Current Limitation:
When importing a SketchUp model, D5 merges all geometry into a single object. While materials are preserved, the original “Groups” and “Components” are not recognized as separate entities. This prevents users from:
- Animating individual model parts.
- Toggling visibility of specific elements for scene changes.
- Isolating components for targeted adjustments.
Impact on Workflow:
Without discrete objects, users must return to SketchUp, isolate and export each asset individually, then re-import them into the rendering program. This:
- Creates unnecessary back-and-forth between applications.
- Increases project time and complexity.
- Consumes additional storage space with multiple exported files.
Suggested Improvement:
Enable the importer to maintain SketchUp’s native hierarchy so that:
- Each Group and Component becomes an independent, selectable object.
- Visibility toggles and animation tools can be applied at the object level.
- Nested structures remain intact for organized scene management.
Benefits:
- Unlocks full animation and scene control without leaving the rendering environment.
- Eliminates redundant exports and reduces storage overhead.
- Preserves the designer’s original model organization for faster iteration.
To summarize, please enable the importer to preserve SketchUp’s Groups and Components so they can be animated and/or have their visibility toggled individually, eliminating the need for repeated exports and saving both time and storage.