LightUp brings lighting effects to SketchUp
updated 04:35 pm EDT, Fri August 29, 2008
LightUp for SketchUp 1.2a
A group of UK developers has produced LightUp, a plug-in for Google's SketchUp modeling tool. The software generates real-time lighting for models, and supports effects such as skyboxes, Fresnel reflections, area and point lighting, and normal and specular maps. Users do not have to wait for files or export them, and can do live walkthroughs of environments.
The first retail version of the software is v1.2a, and is distinguished from pre-release copies through translucent materials, faster processing of large geometry, and low-density lighting, meant for surfaces that do not require the same fidelity as others. Users can also record short movies, and force normal rendering in cases where incorrect info is returned. A license for LightUp costs $149, though a free demo is available.
