Model rendered using Shaderlight
New! SketchUp training now available!
DynaSCAPE has teamed up with SketchUp expert Daniel Tal to bring you a full lineup of online classes for every level. Learn how to use Google SketchUp to create 3D models of your designs. Click here to see the classes available
Click here to go to the DS|Sketch3D Download Site
- Overview
- How it Works
- Gallery
- Content
- Resources
- Guides/Videos
- Online Training
- FAQ
DS|Sketch3D is an add-on to Google SketchUp, the world's most popular and readily available 3D modeling tool. For DynaSCAPE users there will be an export to SketchUp format right from DS|Design for an easy transition from the 2D world into the 3D world.
For both DynaSCAPE users and AutoCAD designers, there are tools to make this transition quick and painless. Anyone using SketchUp can create beautiful 3D models by making use of a huge library of landscape-specific 3D components crafted by DynaSCAPE specifically for SketchUp. These components include plants, ponds, pools, rose arbors and more!
Click here to download the free Roof plugin used in the overview video to create the roof from the Ruby Depot.
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Export to SketchUp - DynaSCAPE users will benefit from a new feature in v5.5 that will prepare and then convert your DS|Design drawings directly to SketchUp format (.skp), allowing you to open them in the free version of SketchUp. |
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CAD Cleanup Plugin in SketchUp - to allow 3D modeling in SketchUp to begin as quickly as possible, a new DynaSCAPE CAD Cleanup tool will automatically fix CAD drawings in one step. This new plugin scans the converted DynaSCAPE drawing (or imported AutoCAD file - .dwg) and repairs all of the common problems with imported CAD geometry allowing you to start 3D modeling right away. More time-saving plugins for Mac and Windows will be added in the future. Click here to learn more. |
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Landscape Component Libraries - use the extensive libraries of DynaSCAPE Sketch3D components to create beautiful 3D models of your design. Choose from over 1,000 models of plants, ponds, pools, rose arbors, cabanas and more. With SketchUp's 'reload' feature, replace DynaSCAPE library figures (and AutoCAD blocks) with 3D components in a few mouse clicks, quickly building your design in 3D. Click here to browse the Sketch3D download site. |
How to turn a 2D design into a 3D model with DS|Sketch3D
Creating a 3D model from a 2D design is easy with DS|Sketch3D. We're going to be providing you with the training you need to get this done efficiently but here are the basic steps you will be following:
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DynaSCAPE Users - From DS|Design choose 'Export to SketchUp format' |
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Over 1,000 Models of Landscape Items
Browse through a huge selection of over 1,000 components to build that perfect landscape model. Up until now there has never been a library of models this extensive. You will find 100's of trees, shrubs, palms, perennials etc. along with a large collection of rocks, ponds, pools and landscape structures.
But we're done yet. In fact we are just getting started. We plan to add new models on a regular basis. Below is just a fraction of what's available. You are free to browse the DS|Sketch3D download website to see for yourself. You can even download some free samples if you wish as well.
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| Ornamental Grasses... | Perennials... |
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| Succulents... | Tropicals... |
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| Shrubs... | Trees... |
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| Palms... | Pools, ponds, cabanas and more! |
SketchUp Downloads
Download Google SketchUp 8 Free - you can also purchase a Pro version of SketchUp ($495). SketchUp Pro adds an AutoCAD import feature and Sandbox tools for terrain modeling.
Download Google SketchUp Bonus Packs - For SketchUp 8 Google moved our Bonus Packs of components (pre-drawn SketchUp models of useful objects like furniture, cars etc.) online to the Google 3D Warehouse. To find them, please take a look at this Google SketchUp Help Center article.
SketchUp Bonus Packs - SketchUp has once again provided a download for all of its bonus pack components and textures for SketchUp 8.
Google SketchUp Plugins - Links to many different plugins for SketchUp on the Google website.
Ruby Scripts for SketchUp - This Google page provides a description of Ruby scripts and instructions on how to install them.
Great Texture Websites for SketchUp - this links to Landscape Architect John Pacyga's blog where he has compiled a huge list of texture websites.
Other Sites for Plugins for Google SketchUp
Ruby Depot - a place to find free plugins from Ruby developers of the SketchUp community since 2004. This site offers 809 free downloadable scripts.
Smustard.com - a great source for free and paid-for plugins to perform a variety of tasks.
Recommended Plugins
Roof.rb - this is the free roof tool used in the demo and tutorial videos, saving considerable time create roofs. Please note: this file downloads as a Zip file containing the Roof.rb and a RoofHelp.mht file. You will need to extract them both and move them to the Google SketchUp Plugins folder.
