Well done Mike, as an architect myself, there is a difference between how we approach a drawing task versus how graphics and other design people approach the same task, and your approach was perfectly comfortable with me and was logical and informative. For people who don't or haven't produced construction documents for a living, especially on CADD, these things don't seem to matter. I really dug how you solved the window creation matter: After the openings were cut, you created and copied a simple rectangle to both openings as a group item, and then went on to flesh the thing out by editing one of the group items, and the modifications were instantly shared with all the group members at the same time. Now some people might think that one could 1st create the fully detailed window all in one exercise and then copy it over to the other window openings, but your method performs the copying when the group is at its very simplest form and only in a singular rectangular plane, so the group's drawings elements and the drawing elements where the group is to be inserted are far less complicated and easier to select for proper placement.
Thanks for this video! I'm a long time sketchup user and learned several shortcuts from your video. Thanks for taking the time to put your knowledge out there, it is much appreciated. Ana
Same here, Pyro Dexx!! Unfortunately, I tried it myself and try as I might, I can't get it to do what it did for you, Mike. Can you tell us exactly what you did to hip that roof with the follow me tool? Thanks!
I love the Sketchup construction drawing methodology. I have been using SU for about two years in my own Architectural business so am very interested in refining the design & layout process. I downloaded the BIC template but unfortunately it is in the old feet and inches format. I thought i might be able to convert to metric but not sure if it can be done. Thanks for your input. Ronsino
Mike, question: How are you so seamlessly moving around w/in the model? It appears that you're using keyboard shortcuts, but it also appears that certain 2nd level commands can be used w/in a 1st level command. Is that true? Also, I would be very happy to learn how to write 2 and 3 letter shortcuts, but SU appears to allow only 1 letter shortcuts; do you know how to get around that limitation?
Hello Ronsino! First, open the downloaded BIC_Default Template.skp, I prefer to avoid orbiting so that my template starts out in a perfect plan view. You can change the units by clicking on the Window dropdown and choosing Model Info". On the Units tab switch over to Metric, or your desired units. Now, you will need to save the file, or overwrite your template file. Start a new model and verify... Let me know if you have any trouble... Thanks!
+Justin Joshua I use CTRL + H to toggle hiding rest of model. This command is found under view dropdown > component edit > hide rest of model. Assign keyboard shortcut in edit (sketchup on mac) > preferernces > shortcuts. This is a great way to focus on what you are modeling while keeping all other geometry out of your way... Let me know if that helps!
hello mike, I am from Peru I want to buy the book from amazon but ive been looking at your videos and information and as ur from usa you only work in imperial units, does the templates, documents, the pluig in and everything that comes with the book haves a metric side?? Thanks.
Hello Nico! Definitely! Our entire system, ConDoc Tools, and book all work perfectly with imperial and metric units. The ConDoc Tools come with a set of scrapbook drawings specifically for metric. Let me know if I can help with anything else. Thanks!
Hello Nico! yeah, we shut down sketchup exchange to focus on our pro user forum at www.condoctools.com. We still host the book files at www.brightmandesigns.com/tswfa
Hello Kirk! Click on the window (sketchup on mac) dropdown > preferences > shortcuts. Type in the filter "guides"... click in the text input window and press CTRL + E. click the plus sign and you should be good to go. I use CTRL + H for "Hide Rest of Model". Thanks!
Hi Mike, thank you for the excellent series of videos. Is there a particular reason you're not using the component ability to stick to wall surfaces to make windows and doors where they cut the openings automatically? I noticed you cut the openings manually. Does this affect how the windows and walls will look in Layout?
Oh boy...well if you're just starting, take it from the folks who have been doing it for years. GROUP everything. Otherwise stuff "sticks" together. You won' be able to move a cabinet off the wall without the wall "coming with it"...and this applies to virtually everything...if you GROUP, they all stay separate and you can move things around and control layers without things going very , very whacky...Also, draw EVERYTHING on layer Zero and then group stuff, The groups then go onto separate layers for control and flexibility.
