This is the 5SRW study program for V-Ray for SketchUp. It explains what you will learn, the topics covered, and how the training is organised.
This training is for people who want to learn or improve their skills with V-Ray for SketchUp, typically for architectural visualisation and related still images.
It is suitable both for users who are new to V-Ray for SketchUp and for more advanced users who want to improve the quality of their renders. A short SketchUp introduction is also included to help beginners get started quickly.
The tables below are the study-program syllabus: first a short SketchUp primer, then the detailed V-Ray for SketchUp topics. They cover lighting, materials, camera and exposure, the rendering workflow, and practical scene work using the 5SRW photographic approach.
5SRW (5-Step Render Workflow) is applied here to V-Ray for SketchUp: framing, lighting, materials, final render and post-production, using SketchUp cameras, modelling tools and the paint bucket together with V-Ray lights and materials.
Learn more about the 5SRW method.
This page shows the syllabus. First comes a short SketchUp primer (10 lessons), followed by the V-Ray for SketchUp topics table. You can also explore the learning environment, including the lesson interface, demo access and signup options.
Software version: V-Ray 5/6
SketchUp primer (10 lessons)
A short supporting primer covering SketchUp toolbars, navigation, modelling tools, the paint bucket, cameras, sandbox tools and extensions. It is not a complete SketchUp modelling course.
| Lesson# | SketchUp from scratch | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Introducing main toolbars in SketchUp | 12’ 48” |
| 02 | Learn to navigate in model space and use snapping shortcuts | 14' 00'' |
| 03 | how the main tools work to create 3d shapes | 21' 36'' |
| 04 | Main elements and how to intersect objetcs to create new shapes | 16' 20'' |
| 05 | Paint bucket - How to apply anche create materials | 18' 40'' |
| 06 | First architectural modeling - Explore the modelling process on a basic model | 21' 15'' |
| 07 | Customize shorcuts to speed up the process and different 3d model visualizations | 17' 20'' |
| 08 | set up a camera to capture the better angles of your project, using perspective options | 17' 00'' |
| 09 | Use the sandbox tools to create a topography for your project | 13' 10'' |
| How to install extensions and where to download them | 13' 08'' |
V-Ray for SketchUp — topics covered
This table is the detailed learning-content syllabus: what the student will learn, lesson by lesson.
| Lesson# | V-Ray for SketchUp | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Introduction to V-Ray for SketchUp | 10’32” |
| 02 | Render setup – Two ways | 10’11” |
| 03 | V-Ray Sun and V-Ray Physical Camera | 11’51” |
| 04 | How V-Ray Light works | 17’06” |
| 05 | Create a studio light hierarchy | 11’36” |
| 06 | Fix overexposurers with V-Ray Frame Buffer | 4’34” |
| 07 | How V-Ray IES works | 05’03” |
| 08 | Start creating V-Ray Materials | 13’42” |
| 09 | How to light with HDRls | 07’56” |
| 10 | Understand Color Mapping | 04’35” |
| 11 | First Light Balance and exposure settings | 11’01” |
| 12 | Shiny and opaque reflections / Fresnel concept | 12’10” |
| 13 | How to master DOF – Depht of field | 07’55” |
| 14 | Photoshop techniques for vintage effects | 05’09” |
| 15 | Place objetcs randomly with RayFire (in production for SketchUp) | 03’53” |
| 16 | Use HDRI to create nice reflections on small objects | 07’51” |
| 17 | Photoshop filters to create amazing bump maps | 05’11” |
| 18 | SpotLights and VRaylights for complex light balance | 15′ 24″ |
| 19 | How to create/model a photorealistic floor | 05’21” |
| 20 | Create materials for Carpets and Curtains | 06’17” |
| 21 | The ‘Sandwich’ technique to control overexposures in Photoshop | 04′ 27” |
| 22 | How to create an interior light hiearchy mixing IES and VRayLights | 18′ 42” |
| 23 | VRayLight material, Wood and Pool material | 22′ 04” |
| 24 | How to composite using two layers of Ambient Occlusion, with flare effects | 03′ 45” |
| 25 | Create a light balance for exterios, using V-Ray Real Time (RT) | 15′ 19” |
| 26 | Handle Fresnel IOR to create photorealistic glass / exteriors | 24′ 06” |
| 27 | Use the Render Elements VRayLightSelect / VRayExtratex (sky replacement) | 17′ 20” |
| 28 | Realistic natural light | 17′ 14” |
| 29 | Traslucency: VRay2Sided Materials and VRay SSS2 | 19′ 04” |
| 30 | Have the full control of DOF with f number parameter | 6′ 56” |
| 31 | Use VRay Reflections, night effect | 13′ 10” |
| 32 | Photographic composition and night balance (exterior) | 18′ 20” |
| 33 | How to use VRaycompTex to improve texture details | 17′ 54” |
| 34 | VRayFur to easily create amazing grass | 11′ 03” |
| 35 | IBL, how to use HDRI maps with a VRay Dome | 20′ 23” |
| 36 | Unwrap modifier to map different surfaces | 16′ 43” |
| 37 | Fad, Proglow and Vignetting techniques with Photoshop | 12′ 02” |
| 38 | Studio lighting setup for lowkey scenes | 18′ 59” |
| 39 | Complex materials using reflection/Glossy maps | 18′ 23” |
| 40 | How to use VRayLens controls to create Bloom & Glare | 12′ 34” |
| 41 | DNA – Lights and spaces for lighting schemes | 5′ 00” |
| 42 | Daylight Loft, VRayportal for natural light / Lighting Scheme | Scene |
| 43 | Natural and bright light in Bonilla Lighting / Lighting Scheme | Scene |
| 44 | Exterior, Winter Villa / Lighting Scheme | Scene |
| 46 | Use VRayLens to get the magic into ‘Magic Room’ / Lighting Scheme | Scene |
| 47 | VRayDome + VRaySKy create the magic ‘Lake House’ / Lighting Scheme | Scene |
| 48 | VRaySun + Portal + IES + VRayLight in Black&White interior / Lighting Scheme | Scene |
| 49 | VraySphere Light and IES in Art Room / Lighting Scheme | Scene |
| 50 | Use VRaySun multiplier for Caravaggio Style / Lighting Scheme | Scene |
After working through V-Ray for SketchUp, you should be able to:
Scenes included in the Course
Different scenarios, each one explained with the 5SRW Method, using the photographic approach.
Lessons and scenes compatible with V-Ray 6/5 / NEXT / 3.xx