Save model in PNG without background . anyone?

Gaieus

The Mac version can do it natively and for us, puny Windows users, there is this plugin:
http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?t=30819

Note that you need to turn off sky and ground and turn your background completely white (RGB 255 all) in order that this plugin work.

thomthom

@gaieus said:

turn your background completely white (RGB 255 all) in order that this plugin work.

eh? really? thought I've used it with any colour background - as long as sky and ground is off...

Gaieus

That's what I remember. Hold on...

thomthom

Yes I have - it's even in the screenshots of the post - using the default grey background of SU's architecture template.

Gaieus

Okay, you may be right, I could only find the sky and background issue in the topic (I was the one with problems).

thomthom

For that model you could use QuadFace Tools to UV map the surface: http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=39442&hilit=+quadface#p348501

tibet

hi,
a pretty fast answer, thank you!
The more i learn, the more i realize how little i know in difference from you guys
best of luck !

tibet

hi,
thanks for your tips, so what are the final tricks?
a smart plugin solves everything ?
wow, that´s pretty cool !

additional question about adding texture to faces
round one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVYYdWYRqrg
flat surface http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEg6tHWNXb4&feature=relmfu
to move texture on flat surface is easy, but what about round one
i need to move a bit replace my texture at the entrance of the building / see picture
thanks!

tibet

hi,
the plugin works like a charm, but my model is a bit "hairy"
is there any setting how to convert model into higher resolution of PNG, to reduce raster to minimum please?
thank you!

thomthom

You have the same settings as when you export normally, Width, Height and Anti-aliasing - adjust to your requirement.

I never use SketchUp's AA when exporting - instead I export the image out much larger and scale down in Photoshop which then produce nice smooth edges.

thomthom

Haven't used other applications. Either I do it by hand, or I use the panorama function in PhotoShop. http://tv.adobe.com/watch/learn-photoshop-cs5/creating-a-panorama/

tibet

hi,
you´re right. to export bigger model, then resize in PS, but when i need transparent backgroung?
do you thing PS fix everything?
thanks!
note: just making a texture of bulding (another project) photos were made from many places around.
when i need to make panorama pic to wrap the model, i´ve to fix/strech photos for nice result.
do you think PS is the best, or is there any other tools/programs, which can fix distortions too.
your valuable tips are very appreciated

thomthom

Aye - that is what I do. Some times I increase the size of Outlines in Edge Styles as the edge thickness doesn't scale up with the size of the export. An alternative is using Layout - let you export with nice AA, edge size scale, transparent background and you can even export as vector.

tibet

hi,

a prety fast help, thanks, the tut is great !

i´m very thankful, i´ve spent many valuable moments here with you guys

so, when i return to previous topic, the best think is to change resolution of size of the model, then reduce it in PS.

wonderful !

tibet

good job, well done !

hope to be a good source of wisdom like you someday

interesting info about panorama makers:

http://www.stockholmviews.com/gigapan-review/gigapan7.html

pbacot

Thothom, if you please, what is meaning of the acronym "AA"?

Gaieus

Anti Aliasing. The rest you probably know but here it is for those new to SU.

Can be set at system preferences level - in this case it only affects what is rendered on the screen.

And can be set when exporting stills and animations - this time it is done by the software (SU) but that is not a nice job (here they could improve a lot)

pbacot

of course!

Gaieus

I told you knew!