The Best SU+LO Automation for Construction Drawings?

[bmaxim]

This is exactly what this topic is about. I wondered which model and editing SU ecosystem architects worldwide use, especially tables, labels, and marks (which SketchUp lacks).

For me, I had two significant struggles:

1. exporting the project to dwg 2D, + editing layers, hatches
2. Automating the project - grids, labels, tables, marks
   I haven’t found a better solution than this 5D+ ecosystem, with its small minuses.

@rtches, we all agree that there is no better solution than Trimble Connect (in the case of SketchUp). No one doubts this. The problem is that many are not adjusted to this IFC-3D sharing ecosystem. And the rest of us have to adapt to the current conditions

[Murat75]

Good afternoon
A very relevant topic - I would add some useful programs that work in conjunction (COMBO)
For example, to draw stained-glass windows, I use the LOGIKAL software, which gives me the opportunity to transfer 3D models to Sketchup via Revit.
Also very useful plugin Dissemble and Tool - also helps to drill down into parts lists in the model.
Now I am working on COMBO for digitizing composite panels.
My example for Dissemble and Tool plugin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEOwER1WfPM&t=553s

[Murat75]

Example of Logikal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGsPAdDn9Bg&list=PLH6Pvq0m_TWVMhNSnSNPI66JBGvgptybr&index=13

[bmaxim]

Hi @Murat75. Thank you for sharing your insides. I watched your tutorials, so:

@Murat75

Dissemble and Tool plugin

Regarding fiber cement panels, I think it’s much easier to use 5D Auto Info (it’s free, by the way). It creates a table with panels, which I export to Excel, including the projected image. I haven’t tried it with wall panels, but I think it will work.

5D+ Auto Info - How to load multiple images from folder

@Murat75

to draw stained-glass windows, I use the LOGIKAL software

I have never needed detailed windows; these dynamic windows satisfy my requirements:

• https://5dplus.lemonsqueezy.com/checkout (free)
• Dynamic Exterior Full (paid)

But I will consider it someday if I need it. Thank you.
Besides that, how do you execute the final project in Layout, AutoCAD, Revit…?

[Murat75]

@bmaxim

But I will consider it someday if I need it. Thank you.
Besides that, how do you execute the final project in Layout, AutoCAD, Revit…?

I understand, but I need all the detailed dimensions of windows, jambs, composite panels and cement panels in my work. And I am very glad that someone also cares about the automation of processes in working with Sketchup. I submit my works to the customer in Layout

[Murat75]

Moreover, now the design of facades and AUTO TAG plans in 5dplas is a very, very attractive solution. Now you don’t need to do SHOPDRAWING separately in AutoCAD)

[bmaxim]

Can you show me an example of the final work of fiber cement panels or windows so I can understand your needs?

[Murat75]

I can not send you the example becouse of the size. I can send you the example of layout offer for customer which I do in Layout
tuka_alişveriş_metkezı_sunum_compressed_compressed.pdf (9.2 MB)

[bmaxim]

Thanks. A screenshot was enough for me. Imo, you could make all these tables in 5D, especially since labels, marks, grids, and levels are automatic too.

[Cyentruk]

Hi @bmaxim, thank you for your interested with 5D+ Extensions.

I can explain something that you may be missing, one by one.

@bmaxim

5D plus:

• Curic Text- editable
• Section Marks- editable
• Auto Label - editable
• Update all sections and plans at once (as the Curic Scene Manager does)
• Update all the labels at once
• Custom bound is quirky. Sometimes, I need to redo all the scenes all over again

Curic Text- editable
It’s full name is Curic Single-Line Text, so it’s told the type of the font use is “single line”. About ability to change the font to another, maybe waiting for Curic to change, and the name of the extensions must be change as follow, too.

Section Mark: You can edit here

If you mean edit the shape of symbols. Not only section mark but all labels can be edited in the current version you are using by pointing to the folder contains your custom labels 's symbol.
But in the testing version (I sent you), it is even easier to custom all symbols for all labels and grids.

Auto Label - editable
The same as above

Update all sections and plans at once (as the Curic Scene Manager does)
Let use Curic Scene Manager to do that if you want to update with Curic Section

Update all the labels at once
You can update from this command from context menu when selecting a group of labels

Custom bound is quirky. Sometimes, I need to redo all the scenes all over again
Custom bounds is designed to create a limit to the bounds of a scene. It affects to the camera fit, the display of Grids. If you had struggle with it, just simply copy from one scene has the bounds that best for your scene. Anyway, in the testing version, I had made a small change to make it clear for user easier to control it.

[Murat75]

I also want the testing version)))

[Cyentruk]

@Murat75

I also want the testing version)))

Thank you, I have sent you the testing version.

[JQL]

Very relevant topic, thanks for posting it.

The thing about BIM is that in Sketchup we can model and classify models and export them as IFC, but most of the industry is still asking for drawings for a lot of stuff.

Sketchup and Layout aren’t great for that as most of what we need to do isn’t automated nor parametric.

