SECTIONS VIA ZORRO 2
Sunday, January 29, 2012 | ALEX HOGREFE ;)
A while ago, I created a tutorial showing how to render a section only using a Sketchup image and Photoshop which can be seen HERE. That tutorial was meant as a last second resort when time was limited and a decent looking image was needed fast. However, there is a second way of rendering sections that I have used in the past which was a little more complicated but provided a better result. This other way makes use of a great Sketchup plugin called Zorro 2 by Dale Martens. The plugin takes any section plane in Sketchup and cuts the model while deleting whatever was behind the cut. These means the model can be rendered in any rendering program like Kerkythea as a 3D section. My Sketchup models are usually made up of layers upon layers of groups which make it a hassle to cut sections manually. The Zorro plugin automates the process and saves all of the groups. It's a huge time saver and something everybody should have who uses Sketchup.
The plugin is easy to use. First, download and install the plugin. Then, using the "Section Plane" tool in Sketchup, cut a section in the model.
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Next, right-click on the section plane and choose "Slice model at section".
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After a few seconds, what is left is the model cut exactly at the section plane with the area behind the section cut deleted. Obviously, it's a good idea to copy the model before you use this plugin to avoid deleting half your model.
Once cut, the model can be rendered in any rendering program. I threw it in Kerkythea and just did a quick clay rendering
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Finally, I did some post-processing of overlaying linework and giving the image some color and grunge. Nailed it.
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Reader Comments (12)
First of all, let me congratulate you on a fantastic blog you run here. I wish more professionals shared their knowleadge like you do.
I have a question regarding the section cut. If I'm correct, the plugin cuts the model, but leaves some "holes" on the walls and floors. Do you fill the spaces in photoshop later or there is another way?
Thank you in advance and keep up the good work!
Fred
I am interested in how you create the hand drawing style at the last? I realize that you overlay the tecture onto the diagram...but how about the line weight and construction line? is it the style of sketchup or the edge style? or just create it using photoshop?
sorry for asking so much questions...
great tutorial Alex
@Fred
Your correct, it does not fill in the holes, however I think there is some type of plugin that specifically does that, I don't know it off the top of my head. For the model above, I just modeled surfaces over the wholes after I ran the plugin. They can be easily painted over in Photoshop as well.
@Ken,
Check out my Blueprint tutorial : http://www.alexhogrefe.com/3d-blueprint/2011/7/3/3d-blueprint-tutorial.html#entry11999234 : I used pretty much an identical workflow, just with different colors.
The tutorial you provided was such a big help for me. Thanks for sharing and hope to see more of your helpful blog posts in the future.
hey alex, where can I download the zorro 2 plug in.. i cant seem to find it on the link .. thanks..
@Rojo,
You have to register and sign into the forum. Then a file will appear for download when you go to the link. I had the same problem the first time I went there haha.
Alex let me start by saying your tutorials are by far the best for architectural rendering I have used. I found this one and the previous one particularly useful at university. I was wondering if you are planning on doing a tutorial where you show us how to add greenery and planting such as ivy to facades, fences and columns. Theres alot of people as well as me who would find this very usful !
and thanks again for the tutorials
Kind Regards,
Tom
wow. ;) very nice and veryinteresting results.
@James,
Thanks for the kind words. I covered that topic somewhat in my landscape tutorial : http://www.alexhogrefe.com/blog/2011/11/6/workflow-video-landscape-via-photoshop.html . I have a few more things I want to cover before I do another landscape tutorial. Take care
Hi Alex, I tried to download the plugin but i can't even when i login
"You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post."
veeeery nice! tks for sharing
Hi, I am trying to use zorro for the first time but every time I slice the model at the section I get an error message and sketchup closes down, how can I get it to work properly?