Sharing Components

You can share your components files with others directly, or through 3D Warehouse. Here are a few things to keep in mind about the way your components are nested before you share:

• Save Your File – Before you start sharing, the first thing you need to do is save your work. To save a component as a separate file, right-click it and select Save As. SketchUp will save the file using the component's name. The origin point will be the component's origin, not the model's.
• Nesting Depth – Deeply nested components require users to open multiple levels to edit or apply materials to individual parts. Aim for a nesting structure that allows users to easily modify common elements (like colors or materials) with minimal effort.
• Component Selection – Know the boundaries of each nested component, and how those boundaries appear to those you share your design with. A selected component is indicated by a blue bounding box and these blue lines are not editable.
• Component Editing – Nest components so that individual parts can be edited separately. Make sure that materials and textures can be easily changed.
• Component Swapping – Components can be reloaded with an updated version or swapped for another. Keep in mind that some designers may want to make multiple versions of a component and swap them out to present design options to their collaborators.