Trouble with materials/components!

not registered yet

Help!! I have a project due on tuesday and I'm trying to figure out how to use components. So far, I've figured out how to access 3d warehouse from sketchup and put a component in......but I can't figure out things like, how to turn an object I created (in sketchup) into, say, a hedge. In other words.....I want to keep the object the shape that I made it, but I want it to become a hedge (not put in a hedge someone else has already made, which I haven't really been able to find anyway). Or how to make an object that I created into wooden beams, or how to add colors, or a stream of water following exactly the path that I want it to, etc.

I figured out how to add a park bench, or a trash can, etc. from 3d warehouse.....but beyond that I'm at a loss. Help!!

(Thank you!)

P: fancypants

Gaieus

Fancypants,

If your question is how to turn some geometry that you created in SU into a component for further use, this is the solution:

create the geometry (say a hedge-looking something)
select all of the geometry
right click on the selection
choose "make component" (this time a dialogue pops up where...)
you can give a name as well as some description (optional) to the new component
make sure to check "Replace selection with component".

Now you will find the new component in your component dialogue (Window menu > Components) under the "In model" tab (the little house like icon)

To add colours to any entity in SU, open the Material dialogue (Window > Materials) pick a colour (the cursor changes into a paint bucket) and apply it to the entity (face / group / component / any set of selection...)

To make a stream of water is already a little bit more difficult task if you want it to follow a specific path especially on a terrain. I'd suggest you to leave that out from your project if it is really due on Tueasday.

not registered yet

Thank you very much! How do I go about giving it the appearance of having leaves though? Or other textures...?

P: fancypants

Edson

well, you will have to apply a material to it. it is very much like painting it with a color. Tools>>Paint Bucket, then you choose a material from Vegetagion, Groundcover and appply to your hedge. you can aldo import an image from an outside source and apply to it.

not registered yet

Ok, so....just for kicks, then.....how would I create a stream of water? Should I take this one to another section of this forum? Is it really that complex...?

I think I can get standing water (it's a lot like glass)....I just can't seem to figure out how to create a stream of water and water coming down a fountain. I've tried googling this but there isn't really enough out there to piece the steps together in my brain.

Also, if anyone could throw in some steps on how to get rippled water (for the standing water)....I would greatly appreciate it. It's not necessary, so don't feel obligated, especially if it's just too complicated.......it just would be a nice touch.

Thanks again!

P: fancypants

Gaieus

By streamingand ripplingdo you mean moving? Or just the surface of the water (in standstill) look like the water flowing?

The first is not possible
The second is only possible with the careful selection of a material with which you can paint it
OR by craeting a bumpy surface with the sandbox tool for instance.

Edson

have a look at the animated water reflection freeware available at this site.