Learn to insert light to your sketchup model with IRender nXt

DutchSims4Master presents a useful video tutorial for sketchup users that focuses on how to insert lights to any sketchup model with the help of IRender nXt. This sketchup tutorial is very useful for the architects.

IRender nXt is a powerful sketchup rendering plugin that can be used to make stunning presentation with high resolution images within sketchup.

IRender nXt is completely incorporated with Sketch Up materials, lighting and components for managing any interior, exterior, daytime or night-time scenes efficiently.

With IRender nXt, the sketchup users will be able to transform their sketchup designs into nice looking rendered images instantly and efficiently. The users can easily include interior and exterior lighting, control shadows, reflections and transparency in their scenes.

The most updated version is IRender nXt 6.0.

Download a 30-days free trial version.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.sketchup4architect.com

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Five Most Effective Ways to Learn Sketchup Quickly

Sketchup, a 3D modeling software, aids in making interior designs, films, civil and mechanical engineering works, designing video games and for architectural applications. Sketchup is also a boon to those seeking to create dazzling 3D models for their projects.

The training for Sketchup is something that needs to get started. There are guides, online courses, tutorials, expert guidance and many more services are offered to you to learn the perception and concept of this software program.

This is the list of the five most excellent ways to study and learn details about Sketchup and making 3D models using the program.

Online courses: Those looking to accustom themselves with Sketchup can avail of a number of online courses. These courses help them to study the fundamentals of this software sharply. The faster you take hold of the knowledge, the sooner you can put it to use and make amazing 3D models.

However, you have to be careful while selecting the courses as there are many fake courses too. Select the courses that make accessible for you as a certificate confirming your knowledge about the software program.

Image Courtesy: 3w.dokisoft.com

Expert guidance: It is ways best to learn from the experts as it would never go waste.

For Sketchup too, you can look for an expert guide who could teach you about the software and share his/her own knowledge and experience.

Technical skills are such that cannot be gain only through reading about them. An expert who knows precisely about the software is the best source to learn as only an expert can give you the tips to make optimum use of the software in the easiest possible way. An expert guide is the one you should seek if you are keen on learning Sketchup Pro quickly and with ease.

Image Courtesy: 3w.dokisoft.com

Proper practice: Using a tool to prepare creative models would require practice as only practice would lead you to perfection. Those aspiring to become a professional in using the Sketchup software will require an in-depth study of the software, its functioning and its processes. You have to learn properly and then practice as much as possible to attain perfection in handling the tool.

Tutorials/Guides: When nothing works, tutorials and guides are available for you both online and in stores, which can help you learn Sketchup quickly. The only thing you need to do is look for a genuine guide or video tutorial. An easy task, isn’t it? Go online, surf the internet and learn all about Sketchup pro in no time.

Image Courtesy: 3w.dokisoft.com

Training center: If interested, you could also join a training center which offers proper training of the technical skills of using this 3D software. Just get enrolled in one of the many renowned training institutes and enlighten yourself about this amazing tool that helps you create 3D models easily. Look up for a training center that offers training in every minute concept relating to the software and present you a certificate for the training as well.

Ref: 3w.dokisoft.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.sketchup-ur-space.com

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Plugin for Sketchup : Sketchuv of Smustard

In a previous post we saw how to map a texture on a model using spherical or cylindrical plug "UVTOOLS", but if our firm has a more complex shape like that of a tent, a blanket or a towel full of wrinkles?

In this case we need:

plugin "Sketch Uv "of Smustard that you can download HERE

and the program "Roadkill UV Tools" that you can download HERE

Nell 'bottom image 3d model of our next towel with the texture you want to apply.

We click in the window of the material Sketchup, the instrument indicated by the red arrow then on texture (see image below), and finally.

our towel (see image below).

the result will be ... a pretty crap!

After highlighting our model we click on the instrument of the plugin "Sketch Uv " depicted from the bottom on the toolbar then

the model with the right mouse button and then on "Export UVs"

This will open a window where we will see the file path that we are exporting.

At this point we open the program "Roadkill UV Tools" we have previously installed and load the saved file.

