3. The Entity Info menu box will appear. The Layers win-
dow indicates the layer on which the selected objects reside—currently Layer 0. Selecting the pull-down arrow to the right of layers will provide a list of all the layers in the model (Fig. 3-20). By selecting a layer from the list, all selected geometry will be placed onto that layer. With the Cube components still selected, select the Cubes layer. 4. In the Layers menu, toggle the Cubes layer off to
make all the cubes disappear. Toggling the layers on will make them reappear.
Fig. 3-20: The Entity Info menu lets you place geometry on specific layers.
This technique (placing components on layers) is utilized heavily in this book and when modeling. Practice organizing components onto layers, so that you become proficient.
Pre-Made Components Many objects in the built environment can be added to a model as components. Although you can create custom components, the fastest and most convenient way to populate a model with objects is to use pre-made components. Components can include benches, cars, people, pedestrian lights, trash receptacles, signs, traffic signals, buildings, various furnishings, trees, shrubs, flowers, windows, doors, trains, and bridges. The list is endless. Most models incorporate a large variety of components. Virtually any object found in the real world is available in some pre-made composition. You can find these premade components in a variety of places. Understanding the basics of working with components and groups is important. By knowing how they function within a model, you’ll be prepared to work, create, and adjust them as you explore the rest of this book.
Free SketchUp Bonus Pack Components Google SketchUp’s website offers free and very useful component bonus packs (Fig. 3-21). To effectively use this book, download and install the bonus components for SketchUp 7. 1. Launch SketchUp. 2. Make sure you have a working Internet connection. 3. From the menu bar, choose Window > Components to open the Components browser. 4. In the Components browser, click the Select tab to view the Select panel (Fig. 3-21). 5. Select the pull-down menu to the right of the In Model button (the arrow to the right of
the little house). The drop-down menu under Favorites offers a variety of components from which to choose, including: 33Architecture
Chapter 3: Components and Groups
35
