How to generate a sketchup model from different CAD drawings

In this sketchup video tutorial, you will be familiar with the method that is required to develop a model out of different CAD drawings.

To simplify the modeling process, the following free sketchup extensions are applied :-

Tools on surface (Fredo6) – With this sketchup extension, it is possible to draw on any type of surface, either it is flat or curved.

To download this extension, click on the following link sketchucation.com

To download the extension, click on the following link asav.xyz/2v6sL3K

JointPushPull (Fredo6): This sketchup extension is also developed by Fredo6. It can be used to extrude different faces simultaneously.

To download this extension, click on the following link sketchucation.com

Solid Inspector v2 (thomthom) – This sketchup extension can be applied to examine why a specific group or component is not a solid.

To download the extension, click on the following link extensions.sketchup.com

CleanUp v3 (thomthom): This sketchup plugin facilitates the users to configure parameters to purify the sketchup drawing.

To download the extension, click on the following link extensions.sketchup.com

To learn the complete method, go through the following video tutorial.

Video Source Alejandro Soriano Visualization

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.sketchup4architect.com
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Live demonstration of PlaceMaker

This sketchup video tutorial provides brief demonstration on PlaceMaker for sketchup. Placemaker is an extension for sketchup that is ideal for urban design.

To use this plugin, you have to first geo reference your location and click on placemaker and choose a place and select any area of that place and import to sketchup.

PlaceMaker imports data from OpenStreeMap and converts it into a functional site reference model ideal for rendering or exporting into other applications.

Given below, some exclusive features of the plugin

Aerials: Import DigitalGlobe High resolution aerials directly into SketchUp to employ them as your base.

3D Buildings: Add 3D building massing models to choose locations and cities.

3D Roads and Paths: Set 3D roads, walks, paths and water into your model. All objects are modeled and render ready.

Trees and Forests - New in v2!: Import whole forests with one click and place on terrain

Model on Terrain: PlaceMaker will model and drape buildings, 3D roads and paths directly onto terrain.

To get more clear ideas about PlaceMaker, go through the following video tutorial.

Video Source procadsys

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.sketchup4architect.com
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Demonstration of outliner tool inside sketchup

In this sketchup video tutorial, Justin Geis, the renowned sketchup tutor, has demonstrated the functionalities of outliner tool inside sketchup. This tool will save huge time while working in sketchup as well as retain your model organized.

Outliner comes as a little menu to the right hand side of sketchup. If is not visible to the right hand side, just go to window then click on default tray and check the box beside outliner (check the box). Also make sure that tray is turned on.

If there is a group or component in your model and the model contains group geometry, they will appear inside the outliner.

To start with, draw a box, push pull it up, choose it, right click on the box and made it a group, as soon as it turns to a group, it shows up inside the outliner. Now it is possible to make changes to it, rectify it and make the model organized.

After transforming the parts of your model into groups or components, the outliner monitors them properly. It is possible to establish the relationships among parts of your model in a structured outline style having one group nested inside of another. With outliner, the parts of your model can be hidden and safeguard them from unintended changes.

To gather more knowledge on outliner, go through the following exclusive video tutorial.

Video Source TheSketchUpEssentials


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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.sketchup4architect.com
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Click-Kitchen 2 - An exclusive plugin for instant kitchen design

Click-Kitchen 2 and Click-Change 2 are considered as useful plugins for SketchUp. These plugin will allow you to draw and customize your 3D kitchen with the use of smallest detail.

Click-Kitchen 2 comprises of over 5000 references of IKEA furniture with customize option.

With this plugin, it will be possible to draw a standard IKEA kitchen with millions of scopes or a custom-built kitchen with your dimensions and materials.

The plugin is compatible with SketchUp 2014, SketchUp 2015, SketchUp 2016, SketchUp 2017, SketchUp 2018.

The plugin is available in sketchup extension warehouse.

To watch live demonstration of the plugin, go through the following video tutorial.

Video Source David Barros

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.sketchup4architect.com
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Profile Builder 3 is just launched with some exciting features

Profile Builder is a powerful extension for sketchup that is bundled with a flexible series of parametric modeling tools for SketchUp to accelerate the modelling speed significantly.

The plugin makes the models smarter and adjustable to design changes.

