Rendering in SketchUp: From Modeling to Presentation for Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interior Design

Using Layers

The layers in SketchUp do two important things:

• They keep models organized.
• They help maintain computer performance.

All of the components and groups in your model should be placed on layers (Fig. 12.8). This will enable you to quickly sort your components and turn them on or off as needed. You can add as many layers as needed. You’ll learn more about this in Chapter 14.

Fig. 12.8: A list of layers in SketchUp

Toggle off the Layers option in order to hide the components on those layers. Components on “off” layers are not processed by SketchUp, which enhances computer performance (Fig. 12.9, Fig. 12.10). This resource-saving option makes layers an essential ingredient when you’re working with large models with many components, particularly 3D vegetation components.

Fig. 12.9: The layers for this model are all turned off, hiding the component detail.

Fig. 12.10: The layers are all turned on in the layer list, making all the model detail and components visible.

Creating and Naming Layers

The Layer menu is accessed under Window ⇒ Layers. To create a new layer, click on the (+) button at the top. A new layer line will appear so that you can name it. Double-clicking ...