Vector vs Raster vs Hybrid in SketchUp LayOut (Viewport Rendering)

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Vector vs Raster vs Hybrid in SketchUp LayOut (Viewport Rendering)

In LayOut, this setting controls how your SketchUp Model viewport is drawn—affecting sharpness, speed, PDF quality, and file size.

Clean CAD lines Fast updates Best printing/PDF Best workflow tips

1) VECTOR

Sharpest Lines

Meaning: LayOut draws your model using mathematical vector edges (like AutoCAD lines).

Advantages:

  • Very crisp linework (great for printing).
  • Zoom in and lines stay sharp (no pixel blur).
  • Best for plans, sections, elevations, shop drawings.
  • Great control with line weights.

Disadvantages:

  • Can be slow, especially with heavy models.
  • May freeze when updating complex scenes/edges.
  • Some effects (textures/shadows/transparency) can be limited.

Best use: Technical drawings (structural/architectural sheets).

Pro Tips for Vector

If Vector is slow, simplify the viewport:

  • Reduce visible geometry (hide unnecessary tags/layers).
  • Use lighter SketchUp styles (less profiles, less extensions line effects).
  • Keep your scene clean: turn off shadows/fog if not needed.

2) RASTER

Fastest

Meaning: LayOut renders the viewport like an image (pixels)—similar to a screenshot.

Advantages:

  • Very fast to pan/zoom/update.
  • Great for textures, colors, shadows.
  • Best for 3D perspective views and presentations.

Disadvantages:

  • Zooming in can look blurry/pixelated.
  • PDF export lines are not as crisp as Vector.
  • Not ideal for detailed technical drawings at large scale.

Best use: Presentation sheets, colored elevations, 3D views.

Pro Tips for Raster

Raster looks best when you export/print at a high resolution.

  • Use Raster for heavy models to keep LayOut responsive.
  • For final export, increase output quality/resolution if available.

3) HYBRID

Best Overall

Meaning: Hybrid combines: Vector edges (sharp linework) + Raster image (materials/shadows/textures).

Advantages:

  • Edges stay sharp like CAD (Vector).
  • Still shows materials/shadows (Raster).
  • Excellent for professional sheets (presentation + technical clarity).

Disadvantages:

  • Usually the slowest mode (does both calculations).
  • Heavier LayOut file and slower PDF export.
  • Viewport updates can take longer after model edits.

Best use: Elevations/sections that need both clean edges and materials/shadows.

Pro Tips for Hybrid
  • Use Hybrid only on the viewports that truly need it (don’t make everything Hybrid).
  • For speed: keep working in Raster, switch key viewports to Hybrid at final export time.

Quick Comparison

Cheat Sheet
Mode Quality Speed Best For Print / PDF
Vector ★★★★★ (sharp edges) ★★ (slower) Plans, sections, shop drawings Sharpest
Raster ★★★ (pixel image) ★★★★★ (fast) 3D views, textures, quick work Can blur when zoomed
Hybrid ★★★★★ (best mix) ★ (slowest) Professional sheets (lines + materials) Excellent

Recommended Workflow (Structural + Architectural Sheets)

My Setup

Best Practice: Work Fast → Export Clean

During layout work, use Raster for speed. Before final PDF export, switch only the key viewports:

  • Plan + Section + Details: Vector
  • Elevations with materials/shadows: Hybrid
  • 3D perspective presentation: Raster

This gives you a smooth LayOut file while still producing professional PDF output.

Why PDF sometimes looks different

Vector and Hybrid can output very crisp lines, but they must calculate all edges precisely. Raster is an image, so it depends on resolution—zooming too much can show pixels.

  • If your lines look too thick/thin: check LayOut Line Scale and your viewport scale.
  • If Hybrid/Vector is too slow: simplify the SketchUp style and hide unnecessary geometry.
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