Rendering in SketchUp: From Modeling to Presentation for Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interior Design

Working with Shadows

Displaying shadows in SketchUp is fun. Doing so makes even simple models come to life. However, the Shadows tool has some downsides. Detailed or large models, particularly models with 3D vegetation, can experience extreme performance degradation. There are specific times and ways to use Shadows to maintain computer performance and model efficiency. Here are some general rules you can follow when you’re using shadows for normal modeling and setting light for rendering.

Shadows Off

Do not work with Shadows turned on. Do not model, insert components, or take similar actions with Shadows on. Performing tasks with Shadows on will slow performance even with small models, and working is almost impossible with large ones.

Don’t Move

Once Shadows are turned on, especially in large models and particularly those with 3D vegetation, don’t move. Once you pan, orbit, or zoom, SketchUp will turn off the Shadows, move to the new location, and have to reprocess the shadows again to make them visible.

Don’t Save

Do not save your models with Shadows turned on. Doing so makes it take exponentially longer for the model to open; doing so for large models can cause crashes.

Don’t Multitask

When waiting for Shadows to turn on or when they are on, switching to other programs, tasks, or browsers will cause SketchUp to reprocess the Shadows when switching back.

Using Shadows

The Shadows tool should be treated as a precision instrument. Timing is everything! Use Shadows only when you’re ...