File Size

[Nick_f]

Hi all

 

I have just started my first project in Sketchup and it is about 1/5 complete. The file size is currently 4.5mb and I was wondering at what point does file size becomes an issue and hard to work with (Keeping in mind that all shadows, etc, are disabled).

 

The reason I ask is because I have been looking at the 3D warehouse models and they are about 2-3mb max. Can Sketchup handle much more than this on my level of system?

 

I am running Sketchup on the following:

 

MacPro.

2x 2.66Ghz Dual-Core Intel Xeon

3GB RAM

ATI Radeon X1900 XT 512MB

 

Thanks in advance.

[mbowers]

I've developed a 100mb SketchUp file of a Church that i am working on. Be diligent in using layers and groups. The more stuff you can turn off, or hide while your working is key. The reason for the file being so large is that it was built blocking out various schemes for a 80,000 s.f. church, that is phased. I can essentially peel away 'layers' like an onion showing the outside, then taking off roofs, walls, showing the insides...etc. It does take a while to load and also during autosave it does stall. but make sure you have backups and incremental saves. Otherwise i have had no problems with large files. Hope this helps.

[Nick_f]

Hi Matt

 

A great help and good news. I should have guessed that layers and groups would save the day! I admit, I have areas in my scene that are not optimised as yet, but it should not take long to tidy up and work from there.

 

It sounds like an interesting project you are working on. I hope to see some results in the forum sometime soon.

 

Many thanks

 

Nick

[bytor]

Another trick to keep you working more efficiently is to use a ruby script that allows you to externally reference files. This allows you to create and split-off parts of larger files - only to be referenced back in to the master file. Any AutoCAD users out there should be aware of the concept. Search the usual ruby locations (x-ref) and you will find the script - it has come in quite handy on larger files for me.

 

Also, the reason you see a lot of larger file sizes on Google's 3D Warehouse is that a lot of the models were created in other applications and are just ported over to sketchup and "touched up". Sketchup caters to creative modeling, but efficient modeling is a fine art that takes time to master and is practiced by few!

 

Dean

[AJLynn]

Use components for everything possible. With components, the contents of the component are only stored in the file once, and each instance of the component only adds a few things to the file - the ID of the component and its position, scale and rotation. This is not true of groups. Also, Purge often - this is under Model Info > Statistics.

[Nick_f]

Sketchup caters to creative modeling, but efficient modeling is a fine art that takes time to master and is practiced by few!

 

I am very familiar in trying to re-purpose other peoples data. 99.% of the time I ending up redrawing/modeling practically everything.

 

I have been watching "The Sketchup Show" video podcasts created by Go-2-School and have found them very helpful. They touch on ruby scripts and creating components. Coupled with this advice I feel confident to continue.

 

Thanks all

 

BTW, I recommend the free video podcast for anyone new to SketchUp.

[bytor]

I have seen the videos - they are very well done. After Google killed the support forum, I started visiting here; http://www.sketchucation.com

Some of the best users from the old newsgroups have taken up residence there, and there is plenty of help and inspirational material - as well as quite a developing tutorials section.

 

I know exactly how you feel about re-modling other's work. I have lately taken the position that if I need to - I will use the original as a basis for modeling an efficient version over top, and then deleting the old. I have found lately that depending upon the file type (.3ds or .dxf, etc.) a model is available in, the application you use to get it there can have a big impact. For example; if a manufacturer has .dwg / .dxf / .3ds files available - you may be able to get a cleaner and more efficient model if you use a newer version of ACAD to export a .3ds file from the .dwg version. This doesn't always apply, and you have to watch some sources that provide cadd version of their engineering models - which have everything down to the threads on screws modeled.

 

Dean

[Nick_f]

Thanks for the link, it looks like a great place to learn and be inspired.

 

I am modeling a low poly accommodation block and engine room for a container ship (if all goes well, I will be modeling the entire vessel) and at a point in the near future, I will be looking to get some crits on my construction. Would it be acceptible to post for crits on this site? Although an Architecture forum, this seems to be one of a few places where members are friendly and have really good, useful advice. gush, gush.

 

Nick