3D
modeling has many benefits; it gives users a platform to explore ideas,
express their creativity, and experience designs before they’re built
in the real world. However, the ability to add an element of realism,
whether that be reflections, lighting, or materials, can take a design
concept to the next level.
I’ve been 3D modeling for over 20 years and have worked at Sketchup
as a 3D modeling educator and video creator for seven years. Known to
some as Aaron and others as “that SketchUp guy with the funny shirts,”
my goal is to give architects and designers the tools to streamline
their workflow.
When it comes to rendering software, I always look for platforms that
are straightforward and intuitive – and Enscape is one of my favorites
to use when rendering SketchUp models. Here are the top five reasons why
I enjoy Enscape.
1. Sketchup Integration
Enscape
feels like it is part of SketchUp. It technically runs inside SketchUp
as an extension, but as a user, I just see a set of tools I can click on
while I am modeling in SketchUp.
Nothing ruins my modeling flow
like having to leave SketchUp. It can throw off your creativity to save
your model, open another software, import your model, and then hit the
render button. It is usually at this point I realize that I forgot some
noticeable bit of geometry and have to go back to SketchUp to start the
process again.
With Enscape running in a window and actively
updating my render in real time as I model, I never have to leave the
modeling fast lane.
2. Integrated material editing
Another
issue I have run into is the need to wipe out all of my SketchUp
materials so that I can replace them with materials with render
attributes – this re-work has always been frustrating.
With Enscape's Material Editor window in Sketchup,
I can not only choose to import and apply their render-ready materials,
but I can make my own. Enscape allows me to add attributes to the
materials already in my model to set the bump map, reflectivity, or
transparency levels of the materials I have already applied to my model.
No wiping out SketchUp materials, no reapplying render materials!
3. Easy light placement
One
of the things that I enjoy about modeling in SketchUp is the simplicity
of lighting. There is a sun and a simple modeling light, and that is
it! No need to add additional light sources.
If my model requires lights, I’d like to keep the process of defining render lights as simple as possible; for example, adding a light in Sketchup using the Enscape toolbar
works as I expect it to – almost like a native SketchUp tool. You can
place, size, and aim a light with a few clicks. Plus, I get to see the
effect of adding these lights in the render window as I add them.
4. Simple navigation
Simplicity
is vital to my modeling workflow. The way I can orbit around a model in
SketchUp is the simplest solution to 3D navigation ever – and I tend to
whine like a small child when I have to use any other system of
movement. However, I’m impressed with the movement rules used by
computer games (WASD and the mouse to aim the camera), which is the same
control scheme that Enscape uses.
It makes sense that Enscape
would not use the same navigation paradigm as SketchUp. In SketchUp, you
move around a model as you create it; Enscape is geared toward moving
through and experiencing the model – moving through my rendered model
using the keys and mouse seems natural. Not only is “walking” through an
Enscape model intuitive, but it’s fun. We are talking about production
software here, but I cannot help but enjoy the process of running my
camera through the building I have modeled and strafing around corners.
It’s like moving through a video game!
5. Asset Library
As
I said earlier, I am, at my core, a 3D modeler. I love sitting down and
creating SketchUp models, but this does not mean I want to create a 3D
version of every item I need in my model. Enter Enscape's render ready model library. The simple drag-and-drop interface allows me to grab pre-made Sketchup models that appear in my project as lightweight models but show up in my render as realistically rendered items.
While
I sometimes expend the energy to create 3D elements (like table
settings, appliances, or exterior entourage), being able to drop items
into the model is a great feature and a huge time saver.
When
it comes to choosing rendering software for SketchUp, it’s crucial to
pick the right one for your needs. Enscape makes rendering less
daunting, and they just released their Enscape for Mac.
