Rendering in SketchUp

338
Part 5: The Iterative Rendering Process
Initial Drafts
The initial drafts are used to evaluate textures and lighting (Fig. 20.10). These drafts will be 
run at low render quality, at small resolution (typically, 800 
n
600), and with minimal detail 
visible (Fig. 20.11). The quickly outputted image is then evaluated, adjustments are made, and 
the draft is rerun and reevaluated. Once the results are satisfactory, you can move onto the 
secondary draft set.
Fig. 20.11: 
800 x 600 initial draft render
Fig. 20.10: 
The initial draft process

---

339
Chapter 20: Steps of the Iterative Rendering Process
Initial drafts will appear grainy; objects will be indistinct and small (due to the resolution); 
the lighting can be dull; and the overall appearance can be less than realistic. Expect these 
conditions (Fig. 20.12).
Fig. 20.12: 
Grainy, low-quality initial draft render
You need to look for the quality of the textures, determine if they’ll render with good char-
acter, and check to see that the texture values applied in step 1 are appropriate. Adjustments 
to textures are the most common changes made during this phase. Evaluate the lighting based 
on the direction and desired contrast in the scene and adjust as needed.
Secondary Drafts
Increase the render quality to medium, increase the resolution (typically, 1280 
n
720) close to 
final, and turn on all of the detail in the model, except vegetation if used (Fig. 20.13).
The renderings in this phase will still appear grainy, but they will be considerably sharper. 
Evaluate the model detail, reassess the texture characters and texture values, and assess the 
camera view (Fig. 20.14). Lighting will be brighter with deeper shadows and brightness, pro-
viding a clearer perspective of the final render lighting (Fig. 20.15).

---