Test still-image presentation directions from Thea Render scene previews.
Explore presentation directions from Thea Render previews for SketchUp and Rhino scenes
Explore presentation directions from Thea Render previews for SketchUp and Rhino scenes
Thea Render is used with SketchUp and Rhino to develop visualizations from a modeled scene. Its interactive and production rendering workflows let designers work with the camera, materials, lights, environment, display adjustments, clay mode, render channels, and saved scenes. That makes a clean Thea preview especially useful when the model, viewpoint, and lighting intent already communicate the design. RENDERCAD can build on that starting point for early still-image exploration: use a framed interactive preview, clay study, material test, or draft render to compare an interior atmosphere, exterior time of day, studio product setting, or finish direction. The result can help a team choose a presentation route before the scene is refined for a controlled production output. Keep Thea Render as the source of truth for model geometry, exact materials, camera settings, lighting, channels, batch rendering, and animation frames. RENDERCAD is best used for visual alternatives, not for replacing scene-accurate rendering or reconstructing a production-ready Thea scene.
In Thea for SketchUp or Rhino, choose a saved camera or compose a view that keeps the key silhouette, scale cues, and important material boundaries legible. Use an interactive render to test the view, or create a clay render when form and lighting need to be reviewed without finish detail. Export a clean preview or draft production image rather than a cluttered work view. Upload that image to RENDERCAD and request one specific direction, such as softer daylight for an interior, a dusk context for an exterior, a restrained studio setup for a product, or a different material mood. Compare the still-image variations with the original in a design review. Once a direction is selected, return to Thea Render to adjust the actual camera, materials, environment, render settings, channels, and any batch or animation work. For automated image workflows, refer to the developer documentation.
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 | Thea Render |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Generative AI | Presto and Nitro engines for interactive and production rendering workflows |
| Output | Images + Video | Still images, image-sequence animation output, render channels, and presentation visuals |
| Resolution | HD / 4K | Controlled by render settings, scene complexity, and available hardware |
| Image Speed | Image renders complete in 60 seconds. | Depends on scene complexity, engine, quality settings, and available hardware |
| Video Speed | Videos complete in 2-5 minutes. | Animation output is rendered as image sequences; timing depends on scene complexity, quality settings, and hardware |
| Scene Set Up | No separate local scene | A SketchUp or Rhino scene with camera, materials, lights, environment, render settings, and optional Thea assets |
| Input | Screen Snip | SketchUp and Rhino models through their respective Thea Render integrations |
| Hardware | Cloud GPU | Desktop integrations for supported SketchUp or Rhino environments; operating system support varies by product version |
| Install | None | Install the Thea integration for a supported SketchUp or Rhino host application; network rendering is available for applicable production workflows |
| Cost | from $9/mo | Commercial and educational licensing options are available; availability and terms vary |
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 Thea Render users
Yes, if you are authorized to use it. A reference guides visual direction but does not guarantee style replication or geometry preservation.
Use overlapping masked regions with separate references or instructions, then inspect the transition and iterate where a boundary is visible.
Yes, when you are authorized to use them. A generated concept can guide the visual direction of a later render, but product fidelity and style consistency still require review.
Describe polished gold and choose a neutral or gradient background that can show reflections. Generated metal appearance varies with the input, model, and lighting direction.
Upload a clear image, choose the Realistic engine, and describe a large soft light source or overcast lighting. Generated shadows are visual approximations, not a physical lighting calculation.
Choose the Orbit camera preset and keep the source image as the authority for product shape and visible details. Generated parallax and newly revealed areas can vary.
No local NVIDIA rendering GPU is required. Use a supported browser to upload an image or a current capture tool to select a screenshot; generation runs on cloud infrastructure.
The Render History page lets you browse and download retained images and videos. Storage duration depends on the account plan, so download assets you need before they expire.
Describe cinematic depth of field and the intended focus area. Check that important product details remain sharp after generation.
The core workflow starts from a selected 2D view, so it does not require native CAD-file conversion or source-model upload.
Reuse a clear history image and change the color instruction or reference. Treat the results as visual options rather than color-managed proof.
Describe the finish, gloss, grain direction, and lighting, or provide an authorized material reference. Generated reflections are visual approximations rather than physically verified material behavior.