NprTools

Al Hart

I have started a new thread here for questions about NprTools.

We hope to release a Beta Test version in the next week or so.

If you put any questions in this thread, then I will be alerted when a new post is added.

Watch this Wiki Page for documentation.

Pixero

I would like to see an option for having the shadow lines all in the same direction.
Like I would draw them.
As it is now it looks too artificial for my taste.

Also a slider for soft shadows ranging from Sharp to Very smooth maybe in some increments.
You can still have the choise for time and day offset but for ease of use I think a slider is better.

Al Hart

Good idea - currently I place the shadow lines on the faces in the SketchUp model, which rotates them.

I will offer a second options which will place a watermark texture on all the shadows, much like SketchUp does in styles.

It will look more like this:
(Based on the image you provide for the watermark)

tinanne

Will there be an option for lighter line weights? In the example you keep using the line weights are just so heavy. I don't think I would ever use (have ever) such a heavy look.

To answer my own question.. I'm guessing that is an SU option.....

Al Hart

@tinanne said:

To answer my own question.. I'm guessing that is an SU option.....

Yes, these line weights are a SketchUp Sketchy Style. For non-photorealistic rendering, some people like these line weights because they give the drawing a Sketchy look. However the Soft Shadows did not change the line weights. It uses what you have already.

Here is a similar model, with normal lines:

tinanne

Thanks Al. I LOVE the sketchy lines, I use them all the time, just not as thick as you were using. Looks like a great tool! I'm looking forward to the beta release. Need a Beta tester?

Al Hart

@tinanne said:

Thanks Al. I LOVE the sketchy lines, I use them all the time, just not as thick as you were using. Looks like a great tool! I'm looking forward to the beta release. Need a Beta tester?

Everyone who wants can have a free test copy for a couple of months. Just watch this thread for the release.

tinanne

Awesome! I'm looking forward to it.

Al Hart

The last thing which was holding me up from putting out the Beta for NprTools was a way to make good sketchy textures. NprTools has a feature which draws patterns in SketchUp, then lets you apply Sketchy Edge Styles to the textures and then make them tileable for use as Sketchy Patterns in SketchUp.

GIMP and PhotoShop have routines to make patterns tileable, but I wanted something we could run directly from SketchUp.

This new feature of NprTools using an algorithm described by Paul Bourke

Here is an example of taking a non-repeatable swirl pattern, making it tileable and placing it in SketchUp.

Original Pattern

Tileable Pattern from NprTools

Repeating Texture used in SketchUp

This example was not very tileable in the first place, but makes it easier to see how this works. It works well with patterns, like grass or carpets, which are almost tileable. But it will make any pattern tileable.

See: Tileable Patterns for a better explanation on how this works.

tinanne

Do you have any idea when the Beta release will be available?

Al Hart

I have promised myself that I will get it out this week.

thomthom

Al Hart

NprTools is ready for testing.

To download the trial version, go to Downloads

For more information, see: NprTools

Place any questions, comments, etc. here, or on this SketchUcation Support Forum Thread.

Look for these features:

(We will have better icons in a day or two when the crowdSPRING design project is completed.)

richcat

Al
I've just download and installed OK but when attempting to use it says my trial period has expired.

(EDIT) It seems to be conflicting with Rptools, I'll try and see if it makes any difference by removing Rptools.

Al Hart

I just launched the Beta Test version.

See: This Thread

Al Hart

@richcat said:

Al
I've just download and installed OK but when attempting to use it says my trial period has expired.

Hopefully you will be the only one with this problem. (I seem to remember that you tested it about a year ago)

Try this reset trial code:

Today's reset trial code is: 89307

This code is only valid for today: Tuesday, May 12, 2009.

If you need to process it tomorrow instead, tomorrow's code is: 90344

Load the License dialog in SketchUp/Plugins/NprTools/License
Enter the password into the 'Authcode or Security Code' field of the license dialog, and
click 'Check License and Validate'.

You should be 'rewarded' with the message 'Trial Mode Reset',
which will reset your trial period for 30 more days.

richcat

Tried both codes and says it reset days to 0, each time I restart sketchup it says it end of trial period and I have to insert codes again.

tinanne

Thanks Al, I'm trying it out now.

Al Hart

@richcat said:

Tried both codes and says it reset days to 0, each time I restart sketchup it says it end of trial period and I have to insert codes again.

Arrgh!

Is it working for anyone else?

If not, we may have to put out a new version tomorrow.

Richcat,

Start your RUby Console and type in: Time.now and send it to me.

Al Hart

@unknownuser said:

You work fast! I went to the DL page and there is no check box for NPR Tools-- might confuse folks?

I put out the Alpha Test version of NprTools over a year ago - so it has been in production for a long, long time.

But I am glad to finally get it out (I hope)