These 10 things you didn't realize SketchUp could do
In a market filled with complex, high-end 3d modeling software, SketchUp is one of the most effective. This software is easy to use, thanks to its user-friendly interface! In addition to being a popular choice with the architecture community, it is also a relatively new tool. The tool is effective from the very beginning of the design process, and as the name implies, you can sketch it up. The concept sketch is like a digital version of a final rendering that can be animated.
1. SketchUp as BIM Program
You might not believe this, but SketchUp has BIM capabilities along with the help of SketchUp plug-ins. If you search for other plug-ins that will suit your work, you may find Skalp.
A BIM application lets you create and manage your project. Working on the construction of a single-family house, SketchUp may be sufficient if you need to create a data report for the subcontractor.
2. Real Time Location & Map Co-ordinates
Whether it is a small residential bungalow or a massive set design for a live event, there is no science behind understanding how important a site context is when designing any real-time project.
A site's topography must be understood so that the design is appropriate. You can do this and more with SketchUp, allowing you to add the exact map coordinates and develop the site in a much easier way. You can't beat SketchUp for this.
3. Easily Developed Organic Shapes in SketchUp
Among its functions is extrusion. A follow-me Tool is a tool for extrusion. Drawing a shape or profile along your path is as simple as dragging it. Mastering this tool creates an irresistible desire to use it. Even so, you will want to use it for many things beyond the development of organic shapes.
4. Drawing Presentation & Composition
SketchUp is a 3rd modeling program, and a lot of us consider it nothing else. Yet SketchUp offers a lot more than you take advantage of. The layout is one of SketchUp's tools used to create Architectural documents.
It is possible to scale drawings, display floor plans, create elevations, and even view aerial images. There is no need to use CAD or Photoshop for every drawing! Even on this basis, SketchUp lends a hand.
5. Camera Tool uses for Viewpoints Processing
When your vision makes it difficult for you to visualize the necessary viewpoints required for the creation of an animation or rendering setup, you will be amazed at what can be done with this tool.
The model has everything covered, from walking through it to performing. You can get any perspective you want, from one point, two points, and even three points. They are all very effective for making photorealistic renders and post-production.
6. Fabrics Creation
It allows you to create fabrics for things such as cushions, beds, etc. A Soap Skin & Bubble plug-in allows you to develop complex shapes and to model organically.
Tensile structures are also able to develop skin. There are many shapes on the web today, and this plug-in will help you visualize them.
7. Style Builder for Sketchy Edge Styles Creation
Sketchy-edge styles can be customized using the Style Builder. It is enough to sketch a few lines on a template with the needed line weights and strokes, feed that data into the program, and then adjust the style to the 3d model to make it appear hand-drawn. You decide whether it is a sketch or generated by a computer.
8. Terrain & Contour Modeling
Developing terrain is important for many SketchUp modelers, as it provides a foundation for your model building. SketchUp's Sandbox tool is the best way to create terrain to build a landscape. As a base surface, you can use either your drawings or even an AutoCAD file.
9. Image Trace
Many SketchUp users are stuck in their traditional view that it is a 3D modeling program. Consequently, they are unable to comprehend its depth of options.
Tracing images is a great way to make effective 2D graphics in SketchUp. Please ensure that the image you import is a JPG file. Alternatively, you can use PNG.
To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.
Video Source: MasterSketchUp
10. Lumion Live-Sync for Rendering
3d-modeling of a structure is to create photo-realistic renders. The Lumion live-sync plug-in is a must-have for users of Lumion, being one of the best rendering programs today.
You can continue modeling in SketchUp while simultaneously viewing your work in Lumion, which incorporates elements such as photo-realistic lighting, and real-time material synchronization to give a sense of realism and depth to your creation.
