Rendering in SketchUp: From Modeling to Presentation for Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interior Design

Chapter 1

Introduction to Rendering in SketchUp

This book is designed to teach SketchUp users how to generate photorealistic images using integrated rendering programs (IRPs). It will teach you how to prepare models to be rendered, and it will show you how to use integrated rendering programs to create graphic images (Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2).

Fig. 1.1: A SketchUp model

Fig. 1.2: SketchUp model rendered using Twilight Render

The step-by-step process you’ll learn includes five main areas:

• Placing texture images on model surfaces that appear like real-world materials
• Adding relevant detail to a SketchUp model to create more realistic renderings
• Setting up SketchUp to establish the lighting environment for the rendering
• Fine-tuning the Integrated Rendering Program settings to generate the desired photorealistic images
• Altering images in a photo-editing program to enhance renderings during the postproduction process

In addition, you’ll learn how rendering programs generate an image and learn about the computer specifications those programs require.