Okay I think I got a work around.

I took the (Human Model) Collada file w/textures, that sketchup didn't map the texture to the model and imported it into blender.

I then exported it out of blender as a Collada file, then import that into sketchup and it worked. The texture mapped to the model the way it should.

Here's a render(Rendered using Twilight Render)of the model. Looks pretty good, I just used some basic settings.

I'm going to compare the file and see just how there different in the code.

@rich o brien said:

Is the .dae/.3ds mesh triangulated?

If SketchUp has to triangulate the import mesh then UVs/Textures can fail.

Is the mesh triangulated? I'm not really sure, I'll have to check.

@dave r said:

Do you get the same result if you import a .dae from a Collada file downloaded from the 3D Warehouse?

A lot of the collada files I've downloaded from 3dwarehouse weren't things that had textures, But I tried a few that did.

When I imported them, The models would appear apparently without the textures. Now I looked in the Material>In Model and found the textures had been imported, But the opacity on all of them had been set to "0%" and when I upped it to 100% the textures appeared on the model.

Now the other Collada files from other sources I tried, I found had imported the textures and they were at 100% opacity but not mapping to the model.

I'm guessing maybe it has to do with how sketchup uses UV mapping and maybe the collada files prefs., Tags etc.and maybe their not compatible or set the same.

I was going to open the dae files in text editor and do some comparing to see how they differ.

Okay, I've already searched the forum about this subject and read the posts/replies (and links). I'm assuming from what I read you can't do it, But I'm double checking in case there's something I missed or new or a different option.

When I try to import a .3ds or Collada .dae file which comes with textures (all in the same folder and correct name), That I've obtained from online or created in another program (Ex. In MakeHuman I created a person exported it as Collada file or 3ds ). The model imports okay but the textures are not imported or applied with it.

I noted though that if I export a model I made in Sketchup as a Collada file with textures, I can import that file back in and it has the textures.

So do Collada (or 3ds) files from other sources need certain settings so they work with sketchup? or can you manually just map the textures to the model in sketchup (UV mapping??)etc.

@rich o brien said:

https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=Grow

Play around with the settings and you'll get what you need.

Hi Rich, Thank you for the prompt reply. Tried the plugin a few times and it looks like it will do the trick.

Note Using SUmake 2017, Windows

Ques.Is there a plugin or simpler way to create a object array where the size of the object progressively increases (or decreases) to the end? Maybe have some inputs regarding how much the increase is (10%, 20%, etc.) or maybe set a target end size and let it generate the in between sizes.

In this example I did a normal array, grouped them and then used Fredoscale:Box Taper.
This result was okay, but the sides of the cylinders became tapered and I'd like them to stay parallel.

@dave r said:

@spreadcore said:

If it helps, Here's a plugin I use called ArcCenter.rbz

Are you still using SketchUp 8 as indicated in your profile?

There's been no need for a plugin for this for several versions as it's a native feature.

Yes, I am. I don't particularly like using programs that I have to be online to use. So I don't use the newest ver. SketchUp 8 works just fine for the little stuff I do.

Sorry the plugin is useless.

@njsanna said:

Thanks Box. Good solutions that I did not realize.

If it helps, Here's a plugin I use called ArcCenter.rbz
Right click on arc/circle select "Point at Center" in menu and it creates a construction point at the center. You just need to add the guide line

Arc/Circle center

Thanks to Fletch!

Fletch:If it were me, I would render with exact studio lighting I wanted to make my object look best, then render the Alpha Mask and photoshop the sky image background in post-pro.

I used this composting method and it worked great.

Here was a quick test, I need to make some tweaks. But it worked well Thanks!

@fletch said:

With Environment set to "Background Image" it will not contribute to light or reflections, so your metal is not reflecting anything but black.
See the rest of my advice in my post on Twilight's forum.

Hi, I was starting to wonder if maybe the materials being reflective, might not be reflecting anything. I go check your post out.