Kerkythea launcher for Mac Os

jojo9

Hi,
i want to share with you a code snippet, for those who work on a Mac and use Kerkythea in conjunction with Sketchup.
http://www.kerkythea.net/forum/index.php

because i love to render my 3d-work with Kerkythea, i wrote a quick shortcut to invoke Kerkythea engine also without the Kerkythea plugin in Su, as you do normally, to bridge your work to the Render engine. Kerkythea is not a common Mac application as one might think, because it uses the X11 window system to run.

Not always you need to have Su running to continue your render work in Kerkythea. So, the reason for my application launcher.

set pt to POSIX path of ((path to applications folder as text) & "Kerkythea;Kerkythea" as text)
do shell script "open -a X11 '" & pt & "'"

To create your Kerkythea launcher, start launching the "Applescript Editor" in your utilities folder (command+shift+u). Create a new document in "Applescript Editor"(command+n), paste the code above in, save it as application and drop your launcher wherever you like (usually in /Applications/); only then you can drop the launcher in your dock

update:
i noticed Kerkythea isn't actually available for download on its website, so you have to wait till the new version comes out. I'm still using version 2008.

pbacot

Perhaps I don't understand. I put the Kerky "exec" icon in my dock and launch that way.

In your launcher can you drag XMl or kxz files onto it to launch?

What I wish someone could do is make the save dialog work like Mac OS. It's such a pain navigating to files in Kerky.

jojo9

yees…
i think its easily doable to open or navigate files with my launcher, but for saving i can say only maybe. This because i can use only the standard commands to interact with X11/Kerkythea, because none of both applications supports directly Applescript.
I'll post the progress, be patient.

jojo9

Hi,
i'm '5 fore 12' to release a nice Kerkythea launcher.
I had to do several researches to accomplish my task and the workaround i did created a bit more code at first, but offering in return some comfort. I had luck to succeed, because Kerkythea offers absolutely no command line options and X11 isn't really scriptable-a mess in other words.
Anyway, thanks at those who suggested me with nice ideas !

features

now you can open xml/kzx files via drag/drop and choose dialog
now you're able to organize quickly your render project files side by side your 3d work files

if you want other features, drop me a pm. Donations are welcome!

rules
-files and file paths with non-latin characters like umlauts will be ignored (Adjust e.g. ä to ae, first)
-the same applies for quotes: remove quotes/apostrophes from file names, else the file will be ignored
-drag and drop only ONE file per time
-select valid files, if you want to get results

let me do some finishing touches and remove a bug, which bothers a bit.
Stay hungry.

pbacot

Sounds cool. Good work!

pbacot

Thanks, I'll give it a run!

jojo9

Hi,
i did it. I present you: the Kerkythea launcher. Nothing of special, but i hope its useful for someone.

The application creates a script to open Kerky files and it makes some folders and symbolic links only. In any case, i don't take any responsibility for data loss or damage for proper/improper use of this software. This launcher comes without warranty!
A help file is attached, bug reports are welcome !

two things aren't working yet: startup in an expanded window and to show everything in solid view mode. I'm investigating on it. But i can't guarantee nothing.

Kerkythea starter.zip

jojo9

Hi,
i made some minor adjustments.
1# ability to create simple bump maps
2# a new workflow between Sketchup-Kerkythea

Workflow steps

a) drag one of your Sketchup files (*skp) onto Kerkythea starter: this creates a Symbolic link and a Render folder for you, everything organized in 'Desktop/Render Projects/'. Plus, it opens your skp-file in Sub) now, in Su, apply materials and Lights using the bucket fill tool and the Kerkythea plugin`s lights
c) export your materials/lights using the Kerkythea plugin and save its file with suffix '*xml' in
'Desktop/Render Projects/Symbolic Link of your Project/@ Render/'
to have everything organized
d) create bump maps with Kerkythea starter

Hope my approach is easy to follow as i feel it it does. I use to save most of my files all near the desktop folder, because its fast, especially in combination with symbolic links. Feedbacks are welcome.