The new version of profile builder i.e. version 3 is just released. It is compatible with sketchup 2016 and higher versions.

This new version contains 40 new features and following improvements :-

Span Assembly parts for generating great assemblies.

With hole tool, parametric holes and openings can be created.

Auto-assemble feature generates quick assemblies with a single mouse click.

Fix the height of an assembly

Path Mode
Build along Multiple Paths
Smarter Profiles and Paths
Live Profile Editing
Build Discontinuous

The users of version 2 can avail a discount coupon for upgrading to version 3.

To purchase a license, click on the following link profilebuilder4sketchup.com

Go through the following video for the live demonstration of the plugin.

Video Source mind.sight.studios

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.sketchup4architect.com
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Some unknown facts about section planes in Sketchup Pro

This is an exclusive Sketchup article written by the Sketchup enthusiastic Aaron Dietzen. The article throws light on some useful features of section planes in Sketchup Pro.

The section plane tool in sketchup is generally applied to view inside a model or generate a section drawing. Given below, some unknown facts about section planes.

1: Provide name to your section planes - While going to generate a section plane in SketchUp Pro 2018, it is required to provide both a Name and Symbol for each section plane you produce. The name recognizes your section plane in the outliner whereas the symbol demonstrates the actual section plane in SketchUp.

2: Discover your section planes in Outliner - In SketchUp Pro 2018, the section planes are recorded in the Outliner. So, it is possible to activate section cuts, converse the cut direction, align the camera view to a section plane to execute section plane interactions from the safety and comfort of the outliner window.

3: Control numerous section planes in several ways - In the View menu, toggle section plane visibility, section cuts, and cut fills for the whole model. To do it more correctly, just right click on any section plane and select to activate that one cut or conceal that one plane.

If it is required to activate a cut when all section planes are unrevealed, just apply outliner to toggle the properties of separate section planes even though they are concealed. This individual interaction with a concealed section plan is also very beneficial for arranging the orthographic views. Just right click a concealed section plane in Outliner, and click Align View to generate superior drawings.

4: Make and edit section fills - To verify how a section cut appears in SketchUp and LayOut is a function of your style or the existing style in sketchup. So, open the Modeling Setting in the Styles window: Style Window>Edit>Modeling Settings (comes with the little blue box).

There will be options for the section fill color, line color, and line width. It facilitates the users to turn the fill on or off and select what the fill is truly going to appear. Because section fills are connected with Styles, it is possible to save them as well as employ them on various models, or toggle among various looks as you proceed on.

5: Demonstrate several section cuts at once - It is often found that the section planes can add more than one and then activate them independently. But the unknown fact is that one will be able to actually demonstrate numerous cuts promptly by grouping section planes with geometry. As section planes will cut whatever geometry is being illustrated, it is possible to cut a model with a single plane, group the model with the section plane, then arrange another section plane outside the group to obtain multiple cuts in a single model. Slice and dice, now one gets the ability to cut up the model according to his/her choice.

To get more details, go through the following video tutorial.

Video Source Sketchup

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.sketchup4architect.com
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Background Modification in Sketchup

Here are the tips on how to change the background in SketchUp (not for render).
Usually when we want to present our SketchUp drawing to our client, it’s only a sky, isn't it?

SO, with this way, we can change / customize our background so at least it will make our scene more real although it’s only a sketch without rendered.

If you want to render the scene (vray or podium or anything else render engine), then you should use HDRI or customize on Photoshop.

So, here is the step by step:

1. Show the Styles window by accessing menu Window -> Style.
2. In window Style, choose tab "Edit", then choose "Watermark" from the menu

3. Click "(+)" icon then select a bitmap whatever you want to show for your background image, usually its a sky image or something else. The bigger the image size will make more smooth.
4. then, you will get a dialog question window, choose "Background". Then, "Watermark1" on the option can changed/renamed to whatever u want.
5. The next dialog, let the settings to the default, just click "Next".
6. Next dialog, choose "Positioned in the screen", then move the slider in the "Scale" to the right, This means our bitmap will strecthed fully. Thats why i suggest you use bigger image size so you will get smoother result.
7. Then, on the bullet icon, this means how the image repetition start. In this case, i select the bottom center. But you can select/try your own based on your image. Then, click "Finish"

Done.. ! ^_^ .. the parameter i mention above is not absolute, you can take your time to experience .. i hope this is useful for you ..

