3DArcStudio Tree Maker Documentation Tree... · 3DArcStudio Tree Maker Sketchup Plugin - Table of...
Transcript of 3DArcStudio Tree Maker Documentation Tree... · 3DArcStudio Tree Maker Sketchup Plugin - Table of...
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TREE MAKERTREE MAKERTREE MAKERTREE MAKER
“one-click” tree maker
Plugin for Sketchup
Beta Version 0.91
User Manual
h p://www.3darcstudio.com
©3DArcStudio 2013
All rights reserved
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Sketchup Plugin - http://www.3darcstudio.com
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1.1.1.1. Table of contentTable of contentTable of contentTable of content
1. Table of content ....................................................................... 2
2. Setup ........................................................................................ 4
2.1. Where to get the plugin ..................................................... 4
2.2. Installation ......................................................................... 4
3. Creating your first tree ............................................................. 6
3.1. The Make Tree Menu ......................................................... 6
4. Tree Configuration ................................................................... 9
4.1. Overview ............................................................................ 9
4.2. Trunk ................................................................................ 10
4.3. Main Branches ................................................................. 17
4.4. Sub Branches ................................................................... 20
4.5. Leaves .............................................................................. 20
4.6. Flowers ............................................................................ 23
4.7. Managing multiple instances of the same tree ................ 23
4.8. Save as Template ............................................................. 23
5. Additional Tools ..................................................................... 24
5.1. Apply Colorset .................................................................. 24
5.2. Apply Random Colors ....................................................... 24
6. Additional Information ........................................................... 25
6.1. Sketchup version .............................................................. 25
6.2. Compatibylity ................................................................... 25
6.3. Bugs reporting.................................................................. 25
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6.4. Known issues ................................................................... 26
3DArcStudio Tree Maker
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2.2.2.2. SetupSetupSetupSetup
2.1.2.1.2.1.2.1. Where to get the Where to get the Where to get the Where to get the pluginpluginpluginplugin
Download the latest version of 3DArcStudio Tree Maker from the
website:
http://www.3darcstudio.com
You will find it in the download area. The plugin is provided as a
compressed file (Zip). Save the zip file to your disk.
2.2.2.2.2.2.2.2. InstallationInstallationInstallationInstallation
Unzip the downloaded file, and copy all files and subdirectories
into the Sketchup Plugins directory.
By default, for Sketchup version 8 running on Windows 7 64bits,
this directory is named:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Google SketchUp 8\Plugins
The name of this directory may vary depending on the version of
Sketchup, the system you are using (Windows XP, Windows 7 32 or
64bits, Mac, …) and the options chosen when you setup Sketchup
application.
After installation, you shall have into the Sketchup Plugins
directory one file named 3darcstudioloader.rb and one
subdirectory named 3darcstudio. The subdirectory contains the
plugin code itself and additional configuration files.
To check the installation, start a new instance of Sketchup. If one is
already running, exit and restart Sketchup.
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We recommend you to use a new Sketchup empty model to avoid any
crash or performance issues with your exis�ng models. You will be
able to copy/paste or save and import later into your models the trees
you created with �DArcStudio Tree Maker.
If the installation was successful, under the Plugins menu, you
should have a new menu called 3DArcStudio…
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3.3.3.3. Creating your first treeCreating your first treeCreating your first treeCreating your first tree
Once the plugin installed, you can immediately draw a tree with
the existing default parameters.
3.1.3.1.3.1.3.1. The The The The Make Tree MenuMake Tree MenuMake Tree MenuMake Tree Menu
Start Sketchup, and select from the menu :
3DArcStudio… and Make Tree…
A dialog box is prompted, where you will be asked to choose in a
drop down list a tree template from a list of existing templates.
Select the Default Generic Tree and click OK.
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The list of the templates depends on the version of the plugin and
the templates you may have installed. Other tree templates may
be downloaded from http://www.3darcstudio.com. You can also
create your own templates (see chapter Save as Template later in
this document).
The tree is built and placed at the origin of the Sketchup model.
You can then move it as any other Sketchup object.
Based on the tree complexity and the computer and graphics card
performance it may take some times to draw the tree, but
generally only few seconds for a simple tree like the default
generic one.
