Rendering in SketchUp

Recommended Requirements
Ideal for most users, computers that meet the recommended requirements will render most 
models. However, some large landscape models (see Chapter 14) or models with many 
simulated lights may not complete rendering. High-end Dell Precision and XPS systems and 
Macs can be configured for these specs. Other computer manufacturers, previously listed, are 
ideal for these systems. 
3
3
i7 or Xeon Quad or Six Core computer
3
3
8 GB of RAM
3
3
High-end NVIDIA GeForce graphics card
High-end Rendering Requirements
High-end systems will be overkill for most users, but your renderings will fly! If you want 
to run small animations, work with large landscape models, or render scenes with tons of 
simulated lights, these specs are for you. High-end computers can be pricey (but should come 
down in price in the foreseeable future). They employ duel chipsets—meaning that two CPUs 
that have quad- or six-core chips. Therefore,
2 quad = 8 processors
2 six-core = 12 processors 
3
3
Dual quad or dual six-core computers—i7 or Xeon
3
3
12 to 64 GB of RAM
3
3
High-end NVIDIA GeForce graphics card 

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Chapter 5: Learning to Look 
O
bserving the real world will reveal cues to creating good renderings. By watching how 
light interacts with surfaces, revealing reflections while illuminating objects and making 
them dull or shiny, you can translate your observations into rendering values. The light and 
texture settings in IRPs attempt to re-create the qualities of reality.
Rendering as an Art Form
One of the most sought-after goals of computer rendering is to create hyperrealistic images. 
When you first look at a hyperrealistic image, you can’t tell if the image is real or not (Fig. 5.1).