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Dynamic Components Introduction - SketchUp Knowledge Base

This document introduces dynamic components in SketchUp. Dynamic components are parametric components that can automatically update when their attributes change, such as a stair component adding more steps when resized. Components are made dynamic by adding attributes like size, location, and number of copies. Dynamic components allow for constrained, repetitive, configurable, animated, and branded behavior. While all SketchUp users can use dynamic components, only SketchUp Pro users can develop them. Experience with spreadsheets can help in developing dynamic components.

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223 views

Dynamic Components Introduction - SketchUp Knowledge Base

This document introduces dynamic components in SketchUp. Dynamic components are parametric components that can automatically update when their attributes change, such as a stair component adding more steps when resized. Components are made dynamic by adding attributes like size, location, and number of copies. Dynamic components allow for constrained, repetitive, configurable, animated, and branded behavior. While all SketchUp users can use dynamic components, only SketchUp Pro users can develop them. Experience with spreadsheets can help in developing dynamic components.

Uploaded by

bultusan
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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11/10/13

Dynamic Components introduction | SketchUp Knowledge Base

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Dynamic Components introduction


Components are pre-built models that you can reuse within your SketchUp models and scenes. Pre-built components are available from the Component Browser ( Window > C ompone nt B rows e r ). Any model you create can be a component.

Dynamic components are components that have parametrics, such as a stair component that, when resized, automatically adds more steps, or a cabinet component whose doors can open and close. Components are made 'dynamic' by attaching attributes to the component. Attributes are items such as the component's name, description, size, location, and number of copies. Some attributes, such as those mentioned previously, are predefined attributes, meaning that they are automatically available for every dynamic component. Conversely, custom attributes are unique attributes defined by the developer of the dynamic component. Refer to Dynamic Components Predefined Attributes for further information. Every component attribute has a value which can be a textual string, a number, or the result of a formula (which is usually a number or text). For example, the attribute called 'Name' might have the value of 'Fence,' or the attribute called 'LenX' might have the value of '4,' or the attribute 'TotalCost' might have the value equal to the result of 'SquareFeet * CostPerFoot). Each attribute and associated value is called an attribute name/value pair. Formulas can consist of predefined functions, mathematical operators (*, -, +, /, , and so on), or the values of other attributes. Functions are shortcuts that perform some operation, such as calculating the square root of a number. Refer to Dynamic Components Supported Functions and Dynamic Components Supported Operators for further information. Note: All SketchUp users can use dynamic components. However, only SketchUp Pro users can develop dynamic components.

Note: A component is only dynamic when it has parametric data. Dynamic Components will display a special badge when it contains parametric data. Refer to Identifying Dynamic Components for further information.

Tip: Experience with spreadsheet formulas will be helpful in developing dynamic components. C ommon fe a ture s of D yna mic C ompone nts Following are six common features of dynamic components. Most dynamic components will implement one or more of these features. C ons tra ine d Dynamic components can have values (such as size values) that are constrained, yielding a component whose parts might not be scalable (using the Scale tool), or only scalable in a certain direction. For example, a dynamic cabinet door component might have a frame of a set size (such as 3 inches). The following image shows a cabinet door with a 3" thick frame:

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The following picture shows the same cabinet door after it has been scaled larger. Notice that the frame around the door has maintained its size (it is constrained to 3 inches).

Constraints are usually placed on components that represent manufactured products that come in a series of pre-defined sizes (such as doors, cabinets, appliances, mattresses, windows, or even bicycle frames). Re pe titive A dynamic component can have sub-components that repeat when the component is scaled, such as a stair component that automatically adds steps when scaled. Following is an image of a repeating stair component before it has been scaled:

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Following is the repeating stair component after it has been scaled using the Scale tool. Notice that additional stairs have automatically been added as the size increased.

Repetition might be used in a variety of dynamic components such as stairs (number of steps), couches (number of cushions), fences (number of pickets), construction framing (number of studs), and so on. C onfig ura ble A dynamic component can have a pre-defined set of values that are configurable by the user, such as lengths for a couch or amount of spacing between pickets in a fence component. The following is an example of the Component Options dialog box that is displayed for a dynamic component that is configurable.

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A nima te d A dynamic component can have animated sub-components that move when the user clicks on the component with the Interaction tool. The following image shows a door frame and door.

The following image shows the door opened after it has been clicked on with the Interaction tool.

Animations can be found in components that represent real-world objects that have moving parts. These objects include doors, windows, and appliances. B ra nde d

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The Component Options dialog box for a dynamic component can include product and company information, such as contact information, product details, and links to a product web site.

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SketchUp | dynamic-components | guide

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