Drop.rb - this is a free plugin that will help you place components on a surface. This plugin is especially helpful to drop many components (i.e. plants) onto a surface that is not completely flat. It allows you to do this simply with the right-click of the mouse then choosing 'drop at intersection'. Please note: this tool will not appear in the Plugins folder, but will appear when you right-click on a component or a group of components.
Rendering Software Links
Shaderlight by ArtVPS
SU Podium
Kerkythea
SketchUp Forums
Sketchucation
SketchUp Video Tutorials Links
Google SketchUp Video Tutorials
Official Google SketchUp YouTube Channel
Google SketchUp 8 for Dummies
Great Books for Learning SketchUp
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Google SketchUp for Site Design: A Guide to Modeling Site Plans, Terrain and Architecture by Daniel Tal This book illustrates a holistic approach to SketchUp: how it works and more importantly, what to do with it. Filled with tutorials from front to back, the book focuses on the start and completion of projects that include rich detail and expression. Each part and chapter of the book builds on the previous chapters and tutorial. You will learn how to approach modeling site plans, buildings and site elements: from modeling each of these exterior environment elements to piecing them together to generate a singular and expressive model. The book culminates with tutorials demonstrating effective and simple ways to include grades and terrain using the Sandbox tools and how best to integrate the entire approach with AutoCAD and SketchUp. Also included are links to supplemental on-line resources such as YouTube tutorials and free tutorial and example models from 3D Warehouse. The book is useful for all SketchUp proficiency levels including beginners, hobbyists, and professionals. Where to buy: Amazon.com, Wiley Publishing |
Google SketchUp 8 For Dummies By Aidan Chopra Whether you need to learn 3D modeling for business or you're just eager to see what you can create, Google SketchUp and Google SketchUp 8 For Dummies are for you. Available in both a free hobbyist version and a full-featured professional version, SketchUp explodes the myth that 3D modeling software must be complicated to learn and use. This book will take you step by step through downloading and using both versions on both Mac and Windows. There are even video walkthroughs on the companion Web site.
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3DVinci - Google SketchUp Books for Design Professionals Comprehensive, hands-on SketchUp training, made easy with our detailed, clear, easy-to-follow format. Their step-by-step, illustrated exercises will teach you every aspect of SketchUp, from the basic drawing and editing tools to components and groups, working with materials and digital images, presentation, animation, Google Earth, and more. These books will make it easy for you to start designing like a pro!
Where to Buy: 3DVinci Website |
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A Guide to Preparing DS|Design Drawings for Exporting to Google® SketchUp® Format This guide will help you prepare your 2D DS|Design drawing for export to Google® SketchUp® format (.skp), making the process as trouble free and streamlined as possible. Size: 0.94mb (PDF) |
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A Basic Guide to Modeling Landscapes in Google® SketchUp® This guide will take you through the steps of creating a 3D model of a landscape in Google® SketchUp® using DS|Sketch3D tools, components and materials. This guide is mainly relevant for DS|Design and AutoCAD users although anyone who creates their base design right in Google SketchUp may benefit from this guide as well. Size: 3.8mb (PDF) |
Tutorial Videos
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From DynaSCAPE to SketchUp (10 minutes) This tutorial will help guide you through the simple process of preparing your DS|Design drawing for export to Google® SketchUp® format. It explains the DS|Design Clean Up tool and provides tips and best practices to make the procedure seamless and efficient. |
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Basic Steps for Modeling (15 minutes) Basic steps for creating a 3D landscape model in Google® SketchUp® using DS|Sketch3D plugins, components and textures. Learn how to use the CAD cleanup plugin to get going quickly, how to model a house and roof in very little time and how to exchange your 2D symbols with 3D models. |
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Presentation Options Overview (9 minutes) A review of the various options for creating presentations from your SketchUp model. Learn how to create scenes, export images and videos of your model, and see how rendering software can enhance your model's appearance. |
DS|Sketch3D Introductory Tutorial
This 90 minute webinar is aimed at introducing the basic process of creating a 3D SketchUp model from a DynaSCAPE Design drawing. You will learn best practices for how to plan, prepare and export your DS|Design drawing to SketchUp format. You will also see how to get up and running with your design in Google SketchUp, learning how to use CAD Cleanup tool, model a house, apply textures and exchange your 2D symbols with 3D models. This is intended to help you understand the process and learn best practices for modeling with Google SketchUp. This session is not intended to teach you how to use SketchUp, but rather how to best follow the process of creating a 3D model from a 2D design.
