SketchUp & ruby scripts, materials and photo-mapping

[Doug.S]

Most of you already know Google SketchUp (even the free version) can generate nice 3D models to import into TFP as .skp file then saved/exported as dxf or 3ds and then re-imported for the catalog.

But I discovered recently that because of the many free (and some for $$) "ruby" scripts as plug-ins (small 5K files) for SketchUp there are some nice capabilities you may have missed such as:

- import/export .obj model file format in SU  (also import 3ds and dxf for "adjusting" an existing item)

- select edge and convert to "chamfer"

- generate a surface between 2 curved lines

- "boolean" join/intersect (native, not ruby) 2, 3D objects...such as a hole thru the side of a tube

- "nudge" objects

- insert a grid  (adjusts for no (parallel), 2D, 3D perspective)

- bezier line

- memory for camera views

- cross sections

And of course don't forget you could generate a 2D image file for use as a picture or to trace or for a billboard

Anyway, the overall point is that SketchUp is a good tool to use with TFP, especially since SU does not have a render capability....so you could even build everything in SU and render in TFP.

And don't forget the large free warehouse of .skp files; including lots of people figures in 2D (billboards) or 3D...good for architectural views in TFP

And, using the "follow me" tool, you can extrude a 2D shape along a path, including inside and outside corners...so a moulding is now perfectly easy for a whole set of cabinets or the top edges for a whole room  (use a rectangle the same size as the room, follow-me, save as .skp, import into TFP).  Same tool does revolve/lathe so you can make "turned" objects too very easily.

And if you do timber framing....you must see this:
http://www.northernlightstimberframing.com/su/


EDIT:  additional info......

and if you want to make an object for TFP from a photo....you can insert a photo (taken so object looks 3D; like a 3 sided view) in SU, draw an object from it (photomapping), export to TFP and jpg comes with the object on the face  (you may have to scale object and jpg)...voila you have your object

Also to note are many SU video tutorials available for free on YouTube.

SU has much better tools for applying a texture and adjusting it on an object face too, so doing good textures in SU then importing .skp works well

SU does not render realistically (no lights, no reflections; but they can be faked-in) but does excellent "draw/sketch" renders and many "styles" available as well as able to create your own