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Let's get better at design together!


  • Rayscaper Alpha - A new rendering extension for SketchUp

    Rayscaper Alpha for SketchUp

    We are excited to see the release of Rayscaper for SketchUp into public alpha-testing. If you want to partake just download and install and give it a test.

    Still very earlier in development but already a robust and performative CPU based rendering solution made for SketchUp users. Easily add HDRIs and PBR materials from Polyhaven or load your own PBR materials.

    Download

    Read more...  
  • Import and Optimize 3D models in SketchUp with FluidImporter Pro

    Import and Optimize 3D models in SketchUp with FluidImporter Pro

    FluidImporter Pro is a SketchUp extension that quickly imports many different 3d model file formats into SketchUp.

    Need to import models at blazing fast speeds from Blender into SketchUp? Got a high polygon OBJ file you need to poly-reduce? Or maybe a Rhino file to you need to remesh?

    Read more...  
  • 1-Click Renderings with AmbientOcclusion

    Ambient Occlusion base render in SketchUp

    Creating compelling images in SketchUp using the latest AmbientOcclusion extension for SketchUp. One-click rendering or delve deeper for realism.

    If you are new to rendering in SketchUp or need a tool that integrates with SketchUp and is quick and easy then give it a try!

    Download Trial

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  • 7 Tips to get started with SketchUp Free

    Whether you’re a hobbyist wanting to use SketchUp for personal projects or a design professional wanting to try SketchUp Free before investing in SketchUp Pro, Go2School created a video to help you get started.

    In the video, they show you how to access the web-based SketchUp Free, the right way to use the drawing, editing & navigation tools, and how to avoid the things that often trip up self-taught SketchUp users.

    Read more...  
  • SketchPlus Released

    SketchPlus for SketchUp

    SketchPlus for SketchUp is an extension that adds a large number of easy-to-use tools, many of which are inspired by existing popular free plugins or are commonly found in other 3D modeling applications.

    Read on for all the details of SketchPlus or give it free 15 day trial.

    Free Trial

    Read more...  
  • New VR Plugin for SketchUp

    Simlab SketchUp VR Plugin

    SimLab Soft just released the new VR plugin for SketchUp, it allows the creation of interactive VR experiences from inside SketchUp, and to share them with others in one click.

    Read more...  
  • How to get started with FluidRay

    FluidRay for SketchUp

    Looking to try out some rendering in SketchUp. If you are new to rendering then FluidRay offers a forgiving and intuitive UI with powerful PBR based materials.

    Drag and drop, sliders, live reload and support for Rhino, 3DS Max and more. Make beautiful images of your designs in just a few clicks. FluidRay for SketchUp makes rendering easier than ever.

    Free Trial

    Read more...  
  • AI-Powered Interactive 3D Models from your SketchUp files

    Ambient Occlusion for SketchUp

    Bring together clients, co-workers, and collaborators around interactive 3D models for better, faster design decisions in augmented and virtual reality.

    Learn more

     
  • Vray for SketchUp 3.6 Released

    Vray for SketchUp 3.6 Released

    Chaos Group has released V-Ray 3.6 for SketchUp, the latest update to their professional rendering plugin. Built on Chaos Group’s industry-leading technology, V-Ray 3.6 for SketchUp simplifies the design process for architects and designers, offering photorealistic visuals and easy-to-use controls from concept to construction.

    Read more...  
  • SketchFX Ex for SketchUp Review

    SketchFX Ex for SketchUp

    Ever find yourself exporting static images from SketchUp and post-processing in PhotoShop? With SketchFX Ex for SketchUp, you can achieve the same result directly within the SketchUp viewport.

    Using the same layering approach as PhotoShop, SketchFX utilises a smart approach to stacking effects. The outcome has near infinite possibilities. But is it any good?

    Read more...

Firstly, we must import the image into SketchUp using the File > Importmenu option making sure that 'Use as image' button is checked.

 

 

Spiral 2

 


Once you place the image you will have to scale it so that it is accurate to the dimensions. You can do this quickly by drawing a line over the image and then using the Tape Measuretool to resize this line and the image selected to a known dimension.

 

 Dimensioning image

 


Now you are ready to begin modeling. Draw a rectangle on the landing area using the dimensions on the drawing and PushPullit to 9' in heigth.

 

Setting the height

 

 


Draw two 13 segment arcs using the Arctool and align them to the arcs in the drawing.

 

Drawing arcs

 

 


Draw 12 lines using the Linetool from each segment endpoint to the opposite side.

 

Make segments

 


Now select the vertical edge and divide it into 14 segment using Right click > Divideand enter 14 into the VCB. This will create snap points for the next step.

 

Divide vertical edge

 


Now you can use the PushPulltool to create each step at the correct riser height by using the divided edge as snap points.

 

Creating steps

 


With our framework in place we can now begin to remove the unwanted geometry. Select the top face and it's bounding edges by double clicking it then Shift+Left click the face to leave only the edges selected. Move a copy using the CTRL key modifier and the Movetool while constraining the movement to the blue axis using the Up Arrow key. Align this with another step to set the location.

 

Clean up framework

 


Using the Movetool we can now begin to place the lower enpoints in line.

 

Moving lower endpoints

 


Once complete we can smooth these hard edges using the Erasetool while holding the CTRL key.

 

Smoothing hard edges

 


Now you can add the details and texture it as you wish.

 

Final result

 


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