Rendering in SketchUp

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Chapter 2: Contents and Extended Features
the Modeling Process
The methods and applications in this book have two universal aspects that allow great 
versatility and easy learning. The method for preparing your model for rendering is the same 
regardless of which IRP you use. This is true for IRPs not reviewed in this book and for future 
IRPs that will surely be developed. 
You will be working in SketchUp to generate the model geometry, apply textures, and set 
up lighting using the SketchUp Shadow menu. The IRPs all reference the same factors and set-
tings to generate renderings. This allows you to pick and choose which IRP you want to use and 
easily experiment with different IRPs. 
Similarly, the book’s modeling process is useful when working with studio rendering pro-
grams (applications that require you to export your SketchUp model). Although more complex 
to use, these applications reference the same information (more or less) from the SketchUp 
model. 
Because of the uniformity, a good portion of this book focuses on how to add appropriate 
detail, organize, and richly texture SketchUp models (Fig. 2.8). Parts 2 through 4 focus on 
SketchUp and the universal process that can be leveraged across all these applications. (See 
Fig. 2.8.)
Figure 2.8: 
Interior model in SketchUp. The process for creating and processing a model for rendering is universal. 
This allows users to leverage their models to be used with almost any IRP.

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20
Part 1: Overview and Concepts
IRP Similarities 
The three IRPs covered in this book, while utilizing different interfaces, all function in a 
similar way. Each relies on four or five menus and applies values to the model textures and 
lighting in a parallel fashion. These parallels make it easier to jump between and experiment 
with the three applications. Part 5 explores the universal aspects of working with these IRPs, 
and Part 6 delves into IRP specifics (Fig. 2.9, Fig. 2.10, Fig. 2.11).