5SRW | V-Ray for SketchUp

V-Ray 6: Lessons & Details

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.

Who this training is for

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.

What you will learn

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.

How 5SRW applies to V-Ray for SketchUp

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.

How the training is structured

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 scratchDuration
01Introducing main toolbars in SketchUp12’ 48”
02Learn to navigate in model space and use snapping shortcuts14' 00''
03how the main tools work to create 3d shapes21' 36''
04Main elements and how to intersect objetcs to create new shapes16' 20''
05Paint bucket - How to apply anche create materials18' 40''
06First architectural modeling - Explore the modelling process on a basic model21' 15''
07Customize shorcuts to speed up the process and different 3d model visualizations17' 20''
08set up a camera to capture the better angles of your project, using perspective options17' 00''
09Use the sandbox tools to create a topography for your project13' 10''
How to install extensions and where to download them13' 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 SketchUpDuration
01Introduction to V-Ray for SketchUp10’32”
02Render setup – Two ways10’11”
03V-Ray Sun and V-Ray Physical Camera11’51”
04How V-Ray Light works17’06”
05Create a studio light hierarchy11’36”
06Fix overexposurers with V-Ray Frame Buffer4’34”
07How V-Ray IES works05’03”
08Start creating V-Ray Materials13’42”
09How to light with HDRls07’56”
10Understand Color Mapping04’35”
11First Light Balance and exposure settings11’01”
12Shiny and opaque reflections / Fresnel concept12’10”
13How to master DOF – Depht of field07’55”
14Photoshop techniques for vintage effects05’09”
15Place objetcs randomly with RayFire (in production for SketchUp)03’53”
16Use HDRI to create nice reflections on small objects07’51”
17Photoshop filters to create amazing bump maps05’11”
18SpotLights and VRaylights for complex light balance15′ 24″
19How to create/model a photorealistic floor05’21”
20Create materials for Carpets and Curtains06’17”
21The ‘Sandwich’ technique to control overexposures in Photoshop04′ 27”
22How to create an interior light hiearchy mixing IES and VRayLights18′ 42”
23VRayLight material, Wood and Pool material22′ 04”
24How to composite using two layers of Ambient Occlusion, with flare effects03′ 45”
25Create a light balance for exterios, using V-Ray Real Time (RT)15′ 19”
26Handle Fresnel IOR to create photorealistic glass / exteriors24′ 06”
27Use the Render Elements VRayLightSelect / VRayExtratex (sky replacement)17′ 20”
28Realistic natural light17′ 14”
29Traslucency: VRay2Sided Materials and VRay SSS219′ 04”
30Have the full control of DOF with f number parameter6′ 56”
31Use VRay Reflections, night effect13′ 10”
32Photographic composition and night balance (exterior)18′ 20”
33How to use VRaycompTex to improve texture details17′ 54”
34VRayFur to easily create amazing grass11′ 03”
35IBL, how to use HDRI maps with a VRay Dome20′ 23”
36Unwrap modifier to map different surfaces16′ 43”
37Fad, Proglow and Vignetting techniques with Photoshop12′ 02”
38Studio lighting setup for lowkey scenes18′ 59”
39Complex materials using reflection/Glossy maps18′ 23”
40How to use VRayLens controls to create Bloom & Glare12′ 34”
41DNA – Lights and spaces for lighting schemes5′ 00”
42Daylight Loft, VRayportal for natural light / Lighting SchemeScene
43Natural and bright light in Bonilla Lighting / Lighting SchemeScene
44Exterior, Winter Villa / Lighting SchemeScene
46Use VRayLens to get the magic into ‘Magic Room’ / Lighting SchemeScene
47VRayDome + VRaySKy create the magic ‘Lake House’ / Lighting SchemeScene
48VRaySun + Portal + IES + VRayLight in Black&White interior / Lighting SchemeScene
49VraySphere Light and IES in Art Room / Lighting SchemeScene
50Use VRaySun multiplier for Caravaggio Style / Lighting SchemeScene

Learning outcomes

After working through V-Ray for SketchUp, you should be able to:

  • build V-Ray lighting hierarchies in SketchUp (studio, interior, exterior and night)
  • control exposure and camera behaviour with V-Ray physical camera tools
  • create and refine V-Ray materials for typical interior and exterior surfaces
  • use the SketchUp tools the course actually teaches (navigation, modelling, paint bucket, cameras, sandbox tools and extensions) where a scene needs them
  • output render elements and finish stills in Photoshop using the techniques shown
  • apply the 5SRW order of work on new V-Ray for SketchUp scenes

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

STUDENTS GALLERY / Videos

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