External mesh

[cotty]

What would be the workflow for using a complex SketchUp model as an external mesh?

[bubs]

Export it as .obj from Sketchup?

Then do the normal .obj referencing in the model you are rendering?

Just guessing here, I'm sure some of the skindigo gurus will be of more help!

[cotty]

Thank you, I will try the free available OBJ-exporter (by TIG) and report here...

[snorky]

What would be the workflow for using a complex SketchUp model as an external mesh?

in a word: "DUMMY"

no obj...

[bubs]

A dummy's not exactly an 'external mesh' tho Snorky. I was assuming that this was dealing with a really complex model that you really can't have a copy of in your sketchup file (the paste-in would kill the model). I certainly have this issue on my crappy computer! Once I get a complex model scaled and textured I don't ever want to have to open it again!

Obviously if you can get the complex model into your rendering one, then just use dummys and instancing and put the complex bit on a layer to turn off.

[snorky]

A dummy's not exactly an 'external mesh' tho Snorky. I was assuming that this was dealing with a really complex model that you really can't have a copy of in your sketchup file (the paste-in would kill the model). I certainly have this issue on my crappy computer! Once I get a complex model scaled and textured I don't ever want to have to open it again!

Obviously if you can get the complex model into your rendering one, then just use dummys and instancing and put the complex bit on a layer to turn off.

of course...
but to use "OBJ-exporter (by TIG)" you must open file in sketchup
so
my idea:
open original file and explode all components
export igs
open new file and use external IGMESH

[bubs]

Good idea!

Better than my 'guess'

[cotty]

of course...
but to use "OBJ-exporter (by TIG)" you must open file in sketchup
so
my idea:
open original file and explode all components
export igs
open new file and use external IGMESH

I have not used external IGMESH until now, can you explain it a little more detailed? Thank you!

[snorky]

I have not used external IGMESH until now, can you explain it a little more detailed? Thank you!

first, sorry for my scholastic english...

work with igmesh is simple

if your sketchup model have a component, on export to indigo it is "translated" into a single igmesh...
so, if you want to get a single igmesh of your model you have to explode all the components with BOMB
now you can start a render (with correct setting of materials)
[camera settings are not important]
you can immediately stop the render and save scene (igs)
now simplify the model or replace it with a lowpoly version (remember to reuse all materials)
create a component and use "edit active mesh" to link igmesh file found on saved igs scene directory
save skp file [now "lowpolyzed"]
open new skp file and import saved lowpoly skp file like component

[cotty]

Thank you very much! I will try that asap...