Learn SketchUp with Expert Daniel Tal
Note:The following webinars are scheduled to begin in August 2011. Check back soon for times and dates.
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This series of online classes will be led by Landscape Architect and SketchUp site modeling expert Daniel Tal. He is also the author of the book Google SketchUp for Site Design. Click here to read more about Daniel Tal |
SketchUp Basics Course - 4.0hrs
The SketchUp Basics class is 4 hours long and webinar will focus on introducing important tools and concepts to anyone new to Google SketchUp. For this webinar participants will be able to download a pre-made model and follow along. If you are just starting out with SketchUp, this course is required for all other SketchUp courses offered by DynaSCAPE. View Curriculum
Prerequisite: Participants do not need to have any SketchUp experience to enroll in this course, however it is advised (for your benefit) that you try to become a little familiar with SketchUp before the class begins. You are required to download Google SketchUp 8 (free version available). Read More >>
See schedule >>
Modeling Landscapes Series - this is a 3-part series specifically geared towards creating landscape models:
Part 1A of 3: CAD Prep and Cleanup Concepts (for DynaSCAPE Users) - 3.5hrs
This 3.5 hour course is critical for anyone who starts their landscape models with 2D DynaSCAPE drawings by eliminating frustration and improving speed. You will learn how to set up your 2D drawing for the best results when they are brought into SketchUp. You will also gain a better understanding of what to do with imported CAD geometry using both the cleanup plugin and manual editing. This course will get you modeling faster. Participants will be able to download pre-made CAD files and follow along. View CurriculumPrerequisite: Participants must know the basics of DynaSCAPE Design and the basics of Google SketchUp in order to qualify for this course. Read More >>
See Schedule >>
Part 1B of 3: CAD Prep and Cleanup Concepts (for AutoCAD Users) - 3.5hrs
This 3.5 hour course is critical for anyone who starts their landscape models with 2D AutoCAD drawings by eliminating frustration and improving speed. You will learn how to set up your 2D drawing for the best results when they are brought into SketchUp. You will also gain a better understanding of what to do with imported CAD geometry using both the cleanup plugin and manual editing. This course will get you modeling faster. Participants will be able to download pre-made CAD files and follow along. View CurriculumPrerequisite: Participants must know the basics of AutoCAD and the basics of Google SketchUp in order to qualify for this course. Read More >>
See Schedule >>
Part 2 of 3: Vegetation Concepts for Large Models - 3.5hrs
Anyone modeling larger landscape will greatly benefit from this 3.5 hour course. Vegetation models can and will effect SketchUp and computer performance due to the large number of geometric 3D faces plants add to the model. You will learn important techniques for creating manageable files as well as how to successfully build heavy vegetation models. This course will also discuss how to tweak SketchUp for better performance and explain computer hardware recommendations. View CurriculumFor this webinar participants will be able to download a pre-made model and follow along.
Prerequisite: Participants must know the basics of Google SketchUp in order to qualify for this course. Read More >>
See Schedule >>
Part 3 of 3: Sandbox Terrain and Object Modeling - 3.5hrs
This is 3.5 hour intermediate level webinar demonstrating the full capabilities of SketchUp sandbox tools to create simulated terrain in SketchUp. The webinar will review how to create complex shapes and forms (like canopies).
View CurriculumFor this webinar participants will be able to download a pre-made model and follow along
Prerequisite: Participants must know the basics of Google SketchUp in order to qualify for this course. Read more >>
See Schedule >>
Photorealistic Rendering Course - 3.5hrs
This 3.5 hour webinar will show about rendering a SketchUp model to create photorealistic presentations. For this webinar participants can download a free version of Shaderlight to follow along. The webinar will review how to render vegetation and specify which vegetation is useful for rendering.
For this webinar participants will be able to download a pre-made model and follow along
Prerequisite: Participants must know the basics of Google SketchUp in order to qualify for this course.
Read More >>
See Schedule >>
Custom ONE on ONE session with Daniel Tal
Get the most out of SketchUp by learning directly with Daniel Tal. Sign up for an individual course (minimum 2.0hrs) and customize what you need to learn based on your project needs and modeling skill level. These individual sessions are a great way to speed up your learning and allows you to cover whatever topics you need. There are many topics for SketchUp not provided by the other SketchUp Webinars that can be learned.
Note: 1 on 1 training requires a 2 hour minimum. Sessi