Shaderlight augments Google Sketchup with renderer
updated 05:40 am EST, Thu March 10, 2011
Users can create 3D scenes from Sketchup models
Now available for both Mac and PC users, Shaderlight from ArtVPS adds photo-realistic 3D rendering to Google SketchUp drawings. The program works as a plug-in to SketchUp (Free or Pro versions). It also features a "progressive rendering" mode that allows users to watch their 3D image develop as they refine their SketchUp models.
Shaderlight appears as a simple four-button toolbar within SketchUp that allows users to control lighting, render settings and material editors. Users can rely on the auto-settings to allow Shaderlight to pick the optimal parameters for the model, and can then fine-tune them by adjusting the type, finish and bump maps.
The program can also supply sun and sky to models, setting them in a realistic environment. Even when rendering, pan and zoom controls are still available to examine every aspect of the work-in-progress. Rendering quality can be adjusted with a progressive slider to trade-off between quality and time.
Shaderlight comes in two editions, Free and Pro. The pro version adds some lighting and background controls compared to the free version. The program requires Google's Sketchup version 7.1 or higher in order to work. The free version of Shaderlight requires no registration, however licenses for Shaderlight Pro cost $199 (currently priced at $149 for a limited time) following a 14-day free trial.
