes sense. I have never used layers and groups in LO and rarely use them in SU. Thanks. G
I think ? I understand you now but what you describe in the initial post and your subsequent post – in my opinion – is different.
Paul - I think I see the problem. If I open the selection box outside the blue bounding line I can drag it into the bounding box ( view port) to select an object but I can not open a selection box inside the blue bounding viewport - the arrow changes to the move tool.
G
Still not entirely sure what you’re doing Gerret but perhaps as Trevor says above you need to consider grouping and using layers.
I can’t remember what version 2018 was like but with the release of 2021.1 Layout got an “improved select tool”…
The Select Tool just got some major love. We wanted to help you make intentional - not accidental - moves with your crossing and window selection workflows. Now, when you click-drag to create a crossing or window selection, you won’t mistakenly move anything! Previously, you may have accidentally moved an object when you really just wanted to change your selection. Now you’re more likely to get the result you wanted. Also, selections and moves now occur when clicking on the actual object as opposed to the object’s bounding box, strengthening that intentional workflow.
And – again – I can’t remember how version 2021 was and if what you describe would change for the better if you were to upgrade to 2020…?
Certainly I do remember not having many issues selecting objects but I do remember experiencing what the improved select tool fixed – accidently moving an object.
It looks like your placing annotations into the Sketchup View Port. Most people use a method where the Sketchup View port in on its own layer. Dimensions, Notes, Grid Labels and other Annotations all have their own layers. That way you can lock a layer so it doesnt get moved or altered. If your sketchup file has scenes and tags then the Layout view port represents that Sketchup Scene. Then you annotate accordingly to that view port. You wouldnt edit into the Sketchup View port in Layout. Only select it, in more recent versions you can turn tags off and on, I really dont remember the differences that far back. You would likely edit the model in sketchup then update the view port in layout. Annotations are separate.
