The Concept: Data vs. Context
In this tutorial, you will learn more about our enhanced workflow to face a common dilemma: Modeling Speed vs. Data Hygiene.
We assume you’re already familiar with 3DBI and how to integrate 3D models into that visual. If not, we recommend starting with the following tutorials to gain a solid understanding of the benefits of bringing 3D models into Power BI:
The Concept: Data vs. Context
If you use SketchUp for warehouse planning or facility management, you likely face a common dilemma: Modeling Speed vs. Data Hygiene.
To model fast, you want to use Dynamic Components (e.g., a rack that automatically adds shelves when stretched). But to get a clean dashboard in Power BI, you need strict control over which objects have IDs and which do not.
In the latest version of 3DBI for SketchUp (v2.1.2381), we’ve solved this conflict with a new feature called “Skip Contains.”
To understand why this update is important, let’s revisit the ideal 3DBI workflow. A good 3DBI model consists of two types of geometry:
- Interactive Data (The “What”): Objects that link to your database (e.g., Pallets, Parcels, Sensors). These must have Instance Names.
- Static Context (The “Where”): Objects that serve as visual landmarks (e.g., Racks, Walls, Pillars). These must NOT have Instance Names.
The Power of ID Concatenation
For the Interactive Data, users often create nested hierarchies. For example:
- Level 1: Row Component (Name:
R01) - Level 2: Stack Component (Name:
001) - Level 3: Pallet Component (Name:
001)
When 3DBI exports this, it joins the names to create a unique ID: R01-001-001. This allows you to model one stack, duplicate it across a row, and simply rename the Row Component to generate hundreds of unique IDs automatically.
The Problem: When Dynamic Components “Pollute” Your IDs
The conflict arises when you try to build the Static Context (the racks) efficiently.
When you use a SketchUp Dynamic Component to generate a row of racks, SketchUp automatically assigns Instance Names to every sub-component it creates to manage them. You will often see names like:
-
Leg_copy -
Shelf_copy -
Beam_copy
The Consequence: Because these objects now have Instance Names, 3DBI thinks they are Interactive Data. It exports them with IDs like R01-Shelf#1.
This clutters your Power BI visual with hundreds of useless identifiers that don’t match your database, making it harder to filter and manage your real data.
The Solution: “Skip Contains”
In version 2.1.2381, you no longer have to manually “clean” or explode your Dynamic Components before exporting. We have added a smart filter to the export window.
“Skip Contains” allows you to define a list of substrings (keywords). During the export process, if 3DBI encounters an Instance Name containing one of these keywords, it treats that name as an empty string.
Effectively, all instance names containing the entered substring (“copy” in this case) will be ignored and the object becomes Static Context—visible in Power BI, but without an ID.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
1. Identify the “Polluting” Keywords
In SketchUp, select one of your Dynamic Components (like a rack system). Open the Entity Info or Outliner and look at the names of the nested components.
- Common keywords SketchUp adds:
copy,#,...
2. Open the 3DBI Exporter
Go to Extensions > 3DBI > Export. You will see a new input field labeled Skip Contains.
3. Enter Your Keywords
In the text box, enter the substrings you want 3DBI to ignore, separated by commas.
Example: copy
4. Export and Verify
Run the export. 3DBI will now traverse your hierarchy:
- It finds your Row (
R01) -> Keeps it. - It finds your Pallet (
001) -> Keeps it. - It finds a Rack Leg (
Leg_copy_1) -> It sees “copy”, ignores the name, and treats it as static geometry.
5. Result in Power BI
Load your .3dbi file into the custom visual.
- Your Pallets are fully interactive and matched to your data.
- Your Racks are visible as solid context, but they do not appear in your ID list.
⚠️ Important Best Practice
Be careful not to choose a “Skip” keyword that is also part of your actual identifiers.
Bad Example:
- You use the word “Row” in your skip list.
- Your Main ID is named “Row-01”.
- Result: 3DBI will strip the name from your Row component, breaking the ID concatenation for all pallets inside it.
Pro Tip: Stick to the generic terms SketchUp generates automatically, such as copy or #.
Ready to clean up your exports? Update to v2.1.2381 today and start using Dynamic Components the way they were meant to be used—fast and efficient.
