It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here – KeyShot 5 now supports SketchUp 2015 on both Mac and PC. You can download the plugin here or through the SketchUp Extension Warehouse.
We’ve heard from many SketchUp users since the KeyShot plugin was available on the Extension Warehouse. The #1 request was KeyShot plugin support for Mac. Now it’s available and we couldn’t be more excited. We’ve seen more and more designers and artists using SketchUp to explore ideas quickly, bringing them into KeyShot for both pre-viz and post-production renders. The image above by Paul Dave Malla, is just one example. You can see more on sites like Artstation, Behance and Pinterest.
To get started, you need to have KeyShot 5 and SketchUp running on either Windows or Mac OS X. Installing is simple. Either download and install the plugin for your preferred OS or search through the Extension Warehouse from inside SketchUp.
KeyShot for SketchUp Features
The KeyShot plugin allows you to send your model to KeyShot, while allowing you to continue working on your model in SketchUp. The main features with the KeyShot plugin for SketchUp include:
- Maintaining colors and textures
- Recognizing groups
- Exporting .bip
Installing the RBZ file
With SketchUp 8 and newer, you can install zipped Ruby files (.rbz) from within SketchUp. For more information on installing SketchUp extensions, please visit SketchUp Help. Here are the steps:
- Launch SketchUp
- Open the SketchUp Preferences window (Window, Preferences)
- Choose the Extensions panel
- Choose Install Extension…
- Locate the RBZ file in your downloads folder
- Select Open to install
You may also use SketchUp’s built-in Extension Warehouse browser which enables you to install the extension with one click. Simply click the Extension Warehouse icon from the SketchUp toolbar. Search for ‘keyshot’ and select ‘SketchUp to KeyShot 5’. Click install and follow the prompts to automatically install the extension.
As always you can import SketchUp models directly into KeyShot through the File, Import… command.
Using the KeyShot for SketchUp plugin
After installation, a KeyShot toolbar will appear on the screen and a KeyShot menu will appear under the Plugins menu item. Select the KeyShot icon on the toolbar or select KeyShot, Render from the Plugins menu to send your model directly over to KeyShot.
We would love to hear what you think of the new features and see what work you create using SketchUp and KeyShot. Feel free to share on the KeyShot forum, on our Facebook page or send us a link to your portfolio via email.
Image: Paul Dave Malla
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