Most of the plugins are dedicated to extending the creative functionality of Sketchup and hence include functions like editing and rearranging channel layouts, moving and copying segments of channel rearrangements and labeling tools. The editing tools provided by the plugins are extremely intuitive and easy to manage.
SketchUp is one of the most widely-used 3Dmodeling programs around, especially among architects and interior designers.It provides the speed and flexibility to make quick changes to a design, andlend strength to the process of developing a project. By itself, SketchUp is apowerful design tool and an adequate visualization tool.
However, there is a power locked away inSketchUp that can only be unlocked with supplementary software and plugins thattransform its rudimentary graphics into photorealistic representations of yourwork.
The rendering programs on this list are thebest for use with SketchUp because of the way they transform the mostaccessible 3D modeling program into a visualization powerhouse. Many of theseprograms are just as easy to use as SketchUp itself, making for a smoothtransition for those who don’t have much experience in rendering and postproduction.
Here are 5 rendering programs for use withSketchUp.
1 | SU Podium
SU Podium was designed from the ground up tobe used specifically with SketchUp - making it the only one of its kind on thislist. There aren’t many bells and whistles here, just an easy-to-use renderingplugin that will have your SketchUp models looking shiny and new in a matter ofminutes.
If you spend time detailing your SketchUpmodels and finely tuning the applied textures and lighting sources, Podium willdo the rest. It allows you to tweak things like brightness, contrast, and colorfilters after the rendering is complete, adding some flexibility to the wholeprocess. For new users, Podium is the first place you should look for renderinghelp.
2 | V-Ray
No matter how far we’ve come since the earlydays of computer graphics and 3D rendering, V-Ray will always be at the top ofthe food chain. As technology advances, so does V-Rays ability to produce themost mind-bending visualizations, renderings, and animations possible with onesand zeros.
V-Ray comes equipped with a plugin thatinterfaces directly with SketchUp. It certainly comes with a learning curve,but those willing to put in the time are rewarded with the ability to do justabout anything with a rendering. With V-Ray, SketchUp is instantly transformedinto a rendering tool professionals can be proud to utilize.
![Free Sketchup Plugins Free Sketchup Plugins](/uploads/1/2/6/2/126229488/198204891.jpg)
3 |Twilight Render
Twilight Render is a visualization tool forprofessionals and hobbyists alike. In fact, that’s exactly how it’s marketed, andwith good reason. It presents the user-friendly interface SketchUp usersappreciate, with a powerful rendering engine that can produce photorealisticimages for even the greenest of amateurs.
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Twilight Render isn’t the most feature-richrendering program in the world, but it provides just enough in terms of qualityand speed to find plenty to like here. For people who are just getting theirvisualization foundation underneath them, it’s an absolute slam dunk and onethat won’t cost them much to get up and running.
4 | KeyShot
If you’re looking to dip your feet into thebleeding edge of rendering technology, look no further than Keyshot. Itutilizes real-time rendering in a way that allows you to see the results of arendered scene as you’re working on it. That means you can tweak textures,lighting, camera, and even massing and instantaneously view the rendering.
Keyshot is still working on a proper pluginfor SketchUp, but does have the ability to import your models into the baserendering program for quick use. SketchUp users will be impressed at just howeasy Keyshot is to use, especially considering the technological magic itcarries with it under the hood. Keyshot is something that has to be seen tobelieve.
5 | Brighter 3D
If SU Podium doesn’t have enough to satisfythe professional renderers needs, Brighter 3D is another exclusive SketchUpplugin to try out. It works within SketchUp’s already user-friendly interface,and has enough in terms of options and flexibility that experienced users willlove. It supports a variety of different lighting models, including artificialand HDR.
Best Free Sketchup Plugins For Architects
Brighter is a CPU multi-tasking renderingengine, meaning you won’t need an expensive graphics card to unlock its power.It is the perfect rendering plugin for people who don’t have the money to buildthemselves a dedicated visualization machine.