 

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.sketchup4architect.com

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Rendering Optimization in VRAY Sketchup

I have encountered these following questions "My client wanted me to print A0 size paper with nice quality, how can I do it?" Today I receive this from one of the follower with my Nomeradona Facebookpage "Nomeradona, I am working on a Google SketchUp 3D Floor Plan, and trying to Render it in Vray. I am able to Render it at (800x600), but I run out of ram, when I tried to output the (4000x3000 dpi) file size. Are there any tricks you can recommend to reduce the file size or increase rendering optimization?"

In this case, what shall we do? The good news is there is a very simple solution in Vray Sketchup 1.49.01 and here is this using the output vrimage.

This is an old Sketchup file which I did almost four years ago. Let me just use it to quickly show you the trick

Step 1: The output size

I have rendered before more than 8000px width x 4000px spherical panorama render which I used for this Virtual reality post. CLICK HERE to view this post. So far this was the maximum size I have tried. Anyhow in this particular render, I will make an output of perhaps half of this.

Step 2: IR passes
Since the image is huge, you don't need that high min/max rate. I lowered my min/max rate to -5,-3

Step 3: VRImage output. 

Locate the output roll-out window and under the setting output, tick the box "Render to VRImage". Once selected save it in exr root file to any folder that you want.

Step 4: Preview Image. 
Vray SketchUp will now begin to write the data in your hardrive. The Vray frame buffer will appear and you will see on the very top it reads "preview of the file output size that you have entered".

Once done, the image file will be written to the assigned folder that you have chosen.

Open Photoshop and load the exr file

Step 5: Converting the Gamma 2.2 to Gamma1.0
Vray SU by default uses gamma 2.2. When we open the file in Photoshop you should not be surprise why it's too bright. In order to convert the Gamma 2.2 to 1.0, select image/ adjustments/exposure.

Enter the value 0.45.45 ( 1.0 divided by 2.2)

Here it is..

I hope this is useful!

Nomeradona

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.sketchup4architect.com

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Top Six rendering software for sketchup users

It is essential to utilize a standard rendering software to the make the quality of the models produced through SketchUp. There exist different types of rendering software plugins which are included with sketch up. This article throws light on six of the best software to render SketchUp on the basis of functionality, features and price.

1) Allura GPU for SketchUp: It belongs to a GPU based rendering plugin for SketchUp that employs the power of your system GPU to speed ups the renderings. It applies the video GPU to generate stunning rendering image with high speed and outstanding overall rendering experience.

It applies calculating light paths with simple automatic settings.

Some of its exciting features range from indirect illumination, colour bleeding, reflections, refractions, soft shadows, blurry reflections, reflective and refractive caustics and volume scattering. The users only have to edit the materials and click render for getting stunning results.

To download the software, click on the following link www.renderplus.com/allura

2) Ariel Vision: This software facilitates realistic rendering of objects and models within SketchUp. It makes beautiful rendered images devoid of applying complex settings.

Ariel Vision contains various unique features which range from one-click rendering with superior results from pre-defined settings, persistent integration with SketchUp full Reflection and transparency controls for obtaining naturalistic materials. It also allows direct and indirect lighting with natural and artificial lights. Besides, it also contains nice HDRi skies and backgrounds to enhance the appearance of your model.

To download the software, click on the following link www.renderplus.com/arielvision

3) IRender nXt: IRender nXt is a robust plugin that produces photorealistic renderings directly inside Trimble SketchUp. It is very useful for landscape and set designers. The plugin easily transforms designs and models into superior images. This is a suitable tool for architects to illustrate their building plans. This software is ideal to render SketchUp files.

It offers some useful features like rendering at any resolution and quality as well as fine tuned lighting, clearness in lighting capabilities.

To download the software, click on the following link renderplus.com/wp2/download/

4) Raylectron: It can produce simple rendering with elegant photos.

The users will be able to edit how the model will appear with different lightning settings, from sun, sky and other settings. The X-ray vision feature facilitates to view interior render devoid of eliminating the exterior.

