Getting Started with Sketchup - Questions

[Irishman]

I've finally decided to make the immense investment of $0 dollars and download Google's 3D modelling app, Sketchup. True to their word, it is easy to get started, but I've run into some walls already.

I already downloaded and am using the 30-day free trial of the Indigo Renderer for scenes, to try to get a sense of how much control I have over objects and scenes.

I cannot figure out how to create light effects that aren't caused by the single sun-source that defaults in every Sketchup scene.

Anyone done this already that can point me in the right direction?

 

[B.J.]

I can't help with Indigo, sorry, but I might point you in another direction.

I haven't used it very much, but I know that Kerkythea (a freeware renderer) has a plugin for Sketchup that lets you define different light sources.

 

[sojourner]

Yeah, I use Kerkythea. It's totally free too. Look up some of my threads in fan art. All of my work is in Sketchup/Kerkythea. Just overlook my inability to finish most things - I have a short attention span.

 

[Irishman]

Thanks, guys.

Sojourner, Indigo limits your render resolution unless you pay for the full version. What resolution do you have good luck with?

 

[sojourner]

Any resolution I feel like. Kerkythea is free.

 

[Irishman]

Where can I find Kerkythea? A safe site.

 

[sojourner]

um...
http://www.kerkythea.net/joomla/

 

[Irishman]

Do I need to uninstall Indigo Renderer first, or can both renderers co-exist in the SU toolbar?

 

[sojourner]

They are just buttons on the toolbar. Shouldn't matter if they are both installed.

 

[Irishman]

Hey, guys. I finally got around to downloading Kerykthea, but am having a problem. I've tried opening SU files into it but it won't show the mesh in the K work window.

Why not? I can only imagine it won't work because, although I was able to download the K plugin, my Winzip expired and won't unzip it for me. WTF?!

 

[Robert Maxwell]

Hey, guys. I finally got around to downloading Kerykthea, but am having a problem. I've tried opening SU files into it but it won't show the mesh in the K work window.

Why not? I can only imagine it won't work because, although I was able to download the K plugin, my Winzip expired and won't unzip it for me. WTF?!

You would love that freeware thread we have stickied at the top of the forum!

Anyway, go use 7-Zip instead. It's free and won't expire on you. Link here: http://7-zip.org/

 

[sojourner]

^This is incorrect. The sketchup plugin for Kerky should be asking you to open kerky and load the file automatically. Even if you decline, the file is not zipped when created.

Just to make clear, you are using the plugin to make a Kerky compatible file correct? Just having the plugin installed in Sketchup does not make sketchup files compatible.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

Well, I was just addressing his expired WinZip issue. I have no idea about the other stuff.

 

[Irishman]

^This is incorrect. The sketchup plugin for Kerky should be asking you to open kerky and load the file automatically. Even if you decline, the file is not zipped when created.

Just to make clear, you are using the plugin to make a Kerky compatible file correct? Just having the plugin installed in Sketchup does not make sketchup files compatible.

I can't even put the unzipped file and folder in the Sketchup plugin folder that's supposed to be in the ZIP file from the Kerk site, because Winzip expired.

I hate PCs!!! Lol

 

[sojourner]

^Ah, I misunderstood the problem. You are unable to install the plugin because you haven't been able to open the zip file. Which version of windows are you using? Win 7 can open zips natively. Otherwise, just download a freeware zip utility. They're not that hard to find.

 

[Irishman]

^Ah, I misunderstood the problem. You are unable to install the plugin because you haven't been able to open the zip file. Which version of windows are you using? Win 7 can open zips natively. Otherwise, just download a freeware zip utility. They're not that hard to find.

XP. I have a short workday today and will be back home about 2PM. I'll be able to try then. I did find some good Kerky tuts on ta youtubez!

 

[Irishman]

Got it done, and the installer works.

Playing around with lighting at the moment.

 

[Irishman]

My approach to lighting is to kind of take a hint from tv and movies, where they have a primary light on one side of the scene, and a dimmer light on the other side, to keep the side opposite the main light from being lost in shadow.

Am I overthinking it?

 

[B.J.]

Not at all. It seems to be standard practice in the 3D world to have 1 or more fill lights to help the scene. Quite often the main light and fill lights are different colors, too. For example, most space scenes use a blue fill light, accounting for reflected light from Earth or light from other astronomical entities.