PC 7 wish list

[PaulH]

I realize this may be a trademarked issue with SketchUP. However, one of the brilliant qualities of that tool is "referencing". Drawing a line, object, etc., that starts with or without a reference to another object, line, etc. and being able to "finish" the draw in "reference" to another position on the drawing (with a confirming snap sound) is so time saving and obvious it would be wonderful to have that available in PC.

It means; one can begin the draw from any position, constrain the line with a key, move the mouse to where the "reference" position is (that's anywhere on the drawing) and release. Presto, the length of line/object is right where one wants it without measuring or tabing into the edit box. I've become so used to it in SketchUp I find I get frustrated when I'm in PC and cannot do it.

Is that possible in PC?

[ms]

seems interesting. How do you invoke it? Is it analagous to snapping? can you discuss it more?

ms

[patrickm]

[Andy Caldwell]

[pbacot]

Vellum had a feature whereby as you drew you could reference points for aligning. Something that allowed you to indicate what points you wanted the align snap to pay attention to.. I think you would pass over an endponit for example and hit a key then continue on with drawing--and there'd be an indication when you were aligned. Something like that.

Too often PowerCADD align snap doesn't see the particular alignment you want.

[PaulH]

Andy,

Agreed, snaps are a useful and time saving tool. I use PC because it works, it's fun to use, and has the easiest learning curve of the CAD's out there. However, SketchUp is a big breakthrough in "intuitive" useful drawing skills and it's visual.

The "referencing" ability is all visual, I don't have to think about it, it's a no brainer. OK, one has to hold the shift key for constraint so both hands are in motion, like a game, but the process is primarily visual, which really suits me. What has occured with our process here in the studio is the majority of early design development is now done in SketchUp. We have found the process faster, more fun, easier to visualize (there's that word again) and the working presentations are much easier for the clients to understand what the possibilities are.

PC is engaged much further down the line now. Everyone one of us here still love it and use it for our working drawings . . .

Do you think there is any possibility the guru's at engsw. could incorporate "referencing"?

[pbacot]

We just bought Sketchup after doing some actual work on the demo.

I keep hearing comments about SU like Andy's above. I hope we can get some of the same usage out of it.

It just bothers me a little that: you have to draw EVERYTHING. It doesn't seem to offer building-oriented routines or very many symbols. Also there's no lights. But if you guys think so highly of it, it must be worth a try. Already I find it easier to work with than...ahem... DW. I have yet to produce a drawing as finished as I had in DW.

[pbacot]

We just bought Sketchup after doing some actual work on the demo.

I keep hearing comments about SU like Paul's above. I hope we can get some of the same usage out of it.

It just bothers me a little that: you have to draw EVERYTHING. It doesn't seem to offer building-oriented routines or very many symbols. Also there's no lights. But if you guys think so highly of it, it must be worth a try. Already I find it easier to work with than...ahem... DW. I have yet to produce a drawing as finished as I had in DW.

[Andy Caldwell]