Notes on modelling with sketchup

[wektis]

Hi all,

Rather than attempting to learn a new modelling tool I have stuck it out with sketchup and thought I would share the things I have learnt to save others pulling their hair out.

1. Don't assign groups or components in sketchup, everytime I have done this the import has failed.

2. All components of the model must originate from a core block - ie push or pull your shapes from a single central component and work from there, everytime I have attempted to import multiple components in one model things have turned funky and nothing like expected.

3. If you render your model in sketchup you must use images 128x128, 256x256 etc

4. When making simple cutouts for doors or windows you will need to pull out a small shape across the bottom of the opening, again to stop things going funky when importing

5. If you want your model to import as a single mesh so you dont have to re-assemble it in UDK do the following:
a) export in .obj format
b) open with Wings3D (free software)
c) export as a collada file
d) import into UDK as a single mesh

I know step 5 seems redundant, but every time I have exported directly to collada format everything goes all screwy!

Hope that helps some of you.

[BoddieBagger]

Very much appreciated! The ease of making models in sketchup is very appealing. There is obvious alot of "does and don'ts" when trying to export. I have been trying to get it to look right in UDK, doing so w/o consistency. I will heed the advice you have and see what happens.

When you say "All components of the model must originate from a core block ", do you mean you to have to push/pull everything? So you are saying if I built 2 rooms spaced apart, that I couldnt connect them via the pencil tool with a hallway? I would have to make 2 rooms and a hallway strictly by push/pull?

[rey_x]

ello I am new to the forum I come. I still say one thing, I also know how to use google sketchup and I know that the models can be exported in 3ds max, a fact I found a guide that explains how to animate and export weapons to 3ds UDK.


here is the link http://viewer.zoho.com/docs/w8bDz


I can not try because I lack the time wektis but you might try, you can try all (if you want to do a model of a weapon made with Google SketchUp)

I hope there was of help and I hope you will help me.
Excuse my English but use a translator

[wektis]

Hi rey_x,

Sorry for the late reply, I will give this a try over the coming days and let you know how I go.

Also for others interested I have refined my work flow with sketchup somewhat to make a much smoother and easier process I'll post that with my results from working with the above.

Wektis.

[rey_x]

ok hope functions

look your reply thanks

[Snufkin]

Here's a tip...don't do it !!

[rey_x]

why?

should not we?