A Window Installation - Google SketchUp Workshop: Modeling, Visualizing, and Illustrating - page 91

object. The Profile Builder plug-in can be useful for modeling many building
materials, and the House Builder plug-in can be useful when modeling a lot
of wood-framed walls.

Tip

FredoScale is an excellent plug-in with many useful tools. One tool in
particular, Radial Bending, allows the illustrator to bend rectilinear objects
along curves, an ability that can be used to create expressive objects , such
as tape being applied to a surface.

Step 5: Creating Groups and Components

Goal : To make a modeled object a group or a component.
Tool : SketchUp.

Groups and components are the two types of objects created to organize
a model in SketchUp. Groups are good for objects that are uncommon and
need to be modified on a frequent basis, such as when you are showing the
trade how to make various cuts in the housewrap. Components are good for
repetitive objects that are identical in appearance, as well as objects that can
be used over and over in numerous SketchUp models. Examples of compo-
nents include construction tools, windows, and doors.

FiG 5.4 Object section.

Once an object is modeled, determine whether or not it should be a group or
a component. To make it a component, select all of the geometry of the object
(triple-clicking on the object is one good way), and then click Make
Component. Then, type in the name of the component, making sure
to be very specific about what it is, and click OK.

To make an object a group, select all of the geometry of the object,
right-click on the object, and then select Make Group. A faster way is
to create a shortcut key, such as SHIFT+G . Every time you model an
object, it is important to make it a group or a component. This keeps
the geometry from interfering with other geometry in the model.

Step 6: Creating Materials and Making a Library

Goal : To create a realistic color or texture for a building material.
Inputs : Building materials.
Tools : Adobe Photoshop CS4, color scanner, and SketchUp.

FiG 5.5 SketchUp's Create
Component dialog.

A material in SketchUp is a color or texture. To make an illustration clear and
easy to understand, it is best to use colors or textures that closely match the
real-life object. Trades are then able to better associate what they see in the
document with the actions they have to take on the construction site. It is
important to note that standard construction drawings do not use colors or