A proxy in SketchUp is a placeholder object that represents a complex or detailed component in your model. It serves as a lightweight stand-in for the actual geometry, allowing you to work on large and intricate models without sacrificing performance.
Why use proxies?
Working with high-poly models can slow down your SketchUp workflow and impact the overall performance of your computer. This is where proxies come in handy. By using proxies, you can replace heavy components with simplified versions that are easier to handle.
Proxies are particularly useful when dealing with components like trees, vehicles, furniture, or any other complex objects that would otherwise consume a significant amount of system resources.
Creating proxies
To create a proxy in SketchUp, follow these steps:
- Select the component you want to turn into a proxy.
- Right-click on the component and choose “Make Proxy” from the context menu.
- A dialog box will appear, allowing you to choose the level of detail for the proxy. You can specify factors like face count or percentage of the original component’s geometry.
- Once you’ve set the desired parameters, click “Create Proxy.”
Using proxies
Once you’ve created a proxy, it will appear in your model as a simplified representation of the original component. You can manipulate and position it just like any other object in SketchUp.
To edit the original component represented by a proxy:
- Select the proxy object.
- Right-click on it and choose “Reload Proxy” from the context menu.
- The original component will be loaded into your model temporarily so that you can make changes.
- After making any necessary modifications, right-click on the proxy and choose “Save as Proxy” to update the proxy representation.
Proxy management
In SketchUp, you can manage your proxies using the “Proxy Manager” window. To access it:
- Go to the “Window” menu in SketchUp.
- Select “Model Info.”
- In the “Model Info” dialog box, click on the “Components” tab.
- Click on the “Manage Proxies” button.
The Proxy Manager allows you to view, reload, and delete proxies. You can also adjust their display settings to control how they appear in your model.
Conclusion
Proxies in SketchUp are invaluable when it comes to managing complex models efficiently. By creating simplified proxy representations of heavy components, you can enhance your workflow and maintain optimal performance. Remember to use proxies whenever you encounter resource-intensive components in your projects!