As a base program, SketchUp has been developedinto a powerhouse 3D modeler that just about anyone with a computer and aninternet connection. It’s easy enough for clients to understand, and nuancedenough for architects and designers to quickly build their designs in digitalspace and get instant feedback about massing, proportion, and circulation.

Choose the right Architectural Rendering Software using real-time, up-to-date product reviews from. Software is a home design software for Windows and Mac.

But, when you start to add extensions andplugins, you can transform SketchUp into a one-stop visualization shop thatallows users to create photorealistic renderings, animations, and walkthroughsthat will wow clients and strengthen the design process.

The rendering software in this list is some ofthe best in the world, and all provide streamlined plugins for use within theSketchUp experience. These programs are marketed towards architects looking tokeep their visualization work in house without having to hire an expensive,dedicated rendering artist to keep on staff.

Here is the best rendering software to usewith SketchUp.

1 Maxwell

Maxwell has been around since your parentswere toying around with this new thing called ‘rendering software’ back in thelast 1990’s. Asus vs247 monitor drivers for mac. It’s been ubiquitous with the industry since the beginning,offering some of the most powerful rendering physics that produce incredibly real-lookingimages and animations.

The development team at Next Limit have donean admiral job at creating a plugin for SketchUp that is not only incrediblyeasy to install, it’s streamlined in a way that users will feel like it’s anatural extension of the program they know and love. You’ll be rendering inmere seconds, and with a little practice, be using SketchUp in ways you couldhave never imagined. Maxwell is worth every penny, especially when paired withthe fastest modeling tool on the planet.

2 Artlantis

Artlantis was developed specifically witharchitects and design professionals in mind. This, along with a stripped-downuser interface, make it the perfect rendering companion to SketchUp. It’s toolsare not only compatible with the software itself, but with the way architects’minds are trained to work from a perspective of development, process, andworkflow.

Artlantis released a plugin for SketchUparound two years ago, and has continued to develop it so that it works hand inhand with the tools and camera techniques of the base program. It comespackaged with a robust material library that is filled to the brim withtextures and colors that architects and interior designers frequently use.

3 Keyshot 3D

While Keyshot has yet to release a properplugin for SketchUp, the relative newcomer on the block is such a powerful toolit’d be a shame not to mention it here. SketchUp models are easy enough tointerface into the program via a downloadable extension, allowing Keyshot totake things from there.

Keyshot is a capable rendering engine, yes,but it’s real magic comes from the ability to view your rendered scene inreal-time as you tweak materials, massing, camera, and lighting conditions. Itprovides an incredibly fast work environment that doesn’t require you to sitaround while a bunch of draft renderings are produced just so you can changethings and try again.

4 V-Ray

Just like Maxwell, V-Ray has been around sincethe beginning. It’s trajectory hasn’t given an inch as it has been continuallydeveloped into a rendering program at the top of its class. V-Ray for SketchUpoffers the precision, accuracy, and flexibility the program always has, but ina package that users can navigate and implement with ease.

V-Ray is simply the best when it comes toproviding true-to-life results in just about every rendering categoryimaginable. Whether you’re animating for Pixar or using SketchUp to render yourparents’ basement renovation, V-Ray will show you the way to the promised land.And while all those features certainly come with a hit to your wallet, it’ll beworth it once you see your designs literally come to life.

5 Brighter 3D

One thing Brighter 3D has on every otherrendering program on this list is that it was developed specifically for usewithin SketchUp. This means it’s toolset was designed to work hand-in-hand withthe 3D modeler, making rendering just as fast and easy as the modeling.Brighter 3D doesn’t have many frills or extras - it’s just a solid renderingengine that should be perfect for 95% of SketchUp users out there.

The only downfall is that Brighter 3D doesn’tcurrently have a version for Mac users, though the developers promise one is inthe works.