Test SketchUp presentation directions before refining the Indigo scene.
Use SketchUp views to explore a presentation direction before refining an Indigo-ready scene with SkIndigo materials, lighting, and render settings.
Use SketchUp views to explore a presentation direction before refining an Indigo-ready scene with SkIndigo materials, lighting, and render settings.
Indigo Renderer for SketchUp, often called SkIndigo, is the SketchUp exporter and scene-preparation workflow for rendering in Indigo. It lets a designer work from the SketchUp model while assigning Indigo material behavior, working with texture maps, setting lighting and render options, then exporting an Indigo scene for rendering. That makes it useful for architectural interiors and exteriors, product and furniture studies, landscape views, and section-plane images where the camera and model are already established. RENDERCAD is useful before that committed render stage when a team needs to test the visual intent of a particular SketchUp view. Start with a clean viewport capture that clearly communicates the massing, camera, opening locations, and important materials. Generate alternatives for a warmer daylight condition, a dusk mood, a more developed planting scheme, furniture styling, or a finish palette, then use the most useful study as a visual brief for the next SketchUp and SkIndigo pass. The generated image can support a client discussion, concept board, or design-direction review; it does not replace the model, texture mapping, material parameters, light setup, or final image control maintained in SketchUp and Indigo.
First, set a SketchUp scene tab or camera with a legible composition and apply simple color or texture cues to the surfaces that matter. For a cutaway or section view, keep the cut geometry and circulation readable in the capture. Upload that view to RENDERCAD and describe the desired material character, time of day, interior lighting, furnishings, vegetation, and background without changing the core geometry. Review the alternatives against the original model and note decisions that can be implemented: reflectance and texture direction, glazing treatment, emitter placement, light-layer intent, or the amount of contextual detail. Return to SkIndigo to build the actual Indigo material and lighting setup, check texture positioning, configure the export, and render the approved view. Use RENDERCAD for fast visual exploration and Indigo for the source-of-truth scene and controlled final render.
Modeled by CADSharp in Onshape. Rendered with RENDERCAD.
Add | Change | or Remove referenced objects with the stroke of a brush.
RENDERCAD uses a maintained selection of image-generation models for different rendering tasks. Results can vary by model and input, so compare generated output with the source design before relying on geometry, materials, or dimensions.
| Feature | RENDERCAD | Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Generative AI | Varies by tool |
| Output | Images + Video | Varies by tool |
| Resolution | HD / 4K | Varies by workflow |
| Image Speed | Image renders complete in 60 seconds. | Varies by scene/tool |
| Video Speed | Videos complete in 2-5 minutes. | Varies by workflow |
| Scene Set Up | No separate local scene | Varies by workflow |
| Input | Screen Snip | Varies by tool |
| Hardware | Cloud GPU | Often local GPU/CPU |
| Install | None | Varies (web or app) |
| Cost | from $9/mo | Varies widely |
Read the numbers. We trust you to know theirs.
Skip a separate local scene build. Pick a condition, material, and background while RENDERCAD handles the image-generation step. Image renders complete in 60 seconds.
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RENDERCAD™
Use the browser workflow directly, capture a selected view with the desktop app, or start from the browser extension.
Get StartedCommon solutions for Indigo Renderer for SketchUp users
Yes. Use a mask to target the background separately from the foreground product. Review both regions because generation can still alter unmasked content.
Photograph an authorized prototype or sample and use it as a material reference. Verify color, texture scale, gloss, and product fidelity because generated output will not match reality exactly.
Capture a clear view, describe the leather type and finish, and use a material reference when surface direction matters. Review the generated depth and stitching rather than treating them as product specifications.
Upload a CAD screenshot, real photo, or hand drawing and describe warm golden-hour light and the intended direction. Review the generated color and shadows because the interpretation can vary.
Start from an image that clearly shows the existing separated components, then choose the Exploded View product motion. Review the clip against the source because generated motion can alter part boundaries or relationships.
Yes. RENDERCAD's Render Studio works on Safari or Chrome on Mac, allowing you to turn CAD screenshots, real photos, and hand drawings into pro renders easily.
Generating images or videos consumes credits. Your balance refreshes monthly based on your subscription plan.
Use the Realistic engine with a clear input, a specific material description, and a suitable background or reference. Results vary, so review the output against the source product.
RENDERCAD can place a clear viewport capture into a described lifestyle environment, such as a kitchen or office, and produce options for review.
The screenshot workflow uses image inputs, presets, and plain-language direction. Teams should still review generated output with the appropriate designer or product owner.
Use a condition preset or regional instruction to explore dust, scratches, or age. Generated wear patterns do not predict real product use.
A supported browser can submit a clear 2D input without a local rendering GPU.