Press "E" and highlight the model in the left pane where we see what it looks like (in the right we will see it as if it was open) then press the "W" (with the "Alt" key pressed we can run with the mouse 3d model at will). Go to "File" in the toolbar and click on "Save".

We close "Roadkill" and go back to Sketchup on our model, now with the right mouse button, click on "Import UVs".

This is the result. Just only adjust the size of the texture directly in the material of Sketchup.

With the plugin "SketchUV" We can also place a texture on a spherical, cylindrical or flat clicking on it with the right mouse button directly from the menu without using "Roadkill".

Ref: simo-3d.blogspot.it

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.sketchup-ur-space.com

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BetaBox – a mobile prototyping lab packed with various design tools

Betaversity recently launched BetaBox, a mobile prototyping lab, loaded with rapid prototyping tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, scanners, design equipment as well as speed of though materials all inside a 25-foot-long shipping container.

Blake Marggraff, a Washington University at St. Louis biology student, together his two partners has developed BetaBox.

BetaBox is just like a portable makerspace useful for a K12 school, a university, or a company to get streamlined solution for rapid prototyping toward the classes, events, conferences, and community outreach projects.

With BetaBox, one can just explore and transform any design ideas into reality with the help of dedicated professionals through most updated micro-manufacturing and design technologies.

BetaBox Units consist of the following :

• PrintrBot 3D Printer
• Speed of Thought Materials
• 3D System 3D Scanner
• FDM 3D Printer
• Leap Motion Technology
• Touchscreen Interface Technology
• Whiteboards
• Rasperry Pi
• 3d Doodler
• Arduino set
• Solidworks 3d Modeling Software
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Soldering station
• Power Tools
• Chromecast
• Wacom tablets

The above tools and technologies facilitate the students to use their knowledge which they acquired in the classroom in practical environment.

BetaBox is accessible for rent with a variety of funding options.

For more information visit, betaversity.com/betabox

Image Courtesy: betaversity.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.sketchup4architect.com

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The 10 best Sketchup Plugins in 2015

SketchUp is a 3D modelling program possessed by Trimble Navigation and utilized by designers in engineering and architecture. Plugins or scripts are broadly added to SketchUp for strengthening the 3D experience capability. Most of them are free of charge and can be redrafted by anybody inspired enough to fill the gap of increasing easy to use plugin.

All of these ten plugins are precious to a SketchUp user and enthusiasts in gaining photo realistic 3D model. Some of the best are Instant Roof, Purge All, Fur, 1001 Bit Tools and Curviloft SketckUp plugins. This is an excerpt of the article published by computeraideddesignguide.com with reference to Tak2hata, Goh Chun Hee, Chuck Vali, TIG, Fredo6, sdmitch, Fredo6 and Chaos Group

1. Fur Plugin: This plugin is utilized by different SketchUp enthusiasts in making grass, greenery, carpet and in various other creative lines. In fact the cleverness of SketchUp users are remarkable.

This is used in making “fur” on a created face by inputting certain type and figures in the fur settings. This will deliver a blade of grass and greenery in general. This would permit the designer a chance to adapt how tall and thick the greenery will be to his/her mental fulfillment.

A trouble-free, speedy and easy to use and once the surface have selected, the user can utilized the plugin, imputing the coveted setting and viola. You have added grass to your design.

2. 1001 bit Tools: This contains 39 different tools which are supportive for a budding SketchUp user. This plugin is a “one stop shop tools” for the cause that it has wide uses from drawing a line on a surface, making window frame, to setting up a hip roof. What is preferable in this plugin is the formation of a hip roof, walls, opening frames, stairs and extruding profiles along a chosen path without twisting even if the path is sloping. 1001 bit tools will build life easier for SketchUp users.

3. Instant Roof: This is used for creation of a roof quickly. Once the face is selected, you only have to decide the type of roof you want. The choices of roofs include gambrel, mansard, ranch, craftsman, Elizabethan, new roof style, plantation, prarie, santa barbara, ski lodge and trellis. Additionally, user can create your own style through having your own roof, eaves, hip, and rafter parameters. Editing the slope, eaves, fascia, hip, and rafter settings can adapt the roof style. Furthermore, the user can import or export roof styles.

