Add SKP file to database

[jjocsak]

I know how to import a SKP file into a plan, but I can't figure out how to add it to the current database.

Maybe it adds it to the database when importing but I can't figure out where it goes.

Any Ideas?

Jeff

[Draftcad]

Hi Jeff,

I confess that, in the beginning, I had a hard time trying to understand this process 

OK, so you know how to import a Sketch up object (*.SKP file)--> Just a reminder--> File--> Import--> Object Wizard--> etc--> say you set your object in the Appliances category and the name of the object is "Jeff fridge"--> you insert it in your workspace--> File--> Catalogues--> Save Element to Catalogue--> Select--> confirm?--> yes--> wait for the confirmation--> go to the Appliances category--> Default group--> you will find the "Jeff fridge" object

It would be a good idea for future versions if the "Save Element to Catalogue" option would be part of the Object wizard or the possibility of "Save Element to Catalogue" by right clicking the imported object

Pat

[jjocsak]

Thanks, that work just fine.

Jeff

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Jeff,

I also found this confusing. Pat's ideas about adding it to the import and to right mouse options etc is excellent.

You can also add new elements without using the wizard, which I find easier and better, as it lets you to put it exactly where you want (not just in a Default Group) and allows you to customise the element during the import. When I used the wizard I would forget to add it to the catalogue and then wonder why I could never find it again in future projects!  

This way works in reverse in effect - you choose where you want to save it first:

1. Go to the Catalogue Info panel on the right of the screen (or go to File / Catalogue / Catalogue Manager / Elements)
2. Select the section (eg Interior Accessories) and group (eg Decorative) you want to add it to.
3. Right click and select Add New Element.
4. Select "Import Geometry from File" (some groups, e.g. Electronics, bypass this and go straight to the Browse screen)
5. Browse for the SKP, DXF or 3DS object and the Properties box will open for you to change anything you want straight away.

It is automatically added to the bottom of the list in the group of the catalogue you chose, with the properties you defined.
If you added it using the Info Panel you may receive the prompt "do you want to save the catalogue" when you close, make sure you say yes!  Or you can choose Catalogue Manager from the right click in the catalogue panel list and then select File/Save, just to be on the safe side.

This option of adding New Elements, is not available in every section of the catalogue but is in the main ones where you would want to add things (as listed in the Import Wizard).

Allan

[Robert W - "robban"]

Hi Jeff, Pat and Allan

I'm working on a tutorial-video in flash (flv), only little difficult to get it under 4 Mb, it will be my first tutorial video.
I use CamStudio to record and Movavi Vidieo Converter to convert from avi to flv i think I hade finde the settings so I can make I file under 4 Mb from 100 Mb.

Allan's way is the most correct way to import to catalogue I have use it on the video.

Robert

[Robert W - "robban"]

Hi Jeff, Pat and Allan

I'm working on a tutorial-video in flash (flv), only little difficult to get it under 4 Mb, it will be my first tutorial video.
I use CamStudio to record and Movavi Vidieo Converter to convert from avi to flv i think I had find the settings so I can make I file under 4 Mb from 100 Mb.

Allan's way is the most correct way to import to catalogue I have use it on the video.

Robert

I have now done a test tutorial with out sound. I'm happy to respond on what to do better or if it works OK, this tutorial have a little better imagequality their for I have to zip it the flv is abut 6 Mb.

 The limiting 4 MB of additionally files is to small to vidieo tutorial I will redo it with comments and put it on YouTube instead the limits their is 10 minutes mpg4 file, I will put a link to it.

Robert

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Robert,

That has come out quite well but as you say it is a problem to keep the file size down. FLV format could be problem for some also, as it will not play in Windows Media player for example and many other players. Flash creation software (Flash, Swish etc) will handle it of course but most would not have those programs (too expensive - especially Flash!! - ridiculous price!). The latest verion of the free Real Player does work however. If you have the option to save as WMV, it may be playable by more users.

Possibly you may be able to reduce the file size by starting the process from the onscreen catalogue side panel rather than opening Catalogue Manager itself and then just show the imported 3D table just in the Catalogue image window, instead of actually inserting it into the model. That would reduce the length and so may get it to under 4MB. Maybe the image size could be reduced a little also without making the text too small to read.

I have battled with this a lot before too, especially making the 360 degree rotation movie in the Gallery and some other computer kiosk dsplays and tutorials. Thankfully the latter went on to CD, so size was not a major issue.

Allan

[jjocsak]

Hi Jeff, Pat and Allan

I'm working on a tutorial-video in flash (flv), only little difficult to get it under 4 Mb, it will be my first tutorial video.
I use CamStudio to record and Movavi Vidieo Converter to convert from avi to flv i think I had find the settings so I can make I file under 4 Mb from 100 Mb.

Allan's way is the most correct way to import to catalogue I have use it on the video.

Robert

I have now done a test tutorial with out sound. I'm happy to respond on what to do better or if it works OK, this tutorial have a little better imagequality their for I have to zip it the flv is abut 6 Mb.

 The limiting 4 MB of additionally files is to small to vidieo tutorial I will redo it with comments and put it on YouTube instead the limits their is 10 minutes mpg4 file, I will put a link to it.

Robert

Thanks Robert.
I now know 2 ways to add new elements. Thanks for putting the time into this for us.

Jeff

[Draftcad]

Hi Robert,

I did several tests and I got a 3Mb file in swf format, however, the quality is not very good.
I have several converters and I'll be glad to help.  Just let me know

Pat

[Robert W - "robban"]

Hi I think I will use my YouTube acount and put up my tutorials ther is the only limit 10 min video, ther also a lot of tutrorials for Google SketsUp, some for TFP and other Cad-program

her is a link for TFP and some other Cad-program fom IMSI.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=TurboFloorPlan&search=tag&suggested_categories=28%2C26%2C24&page=1

[Draftcad]

BTW, good tutorial! 

Pat

[Doug.S]

That has come out quite well but as you say it is a problem to keep the file size down. FLV format could be problem for some also, as it will not play in Windows Media player for example and many other players. Flash creation software (Flash, Swish etc) will handle it of course but most would not have those programs (too expensive - especially Flash!! - ridiculous price!). The latest version of the free Real Player does work however. If you have the option to save as WMV, it may be playable by more users.Allan

True!
Free Adobe Air plays .flv OK and there are several free small flv players such as wimpyplayer
http://www.wimpyplayer.com/products/wimpy_standalone_flv_player.html

No install, just unzip and make a shortcut to the .exe.  Also can invoke a .flv file by putting a shortcut in the "send-to" folder to the .exe; select .flv, right click, open send to, select flvplayer.exe from list.

Doug.S

[Allan Chesney]

Thanks Doug for drawing our attention to those free resources - I like the free ones! 

How Adobe can justify the price they charge for Flash I do not know - obviously professional companies buy it I suppose. I find all of their products most UN intuative to use compared to the alternatives.   I opened Swish and was able to use it straight away but accomplished nothing on my first try with Flash. They will lose out in the long run as the alternatives catch up.

Allan