Hey folks,

You can get the test build for Rayscaper, Windows, version 0.7.2 Alpha here.

Keep in mind this is alpha software., have a look here to see what that means.

Changes since the last build:

• Add a help button to the SketchUp toolbar. Clicking this button launches a browser with the Rayscaper documentation.

If this is your first time installing Rayscaper, have look at the installation instructions. The documentation is here. Documentation is a work in-progress.

Happy Rendering!
Thomas

@ntxdave said:

I am having a problem installing and implementing the Rayscaper plugin. After the installation, here is the problem I am seeing:

[attachment=0:2drdux3b]<!-- ia0 -->Rayscaper Install Problem.png<!-- ia0 -->[/attachment:2drdux3b]

1. The plugin has been installed
2. The toolbar does not show up in the SketchUp toolbar
3. When you try to view the available toolbars, Rayscaper does not show up as an option.

I also tried closing SketchUp and reopening and the results are still the same.
What have I done wrong?

Hey Dave,

You are right, I can reproduce it here. If you open the Ruby console (Window > Ruby Console) you will see that there's an issue loading Rayscaper when opening SU 2020.

It's only for SU 2020, which I haven't tested (Only SU 2023 / 2022 / 2021). I'm figuring out what's happening and will provide an update here.

Cheers,
Thomas

@mike amos said:

OK, where is the material editor available please? I get the toolbar but the plugin does not appear in the extensions drop down menu.

Hey Mike,

There's a quick start guide on the plugin page: https://sketchucation.com/plugin/2677-rayscaper - Have a look at the quick start video; in case that's not enough, I sent you a message and can help to unblock you.

Cheers,
Thomas

@jga said:

[attachment=0:goadxfax]<!-- ia0 -->screengrab.png<!-- ia0 -->[/attachment:goadxfax]
Would it be possible for images not to be linked to an imgur account? I can't see the files on this site. Thanks.

Hey JGA,

The images are visible for me, not sure what is happening... You can use the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23A-TYc9u6o - This explains the same thing that Rich is explaining with his screenshots.

Cheers,
Thomas

Hey folks,

I also created a quick start video, using Rich O' Brien's demo shader ball.

Happy Rendering!
Thomas

Here are explainer videos that show how to install Rayscaper for SketchUp. Either installation method works, you can choose whichever is more convenient for you.

Option 1: Install via the SU extension store

Option 2: Download manually and install via the SketchUp extension manager

Happy Rendering!
Thomas

@jessereynolds said:

Is this expected to run on macos? Or only Windows? (I only use sketchup on mac).

Cheers
Jesse

Hey Jesse,

A Mac version of Rayscaper is planned but not yet for this alpha phase. Stay tuned!

Cheers,
Thomas

Hey folks,

Thanks for your patience!

The first alpha test version of Rayscaper is available here: https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=Rayscaper

More information about the release here: https://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=80&t=76360&p=692706#p692706

Cheers,
Thomas

Hey folks,

I’m launching the alpha version of my new plugin Rayscaper. Rayscaper is an interactive, photorealistic render engine for SketchUp that is fun to use. Rayscaper is currently alpha software and is free to use.

You can find the first public alpha release of Rayscaper version 0.7.0 in the plugin store: https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=Rayscaper

Here is a quick start video for Rayscaper:

The video uses this SketchUp file: RS demo scene by Rich O'Brien

I will regularly post updated builds with bug fixes and new features in this forum. For every new version, I will create a new forum post. Please report bugs/issues/comments for that version by posting under the respective topic.

Remember that this alpha software is unstable. If you don't have a high tolerance for frustration, please check again in some time. It will become more stable with every release.

With alpha software, there are some important caveats:

• The software can crash anytime for no apparent reason.
• Data loss or corruption might occur while using the software.
• The render output can change between versions while we fix bugs in the render engine.
• Until we are at a stable 1.0, previously saved configurations could be incompatible with newer versions.