The tree is created as a Sketchup Group that you can then
manipulate as any other Sketchup entity. It contains itself 3 groups
named stems, leaves and flowers. Within the leaves and flowers
group, each leaf/flower is made of one instance of the same
component.
You can build other trees repeating the preceding steps.
To improve performance when using the Tree Maker plugin within
Sketchup
Close all windows, and more specifically the outliner window.
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Hide edges in the display
Start with an empty model, or a model with few other drawing
elements.
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4.4.4.4. Tree ConfigurationTree ConfigurationTree ConfigurationTree Configuration
4.1.4.1.4.1.4.1. OverviewOverviewOverviewOverview
Customizing tree is the most interesting part of the 3DArcStudio
Tree Maker plugin, as you can create almost infinite varieties of
trees by changing the configuration parameters. Let’s have a look
at these options.
This collection of trees has been created with by changing tree configuration options.
It is available as download on http://www.3darcstudio.com
The tree parameters you can change are grouped into 5 sections.
Each is accessible from the contextual menu.
To access to the configuration of a tree, select the tree Sketchup
group and right click on it. This will activate the contextual menu.
If you right click on a group made by 3DArcStudiio Tree Maker
plugin, a menu item named 3DArcStudio Tree… is available where
you can choose from the following menu items to configure the
tree parameters:
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• Trunk…
• Main branches…
• Sub branches…
• Leaves…
• Flowers…
We will see in this chapter the different options available and how
they can change the appearance of your tree.
4.2.4.2.4.2.4.2. TrunkTrunkTrunkTrunk
From the Trunk menu, you will get a dialog box that enables you to
change parameters that apply to the global tree and to the main
trunk.
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Tree shapeTree shapeTree shapeTree shape
This option changes the global aspect of the tree by adapting the
length and count of branches among the trunk from its base to its
end. To better understand the effects of this option here are
examples of the same tree with from left to right the tree shapes:
pyramidal, round, hemispherical, columnar, diamond, V-Shape.
Tree Shape Options
Pyramidal-Round-Hemispherical-Columnar-Diamond-VShape
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Tree heightTree heightTree heightTree height
Size (height) of the trunk.
The total height of the tree may be higher if branches are growing
upward. Changing this value will impact some other options like
branches length that are defined in percentage of this value.
Trunk curve typeTrunk curve typeTrunk curve typeTrunk curve type
The trunk may be curved with the following options:
• None: no curve
• Simple: regular curve angle
• S Shape: start in one direction at the beginning then curve
back in reverse direction
• Begin: most of the curve applied to the start of the trunk
• Middle: most of the curve applied to the middle of the trunk
• End: most of the curve applied to the end of the trunk
If another value than none is chosen here, you need to also define
the trunk curve angle option.
Trunk curve angleTrunk curve angleTrunk curve angleTrunk curve angle
If a curve shape has been setup in the trunk curve type option,
defines the total angle that will be used.
Radius sizeRadius sizeRadius sizeRadius size
Half size (radius and to diameter) of the trunk at the foot.
Branchless lengthBranchless lengthBranchless lengthBranchless length
The percentage of the trunk length that will be free of branches.
SegmentsSegmentsSegmentsSegments
Trunk (and stems) are split into equal portions called segments.
Curves only apply at segments change, so increasing this value
makes the tree seems more regular if curved, but it increases also
the number of polygons of the model (and the size of the file).
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FacesFacesFacesFaces
Number of faces defined to draw the trunk. Higher this value,
more circular will look the trunk. If value set to three, trunk will be
drawn as a triangle.
Set a value of zero or two if you want the trunk to be drawn as a
simple face (2) or not visible at all (0), but with other parts of tree
drawn. These small values are more often used for small branches.
Value of 5 to 8 is recommended.
Roots numberRoots numberRoots numberRoots number
For most of the trees you can let this value to 1. It is used in rare
situations where you want multiple instances of the same tree to
be drawn at the same time. May be useful to create “bouquets” of
flowers or complex trees.
Wind forceWind forceWind forceWind force
An additional small shift is added to any element of the tree always
in the same horizontal direction. This may simulate the effect of
the wind.
Wind force effect (max value) on the tree at the right
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SplitsSplitsSplitsSplits
Each time a split occurs, a new sub-tree will start from the split
position.
