Rendering in SketchUp

.skm
. The 
.skm
textures are image file types 
created specifically for SketchUp. The SketchUp Material 
Library can display only 
.skm
file types.
This limitation means that custom texture libraries 
can’t be listed in it. As stated, custom textures will be 
stored as JPEGs and other image file formats not recog-
nized by the Paint Bucket tool. This does not mean that 
the Paint Bucket tool cannot insert, replace, and include 
custom textures. It just means that you can’t store them 
in the SketchUp Material Library. Because you’ll want to 
keep your custom textures organized, you’ll learn how to 
link the Material menu with a Texture Library at the end 
of this chapter.
Web Sources
Various websites offer materials specific to rendering, and you can use them to download 
custom textures. These websites tend to cater to and meet the requirements that are outlined 
in Part 2. This chapter focuses on the website CG Textures.com due to its large variety of 
materials. CG Textures.com boasts over 50,000 downloadable textures (Fig. 7.3), and it is a 
good place to start as you build your initial Texture Library. 
CG Textures.com 
CG Textures has a large and easy-to-search database. In many cases, it provides sets of 
downloadable images that come in multiple, but similar varieties and sizes. Textures are 
available to registered members. Membership is free, and it allows you to search and download 
materials. 
Fig. 7.2: 
Native textures in SketchUp

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Chapter 7: The Texture Library 
Fig. 7.3: 
The CG Textures.com website
Your free membership account allows you to download a total of 10 MB of textures per day. 
It provides access to small texture sizes only, meeting the general requirements for resolutions 
mentioned previously (between 500 to 1,600 pixels). When you’re working with graphics, a 
10 MB limit can be quickly surpassed. 
Purchasing a normal membership allows you to download 100 MB of textures a day. It pro-
vides access to medium and large texture sizes. A normal membership is available for a modest 
annual fee. It’s a low sum worth its weight in gold and is more than sufficient for most users’ 
needs. Although free memberships are available, by obtaining a paid membership to CG Tex-
tures you will be helping to support the website so it can grow and expand.