IRender nXt - Getting Started

Thank you for downloading IRender nXt or nXtRender .

Either IRender nXt, or nXtRender, is both a very simple renderer - producing stunning images with a minimum of effort, and a very power rendering engine - producing even better images after you learn how to use some of the more advanced techniques.

The tips on this page should help you to make good use of it, if this is the first time you are trying to use it.

About the trial version

The trial version is a fully functional version, with no watermarks or other limitations. You may use it for 30 days.

Contents

Getting Started

Next Steps



Getting Started Video

Dennis has put together a video which takes a 3D Warehouse Model and renders the exterior and then adss reflection and lights to the interior to help you get started with IRender nXt.

To watch the video which parallels this Tutorial, Click Here - Getting Started with IRender nXt

Getting Started Model

To download the 3D Warehouse model which is used in the video, Click Here - 3D Warehouse Model

Download and Installation

Start SketchUp

Download SketchUp 7.1 from Here: ( SketchUp Download ) if you don't have it yet. (IRender nXt works with both the free and professional versions.)

Start IRender nXt

Select IRender nXt Load from the SketchUp Plugins menu.


First Rendering - Exterior Scene

3D Warehouse model you could use for the first rendering
3D Warehouse model you could use for the first rendering

IRender nXt was developed to let you "Design with the lights on"™. In particular, you don't have to add lights to you model for rendering to show off objects, buildings, etc.

Select a model

For your first rendering we suggest a simple exterior or simple object.

We are going to render it, using default settings, without making any changes to the model. This will let you see the effects of the default lighting of IRender nXt. For exteriors, this is easiest to see if the model has roof overhangs, porches, or other features which will benefit from subtle lighting effects.


For the exterior rendering, use the 3D warehouse model from the Video Tutorial (and select the exterior scene), or here is another 3D warehouse model you could try: 3D Exterior Model of Plan 22169

Start Rendering

Rendered image - 40 rendering passes - Rendering time 5 minutes
Rendered image - 40 rendering passes - Rendering time 5 minutes


Using reflection and lights

For the second rendering we want to apply reflection to some surfaces. There are three samples below.

Video Tutorial Interior

If you have downloaded the model from the vidoe Tutorial, select the Interior scene.

Make some surfaces reflective

  1. Right click on the floor, table, and/or vases
  2. Select 'Create Material or Edit Material
  3. From the presets tab of the Material Wizard, select Reflective.
  4. You can also adjust the amount of reflection using the first (Main) tab.


Add a table Lamp

  1. From the IRender nXt Toolbar, select the Add Light icon: ( Image:Create-light-fixture.jpg )
  2. Select the Table Lamp tab
  3. Set the size and colors of the table lamp desired.


Add Ceiling Lights

  1. Click the Light icon again.
  2. Select the Ceiling Light tab.
  3. Change any settings if desired
  4. Click Place and place one or more lights in the ceiling.


Start Rendering

  1. Click the Render icon: Image:Render24.PNG
  2. Select the Interior With Sun Preset
  3. Click Start Rendering to render the car.


Reflection on Automobile

2006 Lamborghini Concept S from 3D warehouse
2006 Lamborghini Concept S from 3D warehouse

This is often fun with an automobile. So I selected a popular model from the 3D warehouse: 2006 Lamborghini Concept S\

Setting Material Properties

With SketchUp loaded, right click on the white car body and select Create Material.

A dialog will come up showing some material presets and settings. Select either Reflective or Metal and click OK.

Do the same for the wheels.

Start Rendering

Rendered image - 9 passes - 37 seconds
Rendered image - 9 passes - 37 seconds


Studio setting - more reflections

This is another good model for testing reflecions. It was created by "Solo" for a Rendering Workshop on SketchUcation .

Download the model from the 3D Warehouse using this link: Still Life by Solo

After loading the model and loading IRender nXt, right click on the plate, silverware handles, silverware metal, apple, and even the place mat to make them reflective. (In the real world almost everything is a little bit reflective.)

Some ideas:

Try these values, and the experiment with your own.

Start Rendering




See also