Layout and software

yolande_1951

16 years ago

Hi all,

this is a fascinating and addictive forum. I have a mac. Does anyone know what shareware I could use to try to do a 3d layout? I am really having trouble although we hired a KD. I might post our designs and get your opinions.

Thanks,

Judy

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Comments (7)

remodelfla
16 years ago
I know that google sketch-up works on a Mac. I downloaded it onto mine but am having a heck of a time trying to master it. OK... I'd settle for figure it out and not get totally frustrated!
Circus Peanut
16 years ago
LOL remodelfla, I'm in the same boat. I can't seem to get sketch-up to stop making everything 3-D on me. Judy, if you find anything that works for you, do stop back and give a holler for us Mac folks!
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bob_cville
16 years ago
I know absolutely nothing about this program, but I was just looking up some information about 3D games engines for a project a friend is thinking about starting, and came across this product which is built atop a high quality open-source game rendering engine.

It is called Live Interior 3D and info about it can be found at:
http://www.belightsoft.com/products/liveinterior/overview.php
It seems to be highly rated by those who review it, and it seems that it has some sort of free trial, so it certainly seems worth checking out.

Regarding google sketch-up: I have a background working as a 3D graphics engine programmer, and have developed several 3D environment editing tools. I have downloaded and tried to use Sketch-up several times to help in the DIY remodeling work I've done, and have given up in frustration every time, so don't feel too bad if you are having trouble making it do anything useful.
bobm91001
16 years ago
I've been using Google SketchUp (on a Mac) to mock up our upcoming remodel. It's been great! I too am a 3D/CAD programmer and I'm just amazed at how fast and easy to use SketchUp is. Yeah, it's a completely different way of thinking, but now that I have the hang of it I've produced some amazing things.

Watch the tutorial videos (available via the Help menu), they are very helpful. Make sure to watch the videos for version 5, they have the most info. Pay attention to the inferencing concept, it is very powerful.

If you are mainly working on your 2D layout, make sure you are using a top view (Camera>Standard>Top) and you have selected a parallel projection (Camera>Parallel Projection). Then stick with the pencil, rectangle, circle, arc, zoom, pan and eraser tools. Don't switch to 3D views until you are ready too. If you do, just go back to the Top, parallel projection views.

Once I get the next round of changes back from our designer, I'll probably post some views for comment.

BTW, I also have Punch Home Design Pro for Mac, but I find SketchUp easier and faster to use for rough layouts.
yolande_1951
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks,all.

I will try to work with Sketchup, and have downloaded "Live Interior 3D".and will try to work with both.

I am now going to post pics of my kitchen and layout possibitities to get info from all the experienced people here.
Thanks again. I'll keep you posted.

Judy
flatcoat2004
16 years ago
Also, there is a great tutorial that someone wrote for SketchUp over on the IKEAfans website, which is very kitchen/architecture focused. That's what helped me get from intense frustration with SketchUp to loving it and producing excellent renderings of my planned remodel.
remodelfla
16 years ago
Dang... one Bob made me feel a little better about my lack of expertise and that was short lived till I scrolled down one more Bob and heard how easy Google Sketch-up is suppose to be. The sad thing is I've read the tutorials... twice. I'm was just beginning to get the feel for the axis lines thing but got tired. Perhaps I was always drawing in 3D view and that's what was so confusing for a beginner. So thanks for the tip Bobm.... I'm going back in to try some of your advice. I'm also going to check out bobc's link. I'll keep us Mac users posted!