Google Sketchup - free 3D

[Zurik]

I know the forum section only says 2D applications, but Google is offering a version of Sketchup for free now at http://sketchup.google.com/index.html

I just downloaded it, but haven't tried it yet. Has anyone else? I'm wondering how useful it might be for mapping and/or adding buildings and other stuff into Perspectives Pro and other ProFantasy products.

[RPMiller]

Hey! That's cool! I'll have to check that out. Thanks for the link!

[Ilwan]

Thanks for the link. I tried the software, cuz it seemed easy to use. Here is my first venture into 3-d graphics. Result in 1 hour:

A Temple of Gjord in my current campaign. I am definatly going to produce more of the buildings for my PnP and online games.

[RPMiller]

Very nice! It only took an hour? Did you just sit down and jump in or was there some learning first?

[Ilwan]

an hour after completing the tutorial at the startup screen. Its really easy to learn. Ill post an update of my the Temple later on.

EDIT: Here it is about 85% finished.

[Zurik]

That's looking very good!

Seems like it needs more support for the long openings in the upper part.

[kristof65]

very nice.

Question for you - Once you draw the model in 3d, can you rotate it, and get different angles, or is it like Perspective's Pro, where it's only and illusion of 3d?

Chris

[Ilwan]

It is full 3-D. You can view it from all angles, including from the inside of the building. I like the frogview perspective. That way I can give the players an impression of standing in front of the building.

Here is the current result:

[RPMiller]

That is really well done! Your players are going to give you some major kudos I'm sure. Have you done an interior render yet?

[Hoseman]

How about some ground cover? Is is possible to add some dirt or even grass to the ground? And can you do the same for the sky?

Just wondering if its possible with this app and you just haven't gotten to it yet.