4. Mirror: At first it was discovered by Frank Wiesner and rewritten by TIG from version 3.1 up to the newest version to date. This is complete by selecting the object to be mirrored and then picking points to describe a line, points or a surface. You would then be asked to decide to delete or keep the original object. This plugin is used to mirror groups, components or raw geometry thus making it easier to manufacture multiple objects in a file without making them again from scratch.

5. Purge All: Purge all plugin for sketchupPurge, purge, purge as they always says. This important plugin helps you eliminate idle and unutilized components, layers, materials and styles. This is different from using Model Info because you have the option of what to purge on and also have a log or report made on what was removed. This will absolutely make your SketchUp file less in size thus adding speed in your drawing and rendering.

6. Round Corner: Just like all the plugins made by fredo6, the sketchup enthusiasts require to download first the latest version of libfredo6 to be able to use all his other plugins. Round corner is made of 3 tools, which are for making corners round, sharp and bevel. You have to pick the corner(s), which the user wants to be round, sharp or bevel then click the corresponding tool and modify the palette according to your preferred outcome. Then, click the check mark to preview the result and strike enter to exit the plugin. This is one of the best SketchUp plugins for making 3D object with softer edges.

7. Component Array: This plugin though named like the collection in AutoCAD should not be flawed as such because component array is still limited in comparison to that. However, scripts are rewritten often that the opportunity of being like the other or exceeding its ability is not possible. This plugin generates array on a chosen face and the output is controlled through user input on grid spacing, angle, type and orientation. This is good to use for rectangular array just like in AutoCAD.

8. Curviloft: Curviloft included 3 tools, which are loft by spine, loft along path, and skinning. The first tool, which is loft by spline, makes contours between surfaces based on spline curves. Next is the loft along path, which works just like the follow-me-tool however this has the ability to unite two different shapes. The last tool is the skinning, which produces contours from two or more paths. This plugin is cooperative specially in making objects, which have irregular sides and faces.

9. JointPushPull: The newest version to date has a total of 6 tools, which are joint, round, vector, and normal, extrude, and follow. The joint push pull is use to push, pull or thicken a surface. The round tool can thicken a surface with the prospect of rounding sharp corners. Next, is vector, which can expand an object along a direction. The fourth tool can push or pull multiple faces independently. Extrude tool works to push or pull in an average direction while keeping faces jointed. The last is the follow push pull tool, which has the capacity to extend along the direction of their adjacent edges.

10. Vray: Vray is a rendering plugin, which works very fine with SketchUp. It has material editor, which you can employ to apply and edit martials to your drawing. The option editor of Vray is used to manage how the render output will be. It has also the ability to batch render, export and import proxies. This plugin is absolutely one of the most popular amongst SketchUp users who want to have realistic 3D model rendering.

Reference: - computeraideddesignguide.com and Tak2hata, Goh Chun Hee, Chuck Vali, TIG, Fredo6, sdmitch, Fredo6 and Chaos Group

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.sketchup-ur-space.com

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MashMe is the newest app for stunning 3d animated character modeling

MashMe is the newest app that can help users to produce animated videos as well as make video chat according to their desired animated characters instantly. This app is still in beta stage and will be available soon for commercial usage.

For more information visit www.mash.me

Watch an online demo of this stunning 3d character modeling app.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.sketchup4architect.com

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CGTrader is organizing a 3d printing challenge on the designing of Apple Watch Accessories

Lithuania-based CGTrader, an online 3D printing company as well as online hub for professional 3D designers and enthusiasts, is going to organize an exclusive design competition on 3d printing. This 3d competition will create huge opportunities for the skilled 3d artists to gain extra income. It will be a great platform for 3D designers and for CGTrader itself to coordinate 3D printing with other innovative technology.

The new 3D printing challenge is based on the Apple Watch. The participants can go through the exciting pre-sale anticipation period to showcase their 3D printable designs and make money with their talent. Present 3D printable accessory designs well-matched with the new smart watch which range from watch-stands, cases, buckles and straps, travel pouches, and lots more to grab exciting prizes and view your 3D models included in the special Apple Watch Accessories collection, accelerating your scopes to strike the jackpot.

