X-ref in SU??

[upshot]

I'm getting heavy with an urban site in SU lately and I'm finding design versions to be very cumber sum due to the fact that I don't know how to say... "link" a group to a different SU model similar to an x-ref concept in CAD.

 

As it is I Modify my 'building group' inside my urban model and then save the whole kit-n-kabootle... I'd like to X-ref my urban model into the revision so that I can keep things organized and file sizes down....

 

Here check out this bohemeth (the colors represent city design guidelines btw... not a building 'design' ;-) :

[bjornkn]

There is no X-ref, but something similar is to rclick your component (a group of buildings, or a single house?) and choose SaveAs. Then you can use ReLoad to load a different version. This is a great help for big scenes, where you can keep very simple stand-ins for objects like trees, cars etc, and just reload with the full models when ready to render. As components are saved as a standard skp file you can easily work on the component in each own SU instance to avoid all the clutter.

It helps a lot putting things/versions on hidden layers too. I typically try to store all versions of the dwg plans/elevations on separate, hidden layers so that it is easy to go back in case there are questions or other problems.

[upshot]

Okay that's very helpful. Works like a charm... It would be nice if you didn't have to invoke the 'reload' or could make it 'auto or manual' then it would basically have X-refs! This approach will work though... I just have to rethink my organization principle.

[bytor]

X-refs are not available natively in SU - but via ruby script programming they can be achieved. See the bottom of the page of this link http://www.crai.archi.fr/RubyLibraryDepot/Ruby/en_fil_page.htm

for the plugin - now in it's 5th release / version. I use it all the time for just what you are talking about, although it doesn't reduce the file size as much as I had hoped!

 

hth..........Dean

[Slinger]

You can also build your overall model into pieces and then import each piece into the main file. This helps in keeping the load work down on your computer and it works the same as an x-ref like cad by updating your main file after you have worked on the pieces.