Before using the split op�on, reduce the number of branches, sub
branches, leaves and flowers, as it mul�ply those objects and may
result in huge trees.
Split example
SpiralsSpiralsSpiralsSpirals
The trunk will rotate around itself.
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Spiral : 2 with curve angle 90
This value needs the curve angle also to be set to sufficient high
number in order to have effect.
Trunk colorsetTrunk colorsetTrunk colorsetTrunk colorset
Select from the predefined colors that can be used. You may also
apply a texture (see texture option).
Radius reductionRadius reductionRadius reductionRadius reduction
How the trunk width will vary from the start to the end.
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Radius reduction – 5% at left and 95% at right
Height variationHeight variationHeight variationHeight variation
Each time the tree is rebuilt, a small variation is applied to the
height in order to get different instance of the same tree.
Split angle minSplit angle minSplit angle minSplit angle min
If split value non zero, the minimum angle for new branches
created at the split origin.
Split angle maxSplit angle maxSplit angle maxSplit angle max
If split value non zero, the maximum angle for new branches
created at the split origin.
Attractive forceAttractive forceAttractive forceAttractive force
Like the windforce option, but shift is vertical: up or down.
Global randomize factorGlobal randomize factorGlobal randomize factorGlobal randomize factor
Additional random changes are made to all values in order to get
different results of the same tree at each instance.
Unpredictable results may be obtained with high values.
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Global randomize factor set to 1
TextureTextureTextureTexture
Select a texture to apply to the trunk. Textures are combined with
the color selected in the preceding options.
4.3.4.3.4.3.4.3. Main BranchesMain BranchesMain BranchesMain Branches
Max number ofMax number ofMax number ofMax number of branchesbranchesbranchesbranches
Select the number of branches that will grow from the main trunk.
The total number of branches actually built may be different, as it
depends also on the tree shape.
Be careful that choosing too high number of branches may result in
huge Sketchup files that may be long to load and display within
Sketchup, as each branch will itself generate sub branches and leaves.
LengthLengthLengthLength
Length expressed in percentage of the parent branch (or trunk).
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Angle minAngle minAngle minAngle min
Minimum angle at the start
Angle maxAngle maxAngle maxAngle max
Maximum angle at the start
Angle decreaseAngle decreaseAngle decreaseAngle decrease
The branch angle will decrease.
Branches distributionBranches distributionBranches distributionBranches distribution
How the branches will start from the trunk.
• Fixed : grouped on one face
• Stairs : regular rotation
• Alternate : opposite directions
• Random
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Branches distribution : fixed – stairs – alternate - random
Branches curve typeBranches curve typeBranches curve typeBranches curve type
• None
• Simple
• S Shape
• Begin
• Middle
• End
Curve AngleCurve AngleCurve AngleCurve Angle
Total curve in degrees.
Curve DirectionCurve DirectionCurve DirectionCurve Direction
Up or down.
Branches SegmentsBranches SegmentsBranches SegmentsBranches Segments
Number of segments the branch is made of.
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SpiralsSpiralsSpiralsSpirals
Like for the trunk, the branch will try to rotate around itself. Curve
angle must be set to a non zero value to see the effect.
Trunk ColorsetTrunk ColorsetTrunk ColorsetTrunk Colorset
Not implemented yet for branches, in fact the colorset of the trunk
is used for the branches.
Radius SizeRadius SizeRadius SizeRadius Size
The branch width expressed as a percentage of the parent branch.
FacesFacesFacesFaces
Number of faces used to draw the branches. A value of 2 may be
useful to lower the total size of the tree.
4.4.4.4.4.4.4.4. Sub BranchesSub BranchesSub BranchesSub Branches
The configuration options for sub branches are identical to those
available for branches, so refer to the preceding chapter to see
details.
4.5.4.5.4.5.4.5. LeavesLeavesLeavesLeaves
LeaftypeLeaftypeLeaftypeLeaftype
Each leaf is an instance of a component definition.
The list of leaves available depends on the tree templates installed
with the plugin. The list is the same for the flowers instances.
You can change/replace the component after the tree is built to
give it your own design.
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You can start with leaf�� for leaves and leaf�� for flowers, as they are
fast to draw due to small amount of polygons. When you will be happy
with the global tree aspect, you will be able to choose from more
detailed components.
