New Sketchy Shadows Tutorial

We created a new tutorial to get you started with the Sketchy Shadows feature of NprTools

Take a look: New Sketchy Shadows Tutorial

SketchUp Tips and Tricks on SketchUpArtists

SketchUpArtists has a nice section on Tips and Tricks for SketchUp.

Give it a look: Tips and Tricks

New Image Gallery

I am in love with the new Image gallery we put together.

Someone was complaining about how hard it was to browse the existing gallery and find images by category, so we implemented a new one based on the Photo Squares Word Press theme.

I think it works pretty well.

Take a look: New Gallery

Google SketchUp 8 Hands-On: Advanced Exercises

Take a look at Bonnie Roskes's book: Google SketchUp 8 Hands-On: Advanced Exercises

If you know the basics of SketchUp, this book will show you tools and techniques used by the best designers. Detailed, step-by-step exercises will guide you every step of the way, from working with digital images, advanced component creation, modeling in context with Google Earth, sectioning, styles, sketchy edges, presentation, animation, sandbox, additional resources, and more.

SketchUp Rendering Feature - Transparency

IRender nXt uses SketchUp transparency settings.
It includes refraction, reflection and illumination through the transparent surface.

You can edit the transparency settings with a slider-bar, change the Index of Refraction , or add other special effects such as Translucency and Caustics

Video: Transparency Video
See: Transparency

New Lighting Preset - HDRi Sky

We added a new Lighting Preset to IRender nXt - HDRi Sky

Because of the new Image Layer Wizard - which make it easy to rotate and position HDRi skies, more and more people are using HDRi skies in the models.

This new Lighting Preset automatically makes the best settings for HDRi skies, and selects a nice sky with a mountain, background trees, sky and clouds.

If you want to use a different HDRi sky - just choose this preset and then go to the HDRi Setup tab to choose a different sky.

IRender nXt - Fully integrated into SketchUp

IRender nXt is fully integrated into SketchUp

This means that the IRender settings are stored in the SketchUp model, so you do not have to make changes if you reload the model, or for subsequent renderings of the same model.

Rendering setting and rendering functions are all available from a SketchUp toolbar.

 See: Fully integrated into SketchUp

January 2012 Newsletter

January 2012 Newsletter

New Video - HDRi Positioning

Background trees and Skies from HDRi image. Lots of people are getting good results using HDRi backgrounds for trees, skies, buildings and even interiors of buildings. There is a Rotation setting on HDRi skies and backgrounds which lets you rotate the HDRi. But it can require multiple steps to get the right rotation to match your model - since you often have to rotate the HDRI, re-render, view the result, and repeat until you get what you want. Rich has added a new feature to IRender nXt and created a new video: Rotating HDRi which make this much easier. You just drag the background with your mouse until you see what you want - then re-render to get the full effects of illumination, rotation, etc. Give it a look! Watch Video !

Position HDRi Sky Select HDRi Position Image Render with new image position See: HDRi Setup Tab Watch Video: Position HDRi Sky Download the latest version of IRender nXt to try it out.

Foreground and Background Image Layers

We have added foreground images as well as HDRi backgrounds to our Image Layer Wizard . This feature is still in "Beta Test", but try it out if you get a chance. Download the latest version from Downloads Choose the new Layers set up tab, or Layer Wizard from the foreground or background tabs. We are planning a new video in a coupe of weeks with more information on how to use the new Layer Wizard. See: Image Layer Wizard

Purchase or Renew IRender nXt now

If your version of IRender nXt is more than 12 months old, you should renew it in order to be able to use the latest versions. When you renew your license, you can use all new versions released over the next 12 months. Recently added features include Background Image Wizard , Volumetric Fog and Tileable Textures . We share these valuable updates with current licensed customers for free. Don't miss out. Renew your license today and get all product updates for 12 months. If you have been using the 30-day free trial, purchase IRender nXt now and start using it to make great renderings.

Other links

• December 2011 Newsletter - 3D PDF files from IRender nXt
• November 2011 Newsletter - Realistic Water Effects
• Older Newsletters
• Render Plus Blog
• Render Plus Home Page, Forum and Help Desk
• IRender nXt Image Gallery
• Render Plus Products

Rotating HDRi Skies and Backgrounds

There is a Rotation setting on HDRi skies and backgrounds which lets you rotate the HDRi. But it is rather difficult to use - since you often have to rotate the HDRI, re-render, view the result, and repeat until you get what you want.
RIch has a created a new video: Rotating HDRi which make this much easier.
Give it a look!

Position HDRi Sky
Select HDRi Position Image Render with new image position See: HDRi Setup Tab	Watch Video: Position HDRi Sky