Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
The following steps explain the method I used to export a SketchUp file for
editing with Piranesi:
1. Ensure that your SketchUp model is complete with all materials applied;
this will assist in the Piranesi painting process. Spending time on creating
detailed models will provide opportunities to capitalize on during the
rendering process with Piranesi.
2. When your model is complete, compose your view to be rendered with
an expectation of how the final rendering will look like. Pay attention to
shadows and depth, and highlight points of interest. Generally speaking,
renderings with the subject located slightly off center are more dynamic
than those with the subject directly in the center of the view.
3. The checklist prior to exporting .epx files is as follows:
a. Turn off “display edges” in the Styles dialog box under the Edit tab.
Natural objects do not have lines at every edge or corner. Shadows
and subtle changes in color will indicate to the viewer where the
edges or transitions are. You can repaint the edges in Piranesi if
needed during the rendering process.
b. Turn on shadows and adjust to create drama in the image. Ensure the
subject is primarily in direct sunlight with the shadows falling to the
sides and/or back.
c. SketchUp is usually displayed with the camera set in Perspective
mode. As an artist, it is up to you to decide if the camera option Two-
Point Perspective creates a better view.
d. Note that your view cannot be changed once exported and the axis
will not be displayed in Piranesi.
4. Exporting to a Piranesi .epx file:
a. Select the drop-down menu “File>Export>2D graphic” in SketchUp.
This will open up a dialog box.
b. Within this box, designate the new file name and destination using
standard conventions of Microsoft Windows. Select the Export Type
and pick Piranesi Epix (*.epx) option.
c. Click the Option button to enter into the parameters for this .epx file.
d. It is recommended to uncheck the Use View Size box and input a width
of 4800 pixels; the height in pixels will automatically adjust. This number
of 4800 pixels will yield a 300 dpi image on an 11 × 17 (A3) page with
a ½' border all around (16' × 300 pixels per inch = 4800 pixels width for
this .epx file). This file size also prints well on 24' × 36' posters (A1). This
pixel number works in most cases, or you can adjust as needed.
e. Ensure the Export Edges, Export Textures, and Export Ground Plane
boxes are checked.
f. Click on the Okay button and then the Export button. This will
generate the exported .epx file that is to be used in Piranesi.
The rendering process for Piranesi is not a short tutorial. The video sessions
that come with the software are extremely informative and explain the
software features very well. It is easy to get the hang of the software, and like
many other software packages I find the best way to learn Piranesi is to use it
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