Often, many users want to experiment with graphics, create something masterpiece or just draw some kind of project (house, lawn, town house or something like that). In this regard, there is no shortage of software. There are monstrous projects 3D Max, AutoCAD. However, they are very difficult for a novice user. And you always want to take the program and immediately start creating masterpieces, without wasting precious time on training. Computer gurus will say that this does not happen. However, there is one program that will allow even an unprepared user to create an impressive project. It is called SketchUp. How to use this utility? Very simple. But first, we will talk about the main features of the product.
Program features
At one time, this wonderful utility was created by a team of independent developers. However, it turned out to be so successful that the great and powerful Google acquired it. And only then the application became very popular. The main thing was that there was no program easier than SketchUp. Even novice users did not think about how to use it, because everything is simple and intuitive. And most importantly - the Russian language is included. Complete with the utility is an excellent renderer that creates projects in a fairly short time. But this parameter also depends on the power of the computer on which the work is performed. But the main difference from other applications of this kind is the high quality of the image in the preview mode. Even the vaunted “3D Max” cannot compare with SketchAp. As a free add-on, there is a huge database of ready-made 3D models on Google servers. You do not need to pay for them - just download and implement it in your project.
System requirements
Although SketchUp is the simplest program for 3D modeling, but it can not be called undemanding to the parameters of the computer. The minimum requirements for launching the program are quite strict: the processor is not weaker than Core i3, 8 gigabytes of RAM (better than 16), a video accelerator with at least 2 gigabytes of memory, 20 gigabytes of hard disk space and a good monitor. The latter factor does not affect performance, but it is better to view the results on a large screen. These are the system requirements of SketchUp. How to use this wonderful program? Read more about this.
How to create your own project?
How to use SketchUp 8? First you need to create your own project. It is very easy to do. You just need to run the program. At the first start, she herself will offer to create a new project. You just have to select some of its parameters. It all depends on what you need to create. There are several patterns to choose from: Room, Building, Simple Model, Complex Design, and so on. After choosing a template, you can start modeling. There is a rich set of tools for this. However, an experienced user may notice that there are not so many of them (for a modeling program). However, a feature of this utility is that additional tools can be downloaded from Google servers and installed on the panel. This is very convenient, since the installation file of the program remains quite small, and the installation does not require much time, as is the case with 3D Max or AutoCAD.
Select Preview Display
Another “feature” of the utility is the choice of the degree of drawing models in preview mode. There is an option with a full display of all textures and excellent animation. But it requires a very productive machine. If you have a mid-range PC, it’s best to use the sketch mode. All objects turn out to be “drawn” in pencils, and the level of animation is reduced to a minimum. There is a display option with full 3D objects drawn in a simplified style, with minimal animation. This is SketchUp. How to use the renderer? About this in the next chapter.
V-Ray system. How to use it?
Corporate (high-quality and undemanding to resources) rendering in the utility is achieved using a special system called V-Ray. How to use VRay? SketchUp is a fairly simple application and the render operation starts simply. It is enough to find the “File” item in the upper panel, the “Export” sub-item in it and click on it. A window with output settings will open. And here is the uniqueness of V-Ray. You can change the camera settings as you wish. There is also a proprietary "chip" - a passage through walls and ceilings to achieve a greater effect. However, it is not recommended to use all this beauty in an open project, since the load on the processor will be serious. It’s better to save all this in video format and then enjoy the sight.
PRO version
Like any commercial product, SketchAp has several editions designed for various uses. There is an initial version. It is free and is designed for familiarization. Not all functions work, free loading of tools and models does not work. But the version is free. Those who are going to engage in professional activities with SketchAp get the Pro version. Its price is quite high, but it is worth every ruble spent. The full version of the application is just SketchUp Pro. How to use this version? In the same way as the initial one. Unless you have to spend some time learning new tools. But they are intuitive. Even beginners will have no problems.
Sketchup layout
This is a specialized component of the program, which allows you to create a modern presentation from the project. The most advanced transitions and effects will be used. The Microsoft Power Point from Microsoft is a bit smacky on this miracle, but it does not have such rich functionality and such effects as in SketchUp Layout. How to use this option? Very simple. First you need to create a full-fledged project. When everything is created and traced, you can begin to create a presentation. We go to the "File" menu and look for the item "Create presentation". The presentation wizard opens. Here you can set the sequence of frames, insert the necessary comments and apply the required effects. You can also insert transitions. You can save the presentation in any form. Some people prefer to create such things in video format. But then the element of interactivity disappears. It is better to create it in the format of a standard presentation, Power Point. Then it will be possible to open through the Microsoft Office. This component will appeal to many designers and engineers. But it is only available in the Pro version. So you have to spend money.
Conclusion
So, we examined a program for complex 3D modeling called SketchUp. Utilities also understood how to use the main options. It is worth mentioning that this program is great for both beginners and professionals. However, the latter will have to fork out for the pro version. Without this, to use all the wonderful options of the program and its rich tools will not work. The utility is good for modeling various objects, creating interiors, miscalculating possible errors and more. The utility has an excellent formula calculator. He is able to do complex calculations. Now users do not need to resort to the services of the Excel package from the Microsoft Office. This makes SketchAp the most universal program for 3D modeling. It makes sense to spend some money on a quality product. Moreover, he is able to very significantly help in the work. You can, of course, download the “cracked” version somewhere on the torrent tracker, but no one can vouch for its stability.