The competition, will continue upto April 1, 2015 and the newbie and experienced 3D designers have to generate 3D printable objects well-suited with the Apple Watch as well as compatible with any iPhone.

The best designs will be demonstrated on CGTrader’s website in an exceptional accessories collection devoted to the release of the Apple Watch.

All the Designs should be uploaded to CGTrader and contain the “apple-challenge” box ticked to facilitate entering with a tagged model that will be eligible fir the challenge (just uploading to the gallery won’t enter the design). One can present several designs according to their choices. If anyone submits over 10 models, he/she will be qualified for the Portfolio category. Any individuals as well teams from all over the world can take part in this competition.

As a reward, one will be entitled to cash prizes and credits on CGTrader’s website. Besides, the winners of Best Model and Best Portfolio categories will obtain 3Doodler 2.0 printing pens. Runners-up in the best model category will be entitled some cash, CGTrader credit, and promotion of their designs.

It’s a great opportunity for 3D designers and for CGTrader itself to sync 3D printing with other innovative technology and to remind the growing community of 3D printing enthusiasts that the realm of possibilities where 3D printing is concerned is basically limitless.

Upload your 3d model

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.sketchup4architect.com

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E-on Software released LumenRT Architect and LumenRT VIZ for sketchup & cad professionals

E-on Software adds two new wings to their LumenRT product series by introducing LumenRT Architect and LumenRT VIZ.

LumenRT Architect supports SketchUp and ArchiCAD. It’s actual price is $495 but the users can avail it with a discounted price of $395 for the time being. LumenRT Architect is specifically designed for architectural professionals to instantly convert SketchUp and ArchiCAD designs into nature-packed images, videos and interactive worlds. LumenRT Architect provides an streamlined solution to convey design ideas into reality within a completely animated 3D surroundings involving wind-swept plants, rolling clouds, rippling water, deep shadows and beautiful light.

Several SketchUp users can now walk around and research with high-fidelity realistic visualization and attain a sound understanding of the overall benefits.

LumenRT VIZ is only compatible with sketchup and the users can use it at free of cost. But it is not suitable for commercial application. LumenRT VIZ is a free, fully functional version of LumenRT Architect. It includes a small LumenRT logo to all output. With LumenRT VIZ, the sketchup users will be able to seamlessly produce high-fidelity visualizations of their designs.

Download sample images, boxshots and logos here: www.e-onsoftware.com

Download both the product

Image Courtesy: ronenbekerman.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.sketchup4architect.com

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How to Embed Sketchup Models from the 3d Warehouse into your portfolio site

The video itself shows how sketchup models can be embedded from the 3D warehouse to the modellers site.

1. If you do not have a portfolio web site you’re reaching to get one for this tutorial. Don’t worry its super straightforward and easy.

2. First has to get the location of the model.

3. Embed tab is located at the lower of the right side bar.

4. After clicking the embed tab, the modeler are given with two options

Image Courtesy: designerhacks.com

• Thumbnail – a stationary image of your model. An example is shown below.

Image Courtesy: designerhacks.com

• 3d Viewer – a 3d widget of your model that you can turn and pan around. An instance is shown below.

Image Courtesy: designerhacks.com

5. After clicking on the option, a dialogue window-will pop-up with a code snippet. Then Copy this code. This is the magic you need to embed sketchup.

Image Courtesy: designerhacks.com

6. Then go to the portfolio website and log-in using your qualifications

7. Now under the Post tab, select Add New.

Image Courtesy: designerhacks.com

8. Now name the post.

9. Click the Text Tab at the pinnacle of the dialogue box.

Image Courtesy: designerhacks.com

10. Paste your code into the dialogue box.

11. Publish the post, using the key in the right side bar.

12. Check-out the link and slick embed sketchup model!

Image Courtesy: designerhacks.com

Ref: designerhacks.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.sketchup-ur-space.com

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Live interaction with team of Sefaira for smart modeling for building performance

Sefaira is an energy and daylighting analysis extension for sketchup that facilitates the architects and designers to take decisions resembling form, orientation, and facade design by obtaining real-time feedback in SketchUp.