Here are some of the leaf types you can use:
Leaf types examples
Max nMax nMax nMax number per branchumber per branchumber per branchumber per branch
Maximum number of leaves attached to one branch.
Max number per sub branchMax number per sub branchMax number per sub branchMax number per sub branch
Maximum number of leaves attached to a sub branch.
Leaf sizeLeaf sizeLeaf sizeLeaf size
Scale factor that will be applied to the component used to create
leaves.
Leaf00 component is 17cm height.
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Leaves colorsetLeaves colorsetLeaves colorsetLeaves colorset
A slightly different color, based on one reference color will be
randomly applied to each leaf. The list of colors proposed is an
extract of the standard Sketchup colors.
Leaf length/width ratioLeaf length/width ratioLeaf length/width ratioLeaf length/width ratio
You can change the global aspect of the leaves
Leaves attachmentLeaves attachmentLeaves attachmentLeaves attachment
<draft to be continued>
Leaves distributionLeaves distributionLeaves distributionLeaves distribution
<draft to be continued>
Leaves angleLeaves angleLeaves angleLeaves angle
<draft to be continued>
Leaves orientationLeaves orientationLeaves orientationLeaves orientation
<draft to be continued>
Leaves distanceLeaves distanceLeaves distanceLeaves distance
<draft to be continued>
Leaf textureLeaf textureLeaf textureLeaf texture
<draft to be continued>
Max number on trunkMax number on trunkMax number on trunkMax number on trunk
<draft to be continued>
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4.6.4.6.4.6.4.6. FlowersFlowersFlowersFlowers
You can apply to flowers the same options as to leaves. So refer to
the preceding chapter for details.
4.7.4.7.4.7.4.7. Managing multiple Managing multiple Managing multiple Managing multiple instances of the same treeinstances of the same treeinstances of the same treeinstances of the same tree
Once a tree has been built, you copy and move the Sketchup group
of this tree into your models to create multiple trees. To avoid
having all the trees identical you can use the Rebuild menu. A new
tree will be drawn, based on the same template.
4.8.4.8.4.8.4.8. Save as TemplateSave as TemplateSave as TemplateSave as Template
You can save your tree configuration as a new template to future
build trees based on this configuration.
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5.5.5.5. Additional ToolsAdditional ToolsAdditional ToolsAdditional Tools
5.1.5.1.5.1.5.1. Apply ColorsetApply ColorsetApply ColorsetApply Colorset
Colorsets are used by the Tree Maker plugin to apply slightly
variations of the same color on leaves and flowers. But this feature
can be useful to colorize other objects, like tiles for example.
Each object will get a different color from the colorset.
To apply a colorset
select the objects
activate the menu.
Here is an example of a colorset applied to tiles
5.2.5.2.5.2.5.2. Apply Random ColorsApply Random ColorsApply Random ColorsApply Random Colors
Same as Apply Colorset tool, but each object will get a color
choosen randomly from the standard Sketchup colors.
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6.6.6.6. Additional InformationAdditional InformationAdditional InformationAdditional Information
6.1.6.1.6.1.6.1. Sketchup versionSketchup versionSketchup versionSketchup version
The current beta version of the plugin has only been developed
with Sketchup Pro 8 (version 8.0.16846) on a PC running Windows
7. It may works fine on other systems and Sketchup versions but
without any guarantee. If you are using older versions of Sketchup,
it may be a good opportunity to download and upgrade to the
latest version.
6.2.6.2.6.2.6.2. CompatibylityCompatibylityCompatibylityCompatibylity
We have been very careful during the development to insure that
this plugin will not interfere with other tools and plugins that exist
for Sketchup but we can’t test all Sketchup add-on. Do not hesitate
to contact us if you discover compatibility issues with another
Sketchup tools or plugins.
6.3.6.3.6.3.6.3. Bugs reportingBugs reportingBugs reportingBugs reporting
This plugin is currently a Beta version.
You can report issues by sending a mail to: [email protected]
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6.4.6.4.6.4.6.4. Known issuesKnown issuesKnown issuesKnown issues
ShaderlightShaderlightShaderlightShaderlight
3D models created with 3DArcStudio Tree Maker are not always
correctly rendered by Shaderlight. Some components of the tree
are not displayed at the correct place (leaves or flowers
components may seems to be “exploded”.