Edit imported .skp blocks in Chief Architect

[GregoryN]

Hi everyone,

 

Just wondering if there is a way to edit 3D blocks that are imported as .skp files from the Sketchup 3D Warehouse inside CA? There are many great models/blocks that work great in CA until you need to edit them. When you go into Edit CAD Block it opens a 2D editing window and grays out all the 3D camera and editing options. And, even if you make a change in 2D and then Save when closing the editing window/pane it still don't affect the 3D block in the plan. Any suggestions on how to work with this?

[MarkMc]

You would normally put this in Q & A, we put tips we already have here. That said:

You would edit it the same as any symbol in Chief.

It helps in the long run if when you first import a symbol you change every material to a native chief material and if need be rename the item in the materials tab so you know what they are.

1-The simplest options to edit a symbol in chief are using the advanced sizing tab. Check the help to see what each setting will do and to learn about symbols. Often you need to save a version as a new symbol after making one set of size changes, then opening that to make different size changes.

2-The other option is to use the "delete surface" tool. This works best if you change the smoothing angle -open object, 3D tab, smoothing angle is at the bottom. I set it close to max which is 180 degrees. It is easier to use in a plan all by itself, I like vector view and have the camera with "clip surfaces" very small, no more than 1". You will need to rotate it to get at everything.

I often will save as a new symbol during the process as a version, then open that and continue (a little less frustrating) 

3- the last option would be add to a symbol. This is often better done with a room around it and using 3D AND plan and elevations views. If using solids changing the fill to easily identify you parts as you move then in place, transform replicate can help. You can change the material of a single part of a symbol by deleting all the rest, save as a symbol, then just delete that part from the original, save as symbol, then put them both back together. Example get rid of everything but the handles on an oven, convert to symbol. Undo all then delete the handles from the original, convert, place in new plan. Set new material for handles, place in plan and line up with the other symbol, convert.

 

 

[GregoryN]

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question Mark! Much appreciated! Thanks for the tip on where to ask my questions too. I'll give the methods you shared a go and see if it gets me what I am looking for.

 

Thanks again!