Hierarchy Concept
Hierarchy in ScaffPlan for SketchUp follows up to four levels allowing access to a tool inside another tool for flexibility:
Hierarchy:
Level 1: Wall Trace / Bird Cage / Tank tools
Level 2: Bay tool (includes Lapping Bay if inserted by Wall Trace or Tank)
Level 3: Item tool
Level 4: SketchUp component group
Any standalone tool follows the same hierarchy concept but with fewer levels. For example, a standalone Lapping Bay has three levels: Lapping Bay → Item tool → SketchUp component group.
⚠️Important
Do not modify the SketchUp component group level for any tool.
Editing the host group/component can cause unpredictable behavior and missing components in the gear list.
Hierarchy Levels Access
1. Navigate the Hierarchy by Double-Clicking
- Double-click a Wall Trace / Bird Cage / Tank to enter and access the Bay level.
- Double-click a Bay to move down and access the Item level.
2. Open Properties for the Selected ScaffPlan Tool
- With any level selected (Level 1, 2, or 3), click Open ScaffPlan Properties on the ScaffPlan toolbar.
- Adjust parameters for the current level, then click Modify to apply changes.
Override Rule
Edits made at a lower level are overridden by subsequent modifications at a higher level that contains them.
Example: A Level 2 bay change will be replaced if the parent Level 1 Wall Trace/Bird Cage/Tank is later modified.
When a bay or items must remain independent of their parent layout, right-click the higher-level object (e.g., the Wall Trace group) and choose Explode before editing the contained bay/items.
Exploding breaks the hierarchical link - parent edits will not be possible anymore as Explode command removes intelligence from the parent tool (Example: Exploded Wall trace will have no menu to edit it anymore and restoring of it might be only done by Undo changes).
3. Work at the Appropriate Scope
- Level 1 (Global layout): Select Wall Trace / Bird Cage / Tank, open Open ScaffPlan Properties, change options, Modify.
- Level 2 (Single bay): Enter the layout, select the Bay (or Lapping Bay created by Level 1), open Open ScaffPlan Properties, change options, Modify.
- Level 3 (Single member): Enter the Bay, select the Item, open Open ScaffPlan Properties, change options, Modify.
4. Exit or Change Context
- Click in blank space to step out one level at a time, or press Esc to clear selection.