Rendering in SketchUp

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Chapter 3: The Rendering Process
T
his chapter provides an overview of the entire rendering process. To fully utilize the 
information in this book, make sure you read this chapter. Subsequent chapters flesh out 
the steps outlined here. 
The rendering process is divided into three general steps (Fig. 3.1):
1. 
Create the SketchUp model, and then add texture, detail, and set lighting.
2. 
Provide render values to the model using the IRP’s menus.
3. 
Use external photo-editing software to enhance the generated image.
Fig. 3.1: 
The rendering process flowchart
The Rendering 
Process
ChaPTeR
3

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Part 1: Overview and Concepts
Create the SketchUp Model
Rendering can be summed up by a simple formula composed of three elements (Fig. 3.2): 
Textures + Model Detail + Light = Rendering 
These elements are arranged in the SketchUp model and represent the bulk of the work 
needed to produce a rendering. The beauty of it is that these typical steps can be completed in 
many SketchUp models regardless of whether the model will be rendered. What’s important is 
optimizing the elements for rendering.
The initial base model is the general model form and intent (Fig. 3.3). During the first step, 
textures are added to the surfaces concurrently, as the model is being constructed (Fig. 3.4). 
Fig. 3.2: 
The SketchUp modeling process flowchart
Fig. 3.3: 
Highlight of the base model step

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25
Chapter 3: The Rendering Process
Fig. 3.4: 
A base model in SketchUp
Textures
Textures are images that represent materials such 
as brick, concrete, granite, lawn, carpet, fabric, 
siding, tiles, metals, and more. Textures are applied 
to model surfaces using the Paint Bucket tool (Fig. 
3.5). Arguably, they are the most important aspect 
needed for rendering. The quality, type, scale, and 
appearance of the texture will dictate the quality 
of the rendering (Fig. 3.6). Part 2 delves into how 
to obtain, arrange, and edit textures in a SketchUp 
model. 
Throughout this book, textures are referred to with 
various terms, including textures, materials, texture 
images, and material images.