Scaling a Dynamic Component in Google SketchUp

SketchUp’s Dynamic Components

posted in: Designer 2

I’m a big fan of the Dynamic Components available in SketchUp.  I’ve prepared this blog entry to showcase the framing (wall studs, floor joists) version of these components.

SketchUp Dynamic Component, Framing

In this example I took an existing basement remodel model, and began to build the main floor on top of it.

SketchUp-Dynamic-Components-wall-frame-selection

Go to: Components>(should be included in the basic templates) and choose the “Wall Framing” component.

Or Go to: File>3D Warehouse>(and search for dynamic components, joists, wall, 2×4, studs, whatever….)

SketchUp-Dynamic-Components-menu1

Once you’ve placed your component, it’s already selected (or select it with your cursor so it’s outlined – in blue in my photo), and then Right Click> move down and Select “Dynamic Components”>then select “Component Options.”

Sceenshot of Google SketchUp Dynamic Components menu

In this case, I changed the 2×4 stud dimensions to 2×6 inches.  As you can see, the programmers of this component have provided several options to customize a section of wall framing.

Scaling a Dynamic Component in Google SketchUp
Scaling a Dynamic Component in Google SketchUp

This is the most impressive, time-saving, awesome feature of Dynamic Components: ability to Dynamically Scale.

Select your component (if not already selected), and click the scale button (circled in yellow in the photo).  You’ll notice that there are neon-green cubes along the perimeter of your object.  When you grab one of these and drag it, the wall framing unit will change size to your new dimensions.  The best part is that after it resizes, it will automatically fill in with studs spaced to your preference (in my case, every 16 inches).

Framing for a Google SketchUp model, using Dynamic Components

For those who don’t know, if you re-scale a component that isn’t dynamic, it begins to look either stretched-out or compacted, (depending on if you rescale larger or smaller), and the end result is a “disproportionate” look.  This is why Dynamic Components are a wonderful addition to SketchUp.\

If you have questions, comment on this tutorial and I’ll address them.

2 Responses

  1. Tom M.
    | Reply

    What about adding door and window framing here? Does the dynamic wall-framing component still work for doing this? I was just looking for something like this, but the ability to add in some rough framing dimensions for doors and windows is a must!

    • admin
      | Reply

      Not sure, buddy. I need to check it out. I kind of dropped this project after this post, but if you find out how to place door and window openings, let me know and I can update this post.

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