Rendering in SketchUp

Fig. 20.7: 
Draft-to-final-render flowchart
Number of Drafts
There is no set number of drafts that should be run. You make that subjective determination 
based on your goals and what is acceptable as a final rendering. However, experience has 
shown that for most models, five to ten drafts are usually needed to get the settings and values 
correct for the final graphic (Fig. 20.8).
Completing and Saving Draft Renders
It is not always necessary to let a draft render processes to completion. The IRP preview 
window allows you to watch the render progress. Usually, you can catch the flaws in a render 
from the onset when the image begins to coalesce. The more experienced you become with the 
process, the easier it will be to catch flaws and changes in the image.
Regardless of whether the draft render is complete, save the draft image. Most IRPs can 
save a render while it’s processing or after it’s been stopped. Having a visual record of the draft 
will help you review while you make updates and changes to the model. Keep notes about the 
settings like exposure, texture values, and other things for reference.

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Part 5: The Iterative Rendering Process
Fig. 20.8: 
Eight draft renders were generated for the exterior building and site model.
evaluating Drafts
Evaluate the draft render textures, lighting, model detail, and camera view. Also, evaluate the 
renders based on which sets are being run (initial, secondary, or semifinal) as each set will 
reveal different aspects of the render. Make any necessary adjustments and move onto the 
next draft render (Fig. 20.9).

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Chapter 20: Steps of the Iterative Rendering Process
Fig. 20.9: 
In this example of an initial draft render, (1) the roof texture needs to be adjusted; (2) the window reflec-
tions rendered incorrectly (no reflections); (3) the pedestrian lighting is obscured due to its blue color; and (4) the 
paving is incorrectly scaled and positioned.
The actions for step 2, the simulated light drafts-to-final process, differ depending on 
whether the render relies on exterior or simulated lighting. The process outlined later in this 
chapter is modified for simulated lighting renderings.
Draft Sets
The process leading to a final render relies on leveraging the ability to control rendering 
times. This results in the process being divided into three sets of drafts: initial, secondary, and 
semifinal. Each set steadily increases the quality, resolution, and amount of detail visible in 
the model.
The IRP-specific chapters provide details about draft-to-final quality, resolution, and light-
ing settings. The following approach generally describes how the draft settings work, incre-
mentally increasing toward the final image.

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