@david_h said:

I've been a SKP using since the old @Last days (2002 or there abouts. V2!) I even went to the first basecamp in Boulder back in 05!

I don't wanna sound like an old'"Back in my day. . ." doofus-- but really...back then it seemed like the Mission of sketchup was just to be a simple, intuitive and easy to learn modelering program that pretty much anyone--from kids to architects--could download and start using in about 1/2 hour.

Sketchup only really took on higher levels of sophistication because of a community of wizards out in the world developed the plugins for differnet missions. Google and Trimble didn't seem to give a heck or a darn about developing it into anything more, so the idea of these high subscription fees seems ludicrous to me. IT seems to me that Trimble is looking to basically kill sketchup--(death by a million lost users!) rather than support it.
Luckily i have a work situation where subscriptions can be paid for but for a long time I carried my own license and it was working fine for me. but when i retire, in a few years, and still want to do some modeling as a side gig or for fun. . . Sketchup might just be a fond memory of an antiquated old kitchen appliance that will be probably get replaced by a new blender.

I don't suppose there's any chance of @Last buying it back?

This X1000... especially the part about all the talented people who created all the fantastic plugins that made SketchUp worth having, most of which are available for free...
SketchUp by itself is bare bones. Most people who don’t know about the plugins think SU is not capable of much and dismiss it entirely.
It’s rather audacious of Trimble to charge a subscription on a product that relies so heavily on the efforts of people who donated their time to a community.
If I thought for a moment that Trimble had some intentions of actually doing something that would make the core product significantly better instead of finding new ways of monetizing other people’s work, I’d say “well, these things happen”...
That email they sent out was a real kick in the crotch to anyone who’s been a long time user... basically saying “Say goodbye to the freedom to choose when to upgrade and instead pay way more money for the same thing! Yay!”
From the moment Trimble hobbled the free version, I’ve stopped steering students and teachers to SketchUp, instead telling them about Blender... it may be harder to learn, but it clearly has a future.
SketchUp was a wonderfully easy to learn product that was simple in design and actually fun to use, too bad this is where it’s gone.
Screw any software that becomes subscription.

The plugin thing has been winding down for a while, mostly since Trimble took over... once they got clever and killed off plugins in the free version, they pretty much guaranteed that SketchUp will eventually be left behind.
The generosity and vision of the majority of the plugin creators gave SketchUp it’s greatest value... without all the plugins given away for free, SketchUp would have been an obscure curiosity, a good idea, but very limited in what it could do... it was given power and versatility by the free plugin community.
Those plugin creators gave away their brilliant work because they were part of a community that shared ideas.
I can’t speak for plugin creators, but I make freebie models using Blender, if Blender were to become paid software with a “Pro” version able to use free models, and a “free” version locked into a small library of models included with the free version, I’d be pissed that someone was making money off of something I once donated to the free community. I would leave my models up, but I wouldn’t update or offer any fixes and I’d never donate or share another model.
It’s the principle... they bought software given value by free contributions, then they decide to limit access to the free items to profit on someone’s gift... that’s BS... yes, it’s raw capitalism, but who cares.
Yes, my silly hypothetical example isn’t exactly the same, but it conveys the basic idea. I can’t imagine a lot of plugin creators weren’t either disappointed by the situation or fairly turned off.
I’m sure plenty of brilliant people will still contribute either free or paid plugins and maybe SketchUp will continue for many years to come... who knows... I’m glad and very thankful I was able to experience the exciting times when SketchUp was still growing and seem to have a promising future.

Thank you both!
It was Zorro 2... I did not know that was what that tool did... too bad, I could have used that a bunch of times.
Thanks again.

In the video pilou posted, does anyone know what plugin the person is using that has an icon which looks like sword?

Sorry about the crappy screen capture... and thanks for any info.

Thank you for the reply.

This looks like an interesting plugin, but I don’t see a price stated anywhere... am I missing something or is this something that shows up after downloading it? I’m not a premium member is that why I’m not seeing a price?

@pixero said:

Yeah, but even 2250 leaves are not much if your going for something that look real. All examples have the twigs and leaves as an image plane. Seem to be more for real time games and such.

You could do as I believe Pilou is suggesting, and perhaps instead of using images of single leaves, use images of smaller branched groups... This might not be too useful with trees like maples, where the spacing of the leaves is uniform and a bit distant, but for certain oaks where the leaves are closer together and more irregularly placed, it works well.
I made a PNG in Photoshop once using images of a bunch of diffent oak leaves I photographed and connected them using some thin branch images... It was a bit of work, but it allowed for a fuller looking tree that needed fewer leaves.

Thank you Pilou!

You could also try a program called Sculptris
http://pixologic.com/sculptris/
It's a separate program from SketchUp, and only exports in OBJ format, but if you get TIG's OBJ Importer, you can bring whatever you sculpt there over to SU, provided you don't make it too high poly.
I recently sculpted a rock formation that a structure was supposed to sit on and was very surprised I was able to bring it over to SU because it was higher poly then I thought would work.
Also, if you have problems importing using OBJ, you can try using Blender to convert the OBJs to DAE, which sometimes works better for certain models.

