LayOut extremely slow

LayOut is extremely slow while working in it.

There can be several reasons why LayOut becomes very slow while you're working. To figure out the cause, there are a few things that can significantly slow things down.

Rendering Settings

In LayOut, lines are set to 'Raster' by default. It's possible this isn't currently the case. Check if the 'Sketchup Model' window isn't set to 'Hybrid' or 'Vector', but to 'Raster'. You can then switch it back to 'Raster'.

While Hybrid and Vector rendering offer much higher quality for your model, they also demand a lot more from your computer.

Adjusting Display Resolution

It's also possible to change your Display Resolution while working in LayOut. This affects what you see on your screen. Here's how to do it:

1. Click on File > Document Setup.

2. In the left pane, click on Rendering.

3. Select a setting from the Display Resolution dropdown to lower the resolution.

Turn Off Auto-Rendering in LayOut

If you're experiencing slow performance in LayOut, Auto-Rendering might be the culprit. This feature automatically re-renders your SketchUp models, which can cause delays. Here's how to turn it off:

1. Go to LayOut > Settings.

2. In the left-hand menu, click on General.

3. Uncheck the box next to "Automatically re-render SketchUp models as needed." This setting causes LayOut to re-render models within your document, which can be resource-intensive.

Boosting LayOut Performance: Key Considerations

Beyond just auto-rendering, several factors can significantly impact LayOut's performance, especially when you're working with SketchUp models. Understanding these can help you optimize your workflow:

• Objects with Hidden Edges and High Geometry: In Hybrid mode, LayOut processes all edges, faces, and other geometry, even if they're hidden or softened in your SketchUp model. For example, that simple 3D bush in SketchUp might not look complex, but LayOut "sees" all its underlying, hidden edges, which can slow things down.

• Transparency: When objects in your model are transparent, LayOut's processing speed in Hybrid mode can drop considerably.

• Hidden Items: While it's not 100% confirmed, LayOut might still process items within an active group or component even if you've used the 'hide' command to make them invisible.

• Off-Screen Items: Similarly, LayOut could potentially process objects that are outside the current view (e.g., positioned off to the side of your drawing area), even if they aren't visible on your screen.

• Page Size and Model Complexity: The overall size of your LayOut page and the inherent complexity of your SketchUp model are also crucial. Larger pages and more intricate models will naturally demand more processing power.

Your Computer's Specs Matter

Finally, your computer's capabilities play a huge role. A high-end computer will generally handle Hybrid or Vector rendering without breaking a sweat. However, if you're on a less powerful machine, you'll likely need to drastically lower your settings. In that case, make sure everything is set to Raster mode for the best possible performance.