I’m not talking about parametric modeling, as I don’t think that’s needed, I’m talking about parametric labeling of drawings, naming of components, reporting and quantity take offs.

We still think in CAD terms, unfortunately. I wish I could simply develop the model and deliver 1:100 scale drawings from it.

Creating detailed sections at 1:25 to 1:5 scales.
Creating graphical schedules for doors, windows, cabinets, stairs.
Creatr interior elevations for kitchen, toilet drawings.
And relate all of that with master drawings, naming all viewports in Layout, label everything.

This is huge painful work.

That’s why 5D+ is so helpful and it’s continued development is so welcome.

EDIT:

5D+t also helps us deliver an IFC file, using an more or less familiar workflow that leverages Tags for classification and standard organization of the model. The concept of the plugin is a bit hard to grasp but it all stems from Tags, which used to be standard but that can now be customized into our own standards, and how those tags get translated to CAD and IFC.

It’s cool and as intuitive as possible within the Sketchup world, although it can be fine tuned.

The plugin wouldn’t be needed at all if:

• Sketchup would easily renamen and count types of objects.
• IFC Classification tools in Sketchup would be intuitive and would also allow us to organize and visualize the model accordingly
• This IFC organization would match the same kind of organization a Sketchup model requires most of the times.
• Sketchup and Layout would feature standard and parametric labels and marks for everything architects need.

[Murat75]

Thank you very much!

[bmaxim]

@Cyentruk

Curic Text- editable

@bmaxim

I know that Curic Text is editable, but I meant something else. I’d like the option to change the font and export it as text in AutoCAD. But, I don’t want to insist on this; if it were possible, Curic would have implemented it a long time ago

@Cyentruk

Section Mark: You can edit here

I tried to make my Section mark, but I can’t seem to put the number in its place. It’s somehow dynamically linked to the model’s origin, so it doesn’t stay where I need it to be. Could you give me some advice on how to do it?

Auto Label - editable
For example, in ‘‘Zone Label,’’ I would like to choose the information on the plan labels: area, room name, and code. In the new version, I don’t see such an option.

@Cyentruk

Update all the labels at once

If possible, maybe you should consider updating all labels in all scenes at once. (an option: only the Curic text can change, but the label position can be kept in all scenes at once). As an idea, if it were possible

@Cyentruk

Custom bounds

I already knew how Custom Bounds worked, but after setting up the scenes, grids, and labels, I wanted to update CB. However, it wouldn’t respond, and I saw no changes even if I copied from another scene. I’ll try using the current version and see what happens.

Meanwhile, other suggestions/questions:

• Is changing the Curic Text size for labels possible? I would like a larger size for some labels
• What is this blue and green load icon for? What settings are loaded? And where are they exported? Because it doesn’t show me the location; it only tells me that it was exported
  
  
  s

[Cyentruk]

@bmaxim

For example, in ‘‘Zone Label,’’ I would like to choose the information on the plan labels: area, room name, and code. In the new version, I don’t see such an option.

In the new version, I have removed option to choose “Styles”, instead you have to choose your custom component file in Custom Settings for Labels.

To add the information into the component file you want, you can refer to component files that I made in Sample Folders. These component files are using variables of Curic Single Line Text to get the dynamic information from linked objects. For more details, we can discuss in a private message to not go off-topic here.

@bmaxim

If possible, maybe you should consider updating all labels in all scenes at once

When you selected a label and choose “Update all labels” from context menu. It will update all labels in entire model. If you choose “Update selected label”, it only updates the labels are selected.

@bmaxim

Is changing the Curic Text size for labels possible? I would like a larger size for some labels

You’ll change the size of label from the custom component label file, then point it to the label in Custom Settings > Annotations > Labels

@bmaxim

What is this blue and green load icon for? What settings are loaded? And where are they exported? Because it doesn’t show me the location; it only tells me that it was exported

They are load settings and export settings button.
When you made changes in Custom Settings (Scenes, Styles, Annotations, Classifications), and you want to reuse it later or in many computers in a company or a team, you can export settings has been changed into a *.json file, and save wherever you want.

When you press the export settings buttons, it will appear a window like this for you to choose the location of the file will be saved:

Then, in another computer or when you reinstall SketchUp, you can load this json file and all settings has been saved before will be restored.

[ChrisDizon]

@Murat75

Dissemble and Tool

Where does a user find this extension?

[Murat75]

I have boght it

[Murat75]

These are not exactly the same things, first of all, the Dissemble plugin breaks down a component completely created from several parts into its components, while allowing you to create it in the form of a table or in the form of a list, also assigns a number to it and even makes it possible to make a production stamp for CNC. Well, the fact that you can create tables with volumes can also be done with an opencut list. Максим - вы из Молдовы? Я так понимаю, что мы можем общаться и по-русски?

[bmaxim]

@ChrisDizon

Where does a user find this extension?

He is probably asking you where to download the extension.

@Murat75

по-русски

Sorry, I do not speak Russian