Thanks pilou! It seems pretty good... Definitely much better then Google Translate...
At least for the the phases I checked it with.

That's exactly what I was looking for.
I thought it was a SketchUp setting.
I'm an ex Mac user, and sometimes those common Windows functions don't click.
I didn't think to check folder options in the "view" section.
Thanks DaveR and TIG!

This is a minor annoyance, but I've installed Make 2017 on my daughter's computer (Windows 7 pro) and when she saves a file it omits the "skp" extension.
If she names it "Garden_Bench-01" it leaves out the .skp instead of naming it "Garden_Bench-01.skp".
But for some reason it does not omit the "skb" in an skb save...
I checked preferences, but there is no option for that.
Is this a weird little bug, or is this a Windows 7 issue?
I'm using SU 2016 on my computer, which is also Windows 7 pro and this does not occur.
Weird.
Thanks in advance if you have any input.

Is this an acceptable place to ask questions about WrapR?
I thought about starting a new thread, but in some forums people get annoyed with starting new threads or ones that can be perceived as somehow redundant.
That and WrapR is still in Beta, so I could see where things might change and certain questions become moot.
These are general questions about features, function and tools.
Nothing about bugs, I get that those are submitted in a bug report.

So far what I've seen/used... WrapR is very intuitive and a great asset for SketchUp users.

If this isn't a great place or time to ask questions, I strongly feel that at least after WrapR is officially out and for sale that if at all possible, it get its own subforum like Thea, SubD and Vray have... I really feel that this is one of the top ten most important tools in SketchUp history.

Thank you for the opportunity to test WrapR and addressing the need for this feature/tool/slice of awesomeness.

Thank you once again pilou! I've been thinking of turning some of my physical sculptures into 3D, but did not want to do it though Autodesk... This is awesome!
Have a Happy New Year!

I have to say, that for the first time in a long time I have come across a thread on the internet that actually makes me feel that are are still in existence some people with rational minds.
It is rare to even see a thread like this allowed to exist, for fear it may express an opinion that others may not agree upon.
And rarer still is it to see individuals exchanging ideas instead of hurling insults or myopic rhetoric.
I think this what our world needs more of... Places for reasonable people to rationally discuss and exchange ideas, no trendy social media or instant messages... They don't have to be like-minded, just willing to listen to one another.
Unfortunately, most of what is available is either flashy nonsense or places for people who think the same to ferment and harden their views.
Nothing will change as long as people only wish to hear their own voice, or take a simple way out.
Things must change, for the path this species has chosen is dangerous and unsustainable.
I know in my heart that technology and the Internet hold the potential for mankind to redeem itself, but it is up to honest and rational people to find that path before it is cut off by those unscrupulous individuals who's interests it would deny.
Change will come as it always does.
Change can come as catastrophe or an enlightened endeavor.
I hope that someone with the skills and resources can find a way for such a place to exist, to that reason get finally get a toehold over greed.
Thanks for giving me the hope that this may one day be possible.

@rich o brien said:

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[attachment=0:2tjo9rm3]<!-- ia0 -->female-base-head.skp<!-- ia0 -->[/attachment:2tjo9rm3]

So just when I managed to stop checking to see if there were any updates in the UnWrap thread, you post one here... Pretty sneaky... Pretty sneaky.

Damn it, I built a time machine just so I wouldn't have to wait for this to be released... But either it doesn't work and I keep falling asleep in it or it only moves me forward in 8 hour increments. Stupid lousy impatience.

Initially after reading the title, I thought you were looking to make textures, but it appears you were looking for advice in a different area... But just in case you are not aware of it, here are three good options for making your own textures...

• Filter Forge- https://www.filterforge.com/filters/
Filter Forge is a node based texture generating program that will allow you to render out images of over 11627 available user made filters, modify existing ones, or make your own (depending on the version)... The site also has many lower resolution (516 x 516 pixel) seamless images used as examples of what the individual filter look like that could probably be used in many projects if you are not interested in the actual product.
Filter Forge comes in four versions...
-Basic: Around $149 USD, This version will render up to 3000 x 3000 pixel images of any of the user made filter collection of filters up to the current version you purchase (for example the current version is 5, but when 6 comes out and people start making filters in 6, you will be limited to ones for version 6, unless you upgrade... This applies to all versions except the subscription version). Basic does not render bump, normal or occlusion maps and you can not alter or make your your own filters with it.
-Standard: Around $249 USD, this version too renders up 3000 x 3000 pixel images of the user library collection, but you can make your own or alter other user's available filters from the library. It does not do bump, normal or occlusion maps. Probably the best bargain if you are not in need of the Pro features.
-Professional: Around $399 USD, this version will render images up to 65,000 x 65,000 pixels (I have no idea how they tested that, but most computers would just melt doing that). You can render bump, normal, ambient occlusion, metallic, and other specialty maps, make your own filters, or alter existing ones.

