Imported SketchUp Images

[ahr8tch]

Can anyone explain this for me?

I've found some SketchUp drawings that are useful in designing woodworking shop layouts.  I downloaded them and created a folder in TFP and went through the process of importing the images.  Everything worked great; but when I place one of them in a drawing and look at the rendering in 3D mode, it has lost a great deal of detail.  I drew a cabinet with drawers in SU and imported that to TFP and got a very similar result.

Am I doing something wrong with the import process?

Here are jpg's showing the file as exported from SU and as a screenshot after inserting it into TFP with normal rendering.  The final jpg shows the same in Rendered Outline.  Why do all those lines show up in this rendering?

I sure hate to lose the detail.

rh


FOLLOW UP:
After looking at different elements I've imported from SketchUp in different rendering modes in TFP, my questions become
1) Can I create elements in SketchUp and import them without losing detail? 
2) Can I create elements outside TFP making them detailed like those in the TFP catalog and import them?
3) How are TFP catalog element files created?
4) How are TFP catalog element files stored and accessed in TFP?

Not trying to elicit trade secrets here, just trying to give myself more options for images that can be found elsewhere on the Web for use as catalog elements in TFP - but without loss of image quality.

[Allan Chesney]

I have never used SketchUp so I can't comment specifically on that. I find I can make up all I need in TFP itself and these always come out with the same quality I create them.  If it is on object I can reuse then I export the object as a 3DS and re-import it into the catalog for use in future projects. These also have had the same quality as the original.

You use the term SketchUp 'images" I presume these are 3D models not just a flat image(?) 

I don't think it is the importing that is the problem. What happens when you render them properly using Advances at top quality (5)?  Are they still degraded?  The images you have posted appear to be just the screen display. The one with the lines around the object appears to be just the 'Rendered Outline'.  This is simply a Wireframe display with the surfaces filled so it appears solid.  If this was rendered using "Render 3D Real View" (View Menu)  you would not get the lines but a proper rendered image with shadows etc and it would look a much better quality I would think.

As to how the TFP elements are created I would assume some start life as a DXF or 3DS files from a CAD program and others it obviously creates itself using some internal vector graphics capability I presume.  That side of it is beyond me, as it the Catalog itself. You could see the objects via Microsoft Access in the older Floorplan versions but this one is different and still a mystery.


PS:  I have just quickly mocked up a saw bench in TFP similar to your SketchUp one and showed the difference between the screen display and Advanced Render as far as quality goes - although this one was only low resolution 640x480. Higher resolution would get rid of the slightly jagged edges. Maybe your SketchUp one will render better if you use Advanced Render.

Allan

[Doug.S]

I think Allan answered most/all your questions but I'll try to answer, saying the same things in a different way; hoping together you will understand...if not, ask again what we missed.

I have used SU a bit with TFP but I'm not an expert....but I also use several other 3D programs too.

1. importing a 3D .skp file . . . you should not lose any details  (in 2D view you see all the 3D model facets/lines etc....but you can turn them down/off to unclutter the view in 2D and I think in 3D line render....have not done hardly any of those).

2. virtually anything you want to create in any std/compatible program such as .3DS object can be imported into TFP for use but 2 cautions: must set domains to apply materials to different parts of an object, and imports fit into catalog in some places but not other folders and none are parametric (very limited adjustments...not like windows and doors and walls)

3. not sure what you mean here....you import objects to scene and save to catalog or import directly into catalog...and MUST save the changes when closing TFP or changes are lost.  see help file on catalogs

4. .3ds object files are stored in catalog,  .jpg files stored in PC folder.  you can use more than one catalog...but only one at a time.