Render in SketchUp with the Maquete plugin

Video transcript

Let’s set up the Maquete plugin and create a render directly inside SketchUp. First, go to maquete.ai/sketchup and select Download Plugin. The plugin works with SketchUp desktop, version 2021 or later, on Mac and Windows. In SketchUp, open Extension Manager and select Install Extension. Choose the RBZ file you downloaded and confirm the installation. Open Maquete.ai from the Extensions menu or the Maquete toolbar. Log in with your Maquete email and password. If you signed up with Google, first open Settings, then Account, on the Maquete website and set a password. Now open your model and choose the camera angle you want to render. The plugin takes the view directly from SketchUp, so you don’t need to export and upload an image yourself. For a still image, choose Still, then select Interior or Exterior. Choose your image shape. The frame appears in SketchUp so you can compose the finished shot. Select Create new scene and read materials. Or choose an existing scene and select Use scene. Review the materials found in this view. You can edit their descriptions, remove entries or add anything that needs explaining. For example, describe the floor as light oak with a matte finish. Next, choose the time of day and lighting. Add context for the view through the windows, or the surroundings of an exterior. Use Additional notes for anything specific your render should respect. You can also add a reference image to guide the palette and atmosphere. Choose your output resolution, then select Generate render. When the result is ready, check the materials, lighting and architectural details against your model. Select Save to download it. To revise the result, use Adjust this render. For example, ask to change only the floor to dark walnut with a matte finish, while keeping the furniture, walls, camera angle and lighting unchanged. Start with one focused change. Answer any follow-up questions and review the proposed edit. If anything needs correcting, explain it before applying. When you’re happy, select Apply change. Review the result. You can continue editing from the latest version, or reopen an earlier render from History. The plugin also helps you create 360-degree views. Position the camera where you want the viewer to stand, choose 360 degrees, and select Send viewpoint to Maquete. The plugin captures all six directions and opens the setup page in your browser. Review the capture there before generating your panorama. The Maquete plugin also includes tools to prepare your model in SketchUp, helping the AI understand your design more clearly before rendering. Let’s take a quick look. Clean View gives your model a cleaner presentation without changing its geometry. You can preview it, restore the original appearance, or save it to your scenes. Clean Selected Object softens unnecessary internal edges on selected model objects. Create LED adds a strip of light along a line in your model. Choose warm, cool or custom-colour lighting, then select Set light direction. Click and drag from the line towards where you want the light to reach, then release to create it. Mirror Surface creates a reflection on selected flat faces for your current camera view. If the face is inside a group or component, open it first. The reflection stays fixed while you move around. Use Refresh mirror view after changing the camera or model. Start with one well-framed scene, review the result, and develop your presentation from there.