LightUp Plugin for SketchUp – Render Lighting Effects

The LightUp plugin is a real-time rendering plugin for the SketchUp software, which has the ability to work inside the SketchUp window. In this case, the users do not require any other app to export the design scenes while using the LightUp plugin. With the help of the LightUp plugin, users are able to edit their design materials and the lighting features of the SketchUp models. The real-time rendering mode of the LightUp plugin enables users to move smoothly around their design models.

In addition, by using the LightUp plugin, users are also allowed to export still images or movies at huge resolutions within a few time. Users are also allowed to export their lit design models to the free LightUp Player app. This feature enables users to share their design models with those users who do not have SketchUp software. Users can export the lit models to the FBX and Collada formats with the help of the LightUp plugin.

The LightUp plugin is compatible with different versions of the SketchUp software, including SketchUp 2021, SketchUp 2021, SketchUp 2022, SketchUp 2023, SketchUp 2024, and SketchUp 2025. The LightUp plugin is also compatible with Mac and Windows. There are several supported languages for the LightUp plugin, for example, English, German, Spanish, French, Dutch, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, and Japanese.

Design features of the LightUp for SketchUp

Providing high-quality design outputs

By using the LightUp plugin, users can create high-resolution stills and movies instantly. This SketchUp plugin allows users to iterate on designs quickly. The AVI Movies of the design models can be created with the help of the LightUp plugin, and this process can be done within a fraction of the time. There are several advanced lighting features in the LightUp plugin, which help to provide more natural-looking design output. There is an instant one-click exporting feature of Paramonas in the LightUp plugin, which helps to produce QuickTime VR files.

Offering a wide range of light sources

With the use of the LightUp plugin, users can add different light sources to their design models. In this context, users have to place a SketchUp component at the position where they want to add the light source and can edit the lighting properties of the designs. Users are also able to enter a Lumen value for the light source. An IES luminaire definition file can also be added to the designs, which allows the users to evaluate the lighting features. The LightUp plugin is appropriate for creating exterior and interior lighting designs.

Lux analysis and Isolation analysis features

The lighting feature of the LightUp plugin helps to produce pseudo colored models, which helps to show the distribution of the lights within the design models. The Lux analysis feature of the LightUp plugin helps to show the distribution of the direct local lights in the design models, which provides real-time visualisation of the design models. The isolation feature of the LightUp plugin helps to find out the geo-location of the design models, thus helping to produce a daily kWh/m2/day visualisation of the design model.

Real-time rendering features

The LightUp plugin has the ability to provide real-time renderings inside the SketchUp window. Users are allowed to add the light source in their SketchUp model and can switch to the touring mode. This feature enables users to explore how their SketchUp design model can be seen from different angles. Users can add 3D backdrop in the design models in the form of HDR Panorama images or Skybox, which helps to situate the design models in a realistic view.

Tips need to be followed for effective use of the LightUp plugin for SketchUp software

Several tips need to be followed to improve the design efficiency of the LightUp plugin, which are:

➢ A mix of ambient and direct lighting features needs to be included to maintain balance in the design model.
➢ Users have to experiment with different colours and temperatures in the design scene, which helps to create a specific ambience in the design.
➢ Users also need to adjust the shadows in the design, which helps to add depth and realism in the design.

By following these tips, the overall quality of the visualisations can be enhanced.

How to start the LightUp plugin for SketchUp software

For installing the LightUp plugin, users have to visit the official LightUp website and download the latest version of the LightUp plugin. After installing the LightUp plugin, users can find the design tools that are available in the SketchUp toolbar.

To set up the first project, users have to open a new SketchUp project after installing the LightUp plugin. After this process, users are allowed to add lighting features to their designs.

To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: Andrew Brody

Download LightUp for SketchUp

The placement of the lighting effects into the designs is crucial as it impacts the feel of the designs and can also change the design's look.