Time Saving Template Tips for LayOut

Know you're going to use the same LayOut document settings or content more than once?Save yourself some time with Templates - automating both the page setup and SketchUp model views. Your future self will thank you!

Watch the Live Stream where Eric walks through the process in more detail -

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[Jedders]

We have single page templates in Layout but using multiple pages in the template is a really useful concept that I haven't considered before. I'm definitely going to set these up for our company templates in Layout. Thanks for the lesson.

[brannonfoster]

We use Layout extensively. I have similar templates set up. Very underrated program. That being said there is still a bunch of improvements that I hope happens:

1. Snapping improvements (although moving node is great!).
2. Sketchup (SU) like inference for drawing lines (LO is subtly different).
3. Components like SU.
4. Fillet, Extend and Trim like Autocad.
5. Vector hatches – the ability to change line weights of lines in hatches.
6. The ability to scale line weights universally inside groups by a single factor.
7. Add multileader notes.
8. The ability to set the horizontal length of a note leader’s as standard & to stay when moving.
9. Editing notes/leaders is not as intuitive as most other things in SU & LO. (To be fair, this is a problem in all software programs I’ve ever used)
10. Improve printer drivers
11. Shape/fill/stroke selection refinement in terms of clarity in which you are editing.
12. File size reduction and/or ease in subdividing drawings into separate files.
13. The ability to turn on/off auto gluing to the ends of lines (without making group or locking or similar work around.).
14. Flexibility to apply lines (& line-weights) only to selected edges of a fill. I.e. multiple sides without strokes
15. Native Section Cut hatches by material (maybe back-face toggle on/off for material as well) as part of SU but live & editable in LO.
16. Custom Style folder location does not show in Style within the SketchUp Model Tray in LO.
17. A cloud/revision line within Layout. Maybe even a Revision management system.
18. LO plugins.
19. Paste in Place or paste attach to cursor
20. When you right click a scene in LO to open in SU, it should open to that scene.
21. Color by Layer in LO (Similar to Color by Tag in SU)
22. Layout Warehouse (like SU Model) especially for Scrapbook details.
23. Browser type navigation inside pattern selection window.
24. Stop the incessant signing in.
25. Ortho on and off (F8)
26. The ability to control dash start position

[keggyification]

Loving these Layout tips Eric please keep 'em coming Sir.

[agdragon]

Autotext was my saving grace before search and replace was available. I create tags <1stFF>, <3rdTP>, etc. This way I can align with floor lines, top plates etc. and if we make a change (9' ceiling to 10' ceiling) I can edit in the autotext and not retype each one...

[ahmad-murery]

Eric, you're a real nerd!
Very great tips
I wish I have 1/10 of your organizing skills

[kabbak]

Thanks for sharing your context for what you doing and how that contributes what you are trying to do. People need to understand there is no cookie cutter solution for every goal/situation and every individual needs to apply problem solving for their situation and then see what tools available or creatable best fit at that time.

[patrickobrien]

Great tips once again Eric. Keep them coming

[MikeMuirhead-lv]

Is there somewhere where I can download this template?

[marcogiordano]

thank you a wonderful tutorial. Hey is there an efficient way to setup detail sheets similarly that can also provide for details at multiple scales?

[wahyudi]

How to make quick annotation in layout? Please

[jpsc]

This is very helpful Eric! I've been using sketchup pro for many years now and did not know you could do this functionality between layout and sketchup templates. My one thing I don't understand is when you have your placeholder model in sketchup, then you bring in or import your new model to replace the placeholder model, then delete the placeholder model and then save the template - your template with the placeholder model won't exist anymore. Am I missing something?