How to Render in SketchUp

How to Render in SketchUp

Courtesy N. Norman
Modeled in SketchUp - Rendered with IRender nXt.
Courtesy Henry James-Allison of DFAL
Modeled in SketchUp - Rendered with IRender nXt.

SketchUp is a free 3-D modeling program that you can use to design models of anything you desire, such as a exterior and interior views of buildings.

When you design a model in SketchUp, it appears in a low quality rendering without special lighting and reflection.

To see your model as a high-resolution photo-realistic image, you will need to render it using a rendering add-on which you can download and install.

Contents

The choice is your to make

There are two paths you can take:

ArielVision is a low cost, easy to use rendering package which makes very good results. It is easy to use because it contains only the features you need for good renderings.

IRender nXt costs just a bit more, but has many, many more rendering features. The additional features can make it seem harder to use - because to use special things like fog, depth of field, caustic glass, etc. you have to decide whether to turn them on and you often have to set values which effect them. These features can make even better renderings, but it may take more time to set them up.

How should I decide which Renderer to try and purchase?

Features:

If you want to have all the high-end features available - even if you don't use them right away, then you should choose IRender nXt.

If you want to create better hi-res images from your SketchUp model, but don't want to have to learn how to use advanced rendering features - like Depth-of-Field, Special Reflection Settings, Special Transparency Settings, etc. then ArielVision is the right choice for you. Cost

If you are using SketchUp and Rendering as part of your professional offering, and are using it to increase or support your business, then IRender nXt at $499.00 should fit within your budget.

If cost is your primary concern, then ArielVision, at $175.00, may be the right choice for you

Which should you choose?

If you only make a few renderings a year, if you don't want to worry about learning how to use a bunch of special features, or if cost is a concern, choose ArielVision .

If you know you want top quality renderings which only the special features can provide, or if better renderings are important to your business, choose IRender nXt .

Instructions

IRender nXt

ArielVision

Both products

  1. For exteriors, select the High Dynamic Preset
  2. For interiors - add lights as desired and select one of the Interior Presets.
  3. Click the green render button.

Related Videos

See also