When you find bugs, please be descriptive in reporting the problem:

• Provide instructions on how to reproduce the problem.
• Including a screencast or screenshot of the problem would be great.
• It would be even better if you sent me a minimal test scene so I could reproduce the problem.
• Rayscaper creates a log file under your home directory named SUEX_Rayscaper.log (e.g., C:/Users/Thomas Loockx/SUEX_Rayscaper.log). Attach that log file to your bug report on the forum.
• SketchUp creates a log file for each session, also attach this file. You can find it in your temp directory (Use explorer on Windows, and type %Temp% in the address bar). The file format looks like: SketchUpLog-2023-09-06-08_17_10.log

I’m a solo developer, so I must manage my time. Here’s how I prioritize bug reports:

• Crashes, my primary goal is to deliver rock-solid software.
• Render bugs. The output should be correct.
• Workflow issues are things that don’t work well or make the software clunky.
• New render features.

Rayscaper is commercial software, and I aim to make money selling this software. Once the software is stable and feature-complete enough, I will start selling it.You can find the tentative roadmap here.

Have fun and maintain a positive attitude. Crashes and bugs will happen, but let's work together to improve the software! Please do share your work in progress. That helps me maintain a positive attitude when I’m drowning in bug reports

Special thanks to Rich O'Brien. Without his testing, support, and feedback over several months, this release wouldn't have happened. Thank you sir!

Happy rendering!

@l i am said:

I have had a taste of communicating with people developing render engines and if you think something will take 6 months it will take 2.5 years

Well, I hope to deliver earlier than in 2.5 years

Cheers,
Thomas

Hey folks,

Attached is a screenshot of Rayscaper 0.6.4 Alpha in the original post.

I appreciate your patience. I was hoping to be already beta testing, but it's not going as quickly as I expected. We are alpha testing, and we will make builds available soon to people with the stomach to play around with alpha software.

Cheers,
Thomas

Hey folks,

SketchUp offers the edit_transform instance model for the model: https://ruby.sketchup.com/Sketchup/Model.html#edit_transform-instance_method - However, it seems that there's no equivalent in the C-API. I checked the documentation of the SUModelRef: https://extensions.sketchup.com/developers/sketchup_c_api/sketchup/struct_s_u_model_ref.html.

Am I not looking in the right place, or is there an alternative way to get the edit_transform?

Cheers,
Thomas

Hey folks,

It's been a while since my last update. I've been making a cross-Atlantic move, so Rayscaper wasn't always my highest priority for the last weeks. I'm settled now and back at it!

I uploaded another preview video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lh8Eynrn6L8.

Thanks for the interest so far! I think we have a good-sized beta group now that will help us get valuable feedback. Rich O'Brien has been testing with early builds and is helping me fix the most apparent crashes (Cheers, Rich!). The plan is to start beta testing soon... I could put up a test build right now, but I want to ensure it's a bit more stable.

Stay tuned here for more, and let me know if you have any questions about Rayscaper.

Cheers,
Thomas

Great form factor!

One quick hunch could be that you must install the MS Visual C++ redistributable. http://www.boundingboxsoftware.com/materialize/faq.php

@okesalmanb said:

i use SketchUp almost every day, Ill like to be a tester

Hey Okesalmanb,

Thanks for your interest! I'm putting you on our beta list.

Thanks,
Thomas

@franthesco said:

Disposto a testar o renderizador

Hey franthesco,

Thanks for reaching out. My Spanish is not great; I would say even non-existing. So I'm looking for testers that can provide feedback in English.

Cheers,
Thomas

@dinesh21 said:

I am willing to try

Hey Dinesh21,

Thanks for your interest! From your profile I see you don't have a SketchUp pro licence, the software I'm building works only for pro.

Cheers,
Thomas

@80three said:

I'm currently trying to level my design skills up as a hobby so I can eventually use them for a future design career. I have a light background with computers/coding and 3d design. I would love to help test your creations out!

Have a good one!

Hey 80Three,

Thanks for your interest. I’m looking for a wide variety of experience so happy to have you as a tester as well!

Cheers,
Thomas

Hey folks,

Just an update to tell you that there won’t be an update this week. Moving across the world this week, and my development rig is somewhere halfway. I am typing this on my phone. I appreciate the interest and look forward to squashing bugs with all of you very soon.

Cheers,
Thomas