Yes to what Flintstone said about sticking. Also, CAD software produces huge volumes of data, and things like groups, components, repeated items, and blocks etc. are essential to helping conserve the precious RAM that enable us to draw on a computer. Your computer needs you to use groups and components so it doesn't have to work too hard or SLOWLY, and it gives us an easy way to control the visibility and editability of the model -- there are times when we need to "clear the deck" in order to be able to see what we're trying to do. Even though this video example is a tiny one, you should be able to see that on larger models/projects, there will be many (hundreds even) repeated pieces and the groups/components, and that fully fleshing out only one item yet having that work simultaneously appear throughout all instances of the group/component is a huge time saver.
Yep, what the others above have said. Also, it is how things are built. Many parts are assembled together to make a whole. Imagine a mechanic trying to repair a car if all the parts just melded together where they meet. That's what happens when you don't use groups and components. Though it is possible to model without them, ss soon as a model has any complexity, trying to go forward without groups and components is insanity. My general rule is, "Making 1 item, group it, making more than one, make it a component." Of course the "Make unique" command is there to help. I work like this no matter what software package I'm using.
Sketch up should not be used for Construction documents! ... it contains no embedded information, nor is accurate, unlike REVIT (or even AutoCAD). Best learning Revit, as the industry is heading towards BIM Level 2. Sketchup is not BIM.
Hello Ian! You are misinformed. SketchUp contains embedded information in the form of IFC Classifications and dynamic components. SketchUp is accurate to 1/64", just like many popular CAD programs. Regarding Construction documents, Revit is an excellent tool for creating large complex sets with extensive scheduling and coordination. SketchUp is an excellent tool for creating less complex sets, typically for design build, residential, and light commercial. Use the right tool for the job, there is no one size fits all.
Michael Brightman question....why are you creating a 3d model first? is there a way to just do a line drawing of a floor plan without creating a model?
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Well done Mike, as an architect myself, there is a difference between how we approach a drawing task versus how graphics and other design people approach the same task, and your approach was perfectly comfortable with me and was logical and informative. For people who don't or haven't produced construction documents for a living, especially on CADD, these things don't seem to matter.
I really dug how you solved the window creation matter: After the openings were cut, you created and copied a simple rectangle to both openings as a group item, and then went on to flesh the thing out by editing one of the group items, and the modifications were instantly shared with all the group members at the same time. Now some people might think that one could 1st create the fully detailed window all in one exercise and then copy it over to the other window openings, but your method performs the copying when the group is at its very simplest form and only in a singular rectangular plane, so the group's drawings elements and the drawing elements where the group is to be inserted are far less complicated and easier to select for proper placement.
Thanks for this video! I'm a long time sketchup user and learned several shortcuts from your video. Thanks for taking the time to put your knowledge out there, it is much appreciated. Ana
You blew my mind when you made the roof. Was never taught that command in school!
Same here, Pyro Dexx!! Unfortunately, I tried it myself and try as I might, I can't get it to do what it did for you, Mike. Can you tell us exactly what you did to hip that roof with the follow me tool? Thanks!
Thank you so much for all your wonderful insightful workflow.
I love the Sketchup construction drawing methodology. I have been using SU for about two years in my own Architectural business so am very interested in refining the design & layout process. I downloaded the BIC template but unfortunately it is in the old feet and inches format. I thought i might be able to convert to metric but not sure if it can be done. Thanks for your input. Ronsino
Can you give the link of Delete lines plugin?
Mike, question: How are you so seamlessly moving around w/in the model? It appears that you're using keyboard shortcuts, but it also appears that certain 2nd level commands can be used w/in a 1st level command. Is that true? Also, I would be very happy to learn how to write 2 and 3 letter shortcuts, but SU appears to allow only 1 letter shortcuts; do you know how to get around that limitation?
Hello Ronsino! First, open the downloaded BIC_Default Template.skp, I prefer to avoid orbiting so that my template starts out in a perfect plan view. You can change the units by clicking on the Window dropdown and choosing Model Info". On the Units tab switch over to Metric, or your desired units. Now, you will need to save the file, or overwrite your template file. Start a new model and verify... Let me know if you have any trouble... Thanks!
Where can I get the Delete Coplanar edges plugin?
adam v
Did you get the link?
has sketchup grown up to be used standalone for architecture. or is it still a conceptual tool with detail drawing to be done in autocad?
Which command do you assign the Hide to using CTRL+H?
+Justin Joshua I use CTRL + H to toggle hiding rest of model. This command is found under view dropdown > component edit > hide rest of model. Assign keyboard shortcut in edit (sketchup on mac) > preferernces > shortcuts. This is a great way to focus on what you are modeling while keeping all other geometry out of your way... Let me know if that helps!