• Professional Subscription: $29 USD quarterly. Same features as above, but in subscription format, not affected by version changes if you stay subscribed.

Note that with the above prices I have said "Around $____ USD", this is because if you are patient, you can probably catch a really great sale... Often I have purchased upgrades for 70%-80% off... Also from what I understand all versions (except subscription) have the ability to purchase a permanent license key for more money and that option also will reflect any sales percentage offered.

There is a free 30 trial demo available, it is fully functional, including the ability to render out any filters you create or download.

Lastly, Filter Forge has a unique gimmick... Users who download very popular filters can earn points to apply to discounts, upgrades, or even a free upgrade... BUT... This is fairly hard because it is subject to usage statistics, not downloads and some users may not wish to share their usage stats.... But in the event someone is great at filter making, it's nice have the option, plus it encourages new filter additions to the library.
Filter Forge is available for Macintosh and Windows.

•Genetica- http://spiralgraphics.biz/index.htm
A node based texture generator similar to Filter Forge but with many unique differences (depending on the version), such as drawing tools, visual styles (similar to Photoshop's "styles") and the ability to create animations. It is available in three versions. I do not own Genetica and the website is pretty flat in what their features mean, so in this instance I can not provide as much info other than what I see and understand.
-Basic: $149 USD. Renders up to 3000 x 3000 pixel images of filters... It appears though, that you can make and alter filters with this version... But I can not confirm that. You can render bump, specular, luminance and "other" effects maps. Has drawing tools and visual styles.

• Pro: $399 USD. Renders up to 6000 x 6000 pixel images. All of the above features, but also gives you the ability to import UV mapped models for texture work (don't understand to what extent), create and edit HDRI maps (sounds kinda cool),render and export HDRI maps, has a hair and fiber lab, batch processing, and renders normal maps.
• Studio: $899 USD. Renders up to 46,000 x 46,000 pixel images all of the above features, but also includes pixel script, animation ability and animation presets.

I've been told they have occasional 40% off or more sales around holidays, unfortunately I've missed all of them, I'd like to get the pro version which appears to be the best bargain. But only if it's around $180-$200, as the ability to create and export HDRI maps would great, hopefully I'll eventually catch a sale.
Genetica is only available for Windows... No Mac versions.

But that's not all from Spiral Graphics (makers of Genetica)....

They have two free programs available that are very, very useful...

-Genetica Viewer: http://spiralgraphics.biz/viewer/index.htm
Viewer will render out any of the couple hundred free presets from the Genetica Texture Pack in up to 2048 x 2048 resolution, as well as effects maps like bump and specular.
It's free and extremely useful, so why not just pick it up and try it out.

• Wood Workshop: http://spiralgraphics.biz/ww_overview.htm
  Renders out any of around 100 procedurally generated wood texture presets in up to 3000 x 3000 pixels... And it's free.

As with Genetica, Viewer and Wood Workshop are Windows only.

And Lastly, not a program, but a great texture resource...
Textures.com (formerly CG Textures): http://www.textures.com
A collection of thousands of photo textures in seamless and non-seamless varieties... There is a free membership which allows for good, but small- medium resolution images and a premium version you pay for... It is "credits" based downloading and with the free version you get 15 credits per day... Depending on the credit value of the image (based on resolution) that could be four or five images per day... For professionals who need access to dozens of images, the premium plan would make more sense.

Hopefully this information was useful to someone.

@bob james said:

The recent and soon to be released extensions (Skatter, subD (combined with Quadface Tools and Vertex Tools), Wrap-R, Viz, Substance Painter interface....

Substance Painter interface...? Cool, I never heard of that. Any links or idea where I can find info on that? Thanks in advance if you do.

You always find such cool stuff pilou. This reminds me a bit of the old Metacreations KPT filters for photoshop. Thanks again pilou, I'll check these out!

@rich o brien said:

The focus now is exploring bottlenecks to performance and a genuine user 'want'

Well, not sure if I made it clear, but yes... I want this.

Although I was being (in my mind) funny about the "is it ready yet", I really am interested in this, as I'm sure are a whole bunch of other folks are.

Just to clarify...

• Are you asking if there is interest in general or were you really only asking this of the "core professionals" and "general user" input is not really helpful or necessary at the moment?

• Is it okay to ask questions about some of the features that you are thinking of including in this tool, or is it too early and unsure to bother?

I don't want to waste your time asking useless questions, but I'm under the impression the OP was sort of a "what do you think of this and would you buy this" sort of post.

Edited to add.... I didn't get the "thumb up or thumb down" reference... Then I just noticed the little "like/dislike" thumbs at the bottom of the post window... I guess I've managed to ignore those all these years. Sorry, I'm a social media hermit.