Simple rendering for Mac OS?

sketchupjockey · 12 Aug 2011, 01:51

I am working on a logo for a friend's coffee shop. Of course as a longtime SketchUp pro user i decided to create the logo in a model form. Now it is time to "possibly" render the logo. I have never used rendering software but would like to give it a shot. Can anyone recommend V-ray as a good program for mac users? I am tempted to download the free trial of V-ray for mac but was hoping that someone could give me some feedback as to the quality of the program if you happen to use it or another Mac friendly rendering program that i learn easily.

dale · 12 Aug 2011, 12:54

I have always been sad that Twilight has never come out with a Mac version, as it seems really simple and powerful.
I use Thea on my macs.
Thea has had a mac version from the beginning of it's development, and I love it.
Good developer and community support.
You can download the trial version @ http://www.thearender.com/cms/index.php/downloads/thea-render.html
Have a look the the Forum @ http://www.thearender.com/forum/
Cheers

solo · 12 Aug 2011, 13:07

Larry,

I have an idea, if you are willing to share your model I will start a 'render this' thread, and you will see the different renders using different render apps and user ability levels, possibly helping you decide and giving us a challenge.

otb designworks · 12 Aug 2011, 13:11

Definitely take a look at Cheetah 3D; probably one of the best pieces of mac software out there, imho.

Incredibly powerful for the price, rendering is just part of what it brings to the table. Great for animating models, character animation, particle engine, the list goes on. Also great for exporting your model out in various formats.

I export from sketchup as a fbx, though 3ds works fine, too, as long as you are under 56,000 polygons (approximately)

sketchupjockey · 12 Aug 2011, 18:27

@solo said:

Larry,

I have an idea, if you are willing to share your model I will start a 'render this' thread, and you will see the different renders using different render apps and user ability levels, possibly helping you decide and giving us a challenge.

solo-

I will definitely take you up on that offer. I'm too close to this thing right now and i'd love to see some examples of what is possible. Let me clean up the model before i post.

sketchupjockey · 3 Oct 2011, 22:54

Solo,
I hope that you will still consider posting my model as a rendering challenge. I know it's been a couple of months but i would like to get some rendering software options for Mac OS before i commit to learning/purchase of the software. See the attached SketchUp file in the zipped attached file broadcast coffee.zip

Cheers,

SU Jockey

zipped sketchup file

sketchupjockey · 3 Oct 2011, 22:59

Here are a couple of images of the completed model.