Sure wish you would write a book like this for Modo by Luxology
El gurú del Sketchup, genial el metodo que tiene de trabajar con el programa.
is this for Mac or PC computers...?
hello mike, I am from Peru I want to buy the book from amazon but ive been looking at your videos and information and as ur from usa you only work in imperial units, does the templates, documents, the pluig in and everything that comes with the book haves a metric side?? Thanks.
Hello Nico! Definitely! Our entire system, ConDoc Tools, and book all work perfectly with imperial and metric units. The ConDoc Tools come with a set of scrapbook drawings specifically for metric. Let me know if I can help with anything else. Thanks!
Thanks for the fast response Mike. I will buy the book now thanks. and sketchup exchange no longer exists ?
Hello Nico! yeah, we shut down sketchup exchange to focus on our pro user forum at www.condoctools.com. We still host the book files at www.brightmandesigns.com/tswfa
Hi, how did you do the Ctrl+E that deletes all the guides, that was awesome. :)
Hello Kirk! Click on the window (sketchup on mac) dropdown > preferences > shortcuts. Type in the filter "guides"... click in the text input window and press CTRL + E. click the plus sign and you should be good to go. I use CTRL + H for "Hide Rest of Model". Thanks!
Cooool! now I can make my own shortcuts as well. Thanks!
Hi Mike, thank you for the excellent series of videos.
Is there a particular reason you're not using the component ability to stick to wall surfaces to make windows and doors where they cut the openings automatically? I noticed you cut the openings manually. Does this affect how the windows and walls will look in Layout?
thank you
help me i need serial number of skethup 2013 please
Felicitaciones desde Caracas Venezuela buen video. En español hubiera sido aún mejor, thanks
what is the name of your book? you talk about it, but don't name it? thanks
It's called "The SketchUp Workflow for Architecture" 0:11
Why should I always make groups?
Oh boy...well if you're just starting, take it from the folks who have been doing it for years. GROUP everything. Otherwise stuff "sticks" together. You won' be able to move a cabinet off the wall without the wall "coming with it"...and this applies to virtually everything...if you GROUP, they all stay separate and you can move things around and control layers without things going very , very whacky...Also, draw EVERYTHING on layer Zero and then group stuff, The groups then go onto separate layers for control and flexibility.
Yes to what Flintstone said about sticking. Also, CAD software produces huge volumes of data, and things like groups, components, repeated items, and blocks etc. are essential to helping conserve the precious RAM that enable us to draw on a computer. Your computer needs you to use groups and components so it doesn't have to work too hard or SLOWLY, and it gives us an easy way to control the visibility and editability of the model -- there are times when we need to "clear the deck" in order to be able to see what we're trying to do.
Even though this video example is a tiny one, you should be able to see that on larger models/projects, there will be many (hundreds even) repeated pieces and the groups/components, and that fully fleshing out only one item yet having that work simultaneously appear throughout all instances of the group/component is a huge time saver.
Yep, what the others above have said. Also, it is how things are built. Many parts are assembled together to make a whole. Imagine a mechanic trying to repair a car if all the parts just melded together where they meet. That's what happens when you don't use groups and components. Though it is possible to model without them, ss soon as a model has any complexity, trying to go forward without groups and components is insanity.
My general rule is, "Making 1 item, group it, making more than one, make it a component." Of course the "Make unique" command is there to help. I work like this no matter what software package I'm using.
I'm in love!
Sketch up should not be used for Construction documents! ... it contains no embedded information, nor is accurate, unlike REVIT (or even AutoCAD).
Best learning Revit, as the industry is heading towards BIM Level 2. Sketchup is not BIM.
Hello Ian! You are misinformed. SketchUp contains embedded information in the form of IFC Classifications and dynamic components. SketchUp is accurate to 1/64", just like many popular CAD programs.
Regarding Construction documents, Revit is an excellent tool for creating large complex sets with extensive scheduling and coordination. SketchUp is an excellent tool for creating less complex sets, typically for design build, residential, and light commercial. Use the right tool for the job, there is no one size fits all.
Michael Brightman question....why are you creating a 3d model first? is there a way to just do a line drawing of a floor plan without creating a model?