IRender nXt - Getting Started
From Render Plus Systems Wiki
Thank you for downloading IRender nXt or nXtRender.
Either IRender nXt, or nXtRender, is both a very simple renderer - producing stunning images with a minimum of effort, and a very power rendering engine - producing even better images after you learn how to use some of the more advanced techniques.
The tips on this page should help you to make good use of it, if this is the first time you are trying to use it.
About the trial version
The trial version is a fully functional version, with no watermarks or other limitations. You may use it for 30 days.
Contents |
Getting Started
Next Steps
- Watch our Video Tutorials to get up and running fast.
- Use the Getting Started Tutorial below to start rendering immediately.
- When you are ready to purchase a license, visit our online store
- If you have questions, or problems, visit our Help Forum
- Create renderings and upload them to our Gallery
Getting Started Video
Dennis has put together a video which takes a 3D Warehouse Model and renders the exterior and then adss reflection and lights to the interior to help you get started with IRender nXt.
To watch the video which parallels this Tutorial, Click Here - Getting Started with IRender nXt
Getting Started Model
To download the 3D Warehouse model which is used in the video, Click Here - 3D Warehouse Model
Download and Installation
- Download IRender nXt.
- Download a version from the Render Plus Download Page
- (If you have already downloaded and installed IRender nXt, ignore this step)
- After downloading the .ZIP file, click on the file name inside to install IRender nXt.
- During installation, select the proper version of SketchUp if you have more than one version installed.
Start SketchUp
- Download SketchUp 7.1 from Here: ( SketchUp Download ) if you don't have it yet. (IRender nXt works with both the free and professional versions.)
Start IRender nXt
- Select IRender nXt Load from the SketchUp Plugins menu.
First Rendering - Exterior Scene
IRender nXt was developed to let you "Design with the lights on"™. In particular, you don't have to add lights to you model for rendering to show off objects, buildings, etc.
Select a model
For your first rendering we suggest a simple exterior or simple object.
We are going to render it, using default settings, without making any changes to the model. This will let you see the effects of the default lighting of IRender nXt. For exteriors, this is easiest to see if the model has roof overhangs, porches, or other features which will benefit from subtle lighting effects.
For the exterior rendering, use the 3D warehouse model from the Video Tutorial (and select the exterior scene), or here is another 3D warehouse model you could try: 3D Exterior Model of Plan 22169
Start Rendering
- Click the Render icon:
- After you click the start rendering icon, the Rendering Settings dialog will appear to help you with your settings.
- Even for exteriors, we suggest you try the High Dynamic (studio) lighting settings for your first rendering.
(Click Defaults for the default rendering settings) - Click Start Rendering to render your first image.
Using reflection and lights
For the second rendering we want to apply reflection to some surfaces. There are three samples below.
Video Tutorial Interior
If you have downloaded the model from the vidoe Tutorial, select the Interior scene.
Make some surfaces reflective
- Right click on the floor, table, and/or vases
- Select 'Create Material or Edit Material
- From the presets tab of the Material Wizard, select Reflective.
- You can also adjust the amount of reflection using the first (Main) tab.
Add a table Lamp
- From the IRender nXt Toolbar, select the Add Light icon: (
)
- Select the Table Lamp tab
- Set the size and colors of the table lamp desired.
Add Ceiling Lights
- Click the Light icon again.
- Select the Ceiling Light tab.
- Change any settings if desired
- Click Place and place one or more lights in the ceiling.
- For more lighting tips, see: IRender Tutorial - Lights
Start Rendering
- Click the Render icon:
- Select the Interior With Sun Preset
- Click Start Rendering to render the car.
Reflection on Automobile
This is often fun with an automobile. So I selected a popular model from the 3D warehouse:
2006 Lamborghini Concept S\
Setting Material Properties
With SketchUp loaded, right click on the white car body and select Create Material.
A dialog will come up showing some material presets and settings. Select either Reflective or Metal and click OK.
Do the same for the wheels.
Start Rendering
- Click the Render icon:
- Select the High Dynamic (studio) lighting settings again.
- Click Start Rendering to render the car.
Studio setting - more reflections
This is another good model for testing reflecions. It was created by "Solo" for a Rendering Workshop on SketchUcation.
Download the model from the 3D Warehouse using this link: Still Life by Solo
After loading the model and loading IRender nXt, right click on the plate, silverware handles, silverware metal, apple, and even the place mat to make them reflective. (In the real world almost everything is a little bit reflective.)
Some ideas:
- Plate - Reflective - use default
- Silverware handles - Plastic - use default
- Silver - Metal - use default
- Apple - Reflection - use 50% intensity
- Place Matte - Reflective - 40%
Try these values, and the experiment with your own.
Start Rendering
- Click the Render icon:
- Select the High Dynamic (studio) lighting settings again.
- Click Start Rendering to render the car.
