Rendering plugins?

timetodoit · 25 Jul 2008, 17:18

Hi there, I'm a graphic designer that just started using sketchup it's really handy for some stuff that I need to make and then "treat" in photoshop.

But the current render is very very bad.. Is there something better? I use a mac!

Free would be awesome

remus · 25 Jul 2008, 17:24

theres a list for render engines available for SU here, out of those id recommend podium as a good one to start with (theres a free version thats limited to 500x500 output, but the full version is only 200 dollars or so.)

If your feeling a bit more keen indigo is definetly worth checking out. Bit more of a learning curve in terms of what everything does, but it can produce fabulous renders.

If you feel like forking out a bit of cash v-ray is also very good, similar quality images to indigo but faster. More of a learning curve though.

timetodoit · 25 Jul 2008, 17:30

I see that podium only works on Windows

I need a one that works on a Mac

solo · 25 Jul 2008, 17:32

The Podium Mac version is in beta testing at moment and will be available very soon (a couple weeks I believe)

remus · 25 Jul 2008, 17:33

Beta me to it solo.

Frederik · 25 Jul 2008, 17:37

None of the render applications you've mentioned are available for Mac, Remus...
And you didn't even mention Kerkythea, which is available for Mac...

Download the Getting Started - KT2008 Echo tutorial, for a quick introduction...
But if you need help, you can always search in the KT Forum or post your question - if any...

remus · 25 Jul 2008, 18:26

Very true frederik, i read the post too quickly.

As frederik says kerkys got a mac version and is a very capable render engine

timetodoit · 25 Jul 2008, 18:52

Thank you guys I will give that one a try!

AdamB · 26 Jul 2008, 18:48

@timetodoit said:

Hi there, I'm a graphic designer that just started using sketchup it's really handy for some stuff that I need to make and then "treat" in photoshop.

But the current render is very very bad.. Is there something better? I use a mac!

Free would be awesome

And you could try LightUp too. Its a free demo on both Mac and Windows and available here.

troyhome · 4 Aug 2008, 02:57

I'm on a Mac and I have good luck with Maxwell Render, but it's $$y.
I have yet to try Vray for SU on Mac... seems to do a good job on the PC, but I can FIND a trial for Mac so i haven't tried it yet.

pbacot · 4 Aug 2008, 04:07

Hi Timetodoit.

Since you are using Photoshop see http://sites.google.com/site/3dbasecamp2008/all-sessions-2008/taking-your-models-into-photoshop
on how to "render" in PS.

Yes printing straight from SU is rough. But also have you tried exporting .png at high resolution and printing that? Still not a rendering but much cleaner.

I am looking, like yourself, and checked out Kerkythea, but this is not so simple as loading a Mac app on your Mac. Stopped me, until I can spend time loading and learning the software needed to run it. Looking forward to the Mac Podium.