Hello,
after I bought user licence to TurboFloorPLan v.12 (Garden & Terrace) I found that TFP has tools for import of external objects created in Google Sketchup. But till now I was not succesfull, either via import of already created .skp files, or via creating of new ones (saved in versions 6,5,4). I can select .skp file in the dialog box, confirm it, but nothing is then displayed in the preview box (button Next remains inactive). Can anyone help me? Many thanks.
Hi and welcome to the forum,
Just to confirm first: I assume you are using the File / Import / Object Wizard, that you are able to actually select your SKP file but the preview image does not appear and no Next is available and that you have tried it with SKP version files created at V6, V5 and V4.
One of those versions should have worked if you are using V12. I am not familiar with the Garden and Terrace version and whether it is supposed to be able to import SKP files but if you are able to select them then I assume it can. I presume you have also tried just a very simple SKP file and that did not work either? Have you tried to import a 3DS file? - did that work? I am not sure what the limitations are in your particular version, but if the option is there, then presumably it is possible.
Have your tried importing it by right-clicking in the Catalogue and choosing Add Element? This option is not available in all sections of the Catalogue, but assuming you have Exterior Accessories or Exterior Furniture in the Garden and Terrace version, then you should be able to do it there. When the import dialog opens, choose 'Import geometry from file'. I always use this method to import, as you know exactly where the object has gone in the Catalogue.
Let us know how you get on doing it there. If that doesn't work one of the SketchUp users may be able to suggest something, as I don't use them myself.
Allan
I am confused by the poll choices....seems like the answer could be yes or no to get a sense of user experience...tho not too valuable because I suspect not many ver12 users anymore....and hope no-one answers based on a newer ver of TFP (newer than v12).
Choosing TFPv12 means you agree importing .skp into TFP12 does not work...but it is still not clear if the user chose a "too new" ver. of .skp as a test of import.
But if I choose the .skp radio button....what does that answer mean?...skp works?
My conclusion....survey is useless...good to know no-one has answered/voted to date.
I recommend it either be deleted or fixed to have a clear and useful results.
Yeah... I agree that the poll is confusing and it'd be a good idea to delete the poll or to separate it from the real technical question
Anyway, focusing on the technical side of the post. This issue can be related with the size and complexity of the objects as well as the skp versions
The old skp versions (as well as other 3D programs) had problems with "lost points" --> these small artifacts (sometimes just a dot) corrupt the file, printing etc. We see this also in TFP. But in the old versions of skp this point changed all the perspective and size of the file.
For this reason, my first suggestion is --> Open the object with Sketchup --> Ctrl + A --> check to see if there are any points outside the object's boundaries --> if all looks OK, try this second suggestion --> verify the object's size (in kb) --> sometimes, the object has too many polygons (and therefore is big in kb) so it takes a long time to import --> try this --> select the object to import and wait... and see if it imports
Just in case, I am attaching a zip file with a plain box saved as 5 different versions of skp. Try to import them and let us know about the results
Pat
Hi Pat,
Thanks for posting the 'boxes' - a good simple tester for the different versions.
Allan
Hi Allan,
Glad to be of help! :)
There is an additional detail --> I developed the box and I just used "Save As" for the different versions. However, notice the difference among the sizes of the different versions. Between V3 and V7 there are just 5 kb, but in this case we are talking of a 100% more kb
I think that this detail makes a big difference in the file size, and therefore in the rendering time
Pat
Thank to all who contributed to this discussion. I did not expect so much, thank you!
1) first of all, I apologize for Poll choises, it was my mistake during register process. Please delete it, if possible - I do not know how..
2) import of 3ds file was ok.
3) import of attached skp files (skp versions 3-7) was not ok. No preview, no active Next button.
4) I use only File-Import Guide. In the catalogue, I can add new sections and create new objects. But I have not found any button or link how to import from external source (geometry). Could you event. describe it more deeply or attach screenshot, where to find it, please?
Quote from: vojtech on February 11, 2012, 07:43:10 AM
1) first of all, I apologize for Poll choises, it was my mistake during register process. Please delete it, if possible - I do not know how...
I have deleted the poll as requested. ;)
Quote from: vojtech on February 11, 2012, 07:43:10 AM
2) import of 3ds file was ok.
3) import of attached skp files (skp versions 3-7) was not ok. No preview, no active Next button.
If 3DS is OK then the import function is working so it does not like SKP files for some reasons - can't think why at the moment (unless it is just not possible with Garden and Terrace but you should not have a SKP option if that was the case).
Quote from: vojtech on February 11, 2012, 07:43:10 AM
4) I use only File-Import Guide. In the catalogue, I can add new sections and create new objects. But I have not found any button or link how to import from external source (geometry). Could you event. describe it more deeply or attach screenshot, where to find it, please?
I have attached an image of the dialog boxes to import a 3DS or SKP file direct into the Catalogue. Hopefully you can follow it - and hopefully it will work for you!! :)
Let us know how it goes.
Allan
Just an additional suggestion --> I'm not sure if this will help, but it won't hurt
Go to this page
http://imsidesign.com/Support/TurboFLOORPLANSupport/tabid/515/Default.aspx
at the bottom of the page you will find updates for several V12 programs --> download and install the update for your program
Pat
"I have attached an image of the dialog boxes to import a 3DS or SKP file direct into the Catalogue." .....from Allan, above.
Also note Allan started on the "interior accessories" portion of the catalog....not only is that a mostly likely place to put things, it seems to be one of the safest places too for import success (even for outdoor landscape stuff but things do work there too for exterior items)....unless you are importing a "light/fixture" and expect its bulb to provide light in a scene....in which case there are other concerns/issues and info elsewhere in this forum, recently posted and provided by IMSI IIRC.