Some of the exclusive features range from capability to stop the render, save it, reopen it later and continue the render. The users will be able to rotate, pan, zoom, and adjust the materials and lights right from the Raylectron viewer.

Raylectron is also compatible with HDR maps and can save the rendered image as an HDR.

To download the software, click on the following link raylectron.com/webver2

Shaderlight: This software provides a more realistic rendering for SketchUp with various options through different modes and tools to simplify and retain your work models.

Shaderlight offers a exceptional blend with uses giving option to select among progressive rendering and single shot rendering.

The plugin also employs advanced lightning features to add a clean and quality look to your model. The users will be able to utilize the default resolution settings or edit this setting to arrange the proper blend of Sharon and concise images.

To download the software, click on the following link www.artvps.com

Thea Renderer: With its innovative photo realistic engine, it can render sketchup files easily. It comprises of exclusive independent studio and library of editors for materials texture and colour for unique rendering.

The software employs unique engine technique known as biased and unbiased render modes to bring superior results. Some exclusive features range from application of Instancing of External Models (as Proxies), integrated & external Thea material editor, darkroom with multiple controls, advanced camera settings, and render channels. It facilitates to generate your models containing more detailed three dimensional results.

To download the software, click on the following link www.thearender.com

Source: https://windowsreport.com



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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.sketchup4architect.com
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Some useful tips to copy & multiply geometry with the Move tool in sketchup

The Move tool is also used to copy geometry or produce several copies with simple clicks and keystrokes.

It is suggested to indicate an interval for the copies while copying with the move tool. This feature is suitable for generating 3D models of fences, bridges, and decks, where various posts or beams are uniformly placed.

Given below, the steps required for creating copies with the Move tool :

By using the Select tool, select the geometry to be copied.

Select the Move tool from the toolbar or press M. The cursor will transform to a four-way arrow.

To notify SketchUp that you prefer to replicate the selected entities, press and release the Ctrl (Microsoft Windows) or Option (Mac OS X) key. Next to the four-way arrow cursor, a plus sign will be visible.

Click the selected entities.

Move the cursor to copy your selection. A copy of your selection follows the Move cursor while moving it onscreen. In the figure, the fence panel is copied.

Click on your preferred location to arrange your copy. The copied entities are now selected and the original entities are deselected. As a substitute, move your selection to a proper distance and provide a length value, like 21' or 30m, and then press Enter (Microsoft Windows) or Return (Mac OS X).

(Optional) Right away after arranging your copy, generate several copies or uniformly spaced copies by typing a value and a multiplier, which become visible in the Measurements box.

To generate several copies, type 7x (or *7) to produce 7 copies.

To divide the distance among the copy & the original, type 5/ (or /5) to generate five copies uniformly placed among the original and the first copy.



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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.sketchup4architect.com
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Some useful tips to open FBX files in Sketchup

In this sketchup video tutorial, the sketchup users will get some useful tips so that they can open FBX files in sketchup without any trouble.

FBX alias Filmbox is a patended file format (.fbx) that is developed by Kaydara and acquired by Autodesk since 2006. It is mainly applied to offer interoperability among digital content creation applications. FBX is also part of Autodesk Gameware, a series of video game middleware.

It is also possible to open FBX files in blender. Go to File->Import and select the BOS FBX importer. Navigate to the FBX file that should be imported, choose it, and click to start the import. The model and armature will be imported.

Blender belongs to a professional, free and open-source 3D computer graphics software toolset that is specifically designed for modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, composition, motion tracking as well as video editing. Go through the following video tutorial to learn the process.

To learn the open FBX files in Sketchup, go through the following video tutorial.

Video Source Robson Jacobsen

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.sketchup4architect.com
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FrameModeler for sketchup

FrameModeler is the newest sketchup extension that is compatible with SketchUp 2018.

This user-friendly architecture tool is compatible with elementary architecture components like column, beam, wall, slab, grid etc. and can be set by the users with their fingertips.

FrameModeler works out the area and volume of the material similar to excluding intersected faces and edges.

• Information Export Tool
Export Excel data
• Select model data from ModelInfo
• Update Model Condition
Excluding intersected faces and edges, updating grid position.

Download the extension from extension warehouse extensions.sketchup.com



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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.sketchup4architect.com
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