The sketchup team had attended a webinar alias Smart Modeling for Building Performance in previous month which was based on how to apply sketchup with the Sefaira extension.

Given below a recorded version of the webinar which highlighted the smart modeling tricks for performance based design in SketchUp and Sefaira as well as some sketchup methods for streamlining the modeling process at initial phase of design.

There also exists a series of resources and question/answer sessions which were the part of the webinar. We also put together a list of resources and answers to questions that were presented during the webinar. The users can access them here.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.sketchup4architect.com

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Limitless Computing just released new & improved EASYSKETCH Plugin for Trimble SketchUp

After long research, Limitless Computing Inc, the note-worthy solution provider in 3D mobile Augmented Reality (AR) technology, introduced the improved version of EASYSKETCH Plugin for Trimble SketchUp.

This exclusive sketchup plugin significantly speed up & simplify the kitchen design method for architects, interior designers, kitchen designers and other sketchup users.

EASYSKETCH contains a wide array of cabinets pre-modeled as per UK cabinet specifications. The kitchen designers can create detailed designs instantly as well as make any modifications locally or globally with some single mouse clicks.

The users can just choose and drag a cabinet as per their choice from the chooser window and place it into the drawing space for commencing the designing work. There exists a drop down menu packed with various door styles and other finishes and the users can create a cabinet by selecting these options.

Download Easysketch from www.easysketch.co.uk with a monthly subscription fee of £15 ($25) or yearly subscription fee of £150 ($250) which contain the followings :-

• A wide-ranging catalogue of cabinet styles.
• Material swatches provided by recognized brands.
• Detailed models containing real frontal geometry.
• Monthly content updates.

The users can avail Easysketch with an introductory price of 33% off with coupon code 321EARLYBIRD.

Limitless Computing presents custom Ruby plugin development for Trimble SketchUp. Prospective Users can contact with project specifications to avail it.

Image Courtesy: easysketch.co.uk

We want to feature this page: sketchup4architect.com/sketchup-plugins

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.sketchup-ur-space.com

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How to Import Sketchup Textures & Create Custom Materials

Sketchup features a pretty nice array of materials designed into it, however it most likely doesn’t have everything you’re searching for. During this sketchup tutorial, the user will learn the way to import your favorite sketchup textures and switch them into new materials that you simply will use in your models.

1. If you haven’t already, the primary factor you’re reaching to wish to try and do is use a sketchup texture to use.

SketchupTexture – A good place for a lot of free textures.

CGtextures – This won’t to be my go-to before user found SketchupTexture. These textures don't seem to be all super clean, however it’s actually associate in nursing awful library to seem through.

2. Click on the Paint Bucket tool. Doing this can appear the Materials window.

Image Courtesy: designerhacks.com

Alternatively, you'll be able to move to the Window tab and choose Materials from the drop-down list.

Image Courtesy: designerhacks.com

3. Within the Material window click the produce Material button.

Image Courtesy: designerhacks.com

4. The produce Material window can then pop-up. To import your sketchup textures, click the Import Image within the Texture Editor section. Once your texture image is uploaded, you’ll see a preview of it within the higher left corner. You’ll be able to use the colour Editor Section to regulate your material’s color while not having to edit it in Associate in nursing external program and re-import it. If the texture starts to look weird once for the victimization the colour picker, attempt checking the change choice within the Texture Editor section.

Change turns your texture to black and white so puts the colour overlay on prime. If you import your texture and it’s too tiny or large, use the feel Scale & Lock within the Texture Editor section to regulate the size of your sketchup texture.

When you mess things up unfortunate, there’s forever the Reset Color.

Image Courtesy: designerhacks.com

5. Click OK.

Your custom material can currently show up within the sketchup material library.

6. Select it, grab the Paint Bucket tool, and have at it

Image Courtesy: designerhacks.com

Ref: designerhacks.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.sketchup-ur-space.com

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