3darcstudio tree maker documentation tree... · 3darcstudio tree maker sketchup plugin - table of...

3D3D3D3DARCSTUDIOARCSTUDIOARCSTUDIOARCSTUDIO

TREE MAKERTREE MAKERTREE MAKERTREE MAKER

“one-click” tree maker

Plugin for Sketchup

Beta Version 0.91

User Manual

h p://www.3darcstudio.com

©3DArcStudio 2013

All rights reserved

3DArcStudio Tree Maker

Sketchup Plugin - http://www.3darcstudio.com

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1.1.1.1. Table of contentTable of contentTable of contentTable of content

1. Table of content ....................................................................... 2

2. Setup ........................................................................................ 4

2.1. Where to get the plugin ..................................................... 4

2.2. Installation ......................................................................... 4

3. Creating your first tree ............................................................. 6

3.1. The Make Tree Menu ......................................................... 6

4. Tree Configuration ................................................................... 9

4.1. Overview ............................................................................ 9

4.2. Trunk ................................................................................ 10

4.3. Main Branches ................................................................. 17

4.4. Sub Branches ................................................................... 20

4.5. Leaves .............................................................................. 20

4.6. Flowers ............................................................................ 23

4.7. Managing multiple instances of the same tree ................ 23

4.8. Save as Template ............................................................. 23

5. Additional Tools ..................................................................... 24

5.1. Apply Colorset .................................................................. 24

5.2. Apply Random Colors ....................................................... 24

6. Additional Information ........................................................... 25

6.1. Sketchup version .............................................................. 25

6.2. Compatibylity ................................................................... 25

6.3. Bugs reporting.................................................................. 25



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6.4. Known issues ................................................................... 26



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2.2.2.2. SetupSetupSetupSetup

2.1.2.1.2.1.2.1. Where to get the Where to get the Where to get the Where to get the pluginpluginpluginplugin

Download the latest version of 3DArcStudio Tree Maker from the

website:

http://www.3darcstudio.com

You will find it in the download area. The plugin is provided as a

compressed file (Zip). Save the zip file to your disk.

2.2.2.2.2.2.2.2. InstallationInstallationInstallationInstallation

Unzip the downloaded file, and copy all files and subdirectories

into the Sketchup Plugins directory.

By default, for Sketchup version 8 running on Windows 7 64bits,

this directory is named:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Google SketchUp 8\Plugins

The name of this directory may vary depending on the version of

Sketchup, the system you are using (Windows XP, Windows 7 32 or

64bits, Mac, …) and the options chosen when you setup Sketchup

application.

After installation, you shall have into the Sketchup Plugins

directory one file named 3darcstudioloader.rb and one

subdirectory named 3darcstudio. The subdirectory contains the

plugin code itself and additional configuration files.

To check the installation, start a new instance of Sketchup. If one is

already running, exit and restart Sketchup.



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We recommend you to use a new Sketchup empty model to avoid any

crash or performance issues with your exis�ng models. You will be

able to copy/paste or save and import later into your models the trees

you created with �DArcStudio Tree Maker.

If the installation was successful, under the Plugins menu, you

should have a new menu called 3DArcStudio…



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3.3.3.3. Creating your first treeCreating your first treeCreating your first treeCreating your first tree

Once the plugin installed, you can immediately draw a tree with

the existing default parameters.

3.1.3.1.3.1.3.1. The The The The Make Tree MenuMake Tree MenuMake Tree MenuMake Tree Menu

Start Sketchup, and select from the menu :

3DArcStudio… and Make Tree…

A dialog box is prompted, where you will be asked to choose in a

drop down list a tree template from a list of existing templates.

Select the Default Generic Tree and click OK.



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The list of the templates depends on the version of the plugin and

the templates you may have installed. Other tree templates may

be downloaded from http://www.3darcstudio.com. You can also

create your own templates (see chapter Save as Template later in

this document).

The tree is built and placed at the origin of the Sketchup model.

You can then move it as any other Sketchup object.

Based on the tree complexity and the computer and graphics card

performance it may take some times to draw the tree, but

generally only few seconds for a simple tree like the default

generic one.

The tree is created as a Sketchup Group that you can then

manipulate as any other Sketchup entity. It contains itself 3 groups

named stems, leaves and flowers. Within the leaves and flowers

group, each leaf/flower is made of one instance of the same

component.

You can build other trees repeating the preceding steps.

To improve performance when using the Tree Maker plugin within

Sketchup

Close all windows, and more specifically the outliner window.



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Hide edges in the display

Start with an empty model, or a model with few other drawing

elements.



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4.4.4.4. Tree ConfigurationTree ConfigurationTree ConfigurationTree Configuration

4.1.4.1.4.1.4.1. OverviewOverviewOverviewOverview

Customizing tree is the most interesting part of the 3DArcStudio

Tree Maker plugin, as you can create almost infinite varieties of

trees by changing the configuration parameters. Let’s have a look

at these options.

This collection of trees has been created with by changing tree configuration options.

It is available as download on http://www.3darcstudio.com

The tree parameters you can change are grouped into 5 sections.

Each is accessible from the contextual menu.

To access to the configuration of a tree, select the tree Sketchup

group and right click on it. This will activate the contextual menu.

If you right click on a group made by 3DArcStudiio Tree Maker

plugin, a menu item named 3DArcStudio Tree… is available where

you can choose from the following menu items to configure the

tree parameters:



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• Trunk…

• Main branches…

• Sub branches…

• Leaves…

• Flowers…

We will see in this chapter the different options available and how

they can change the appearance of your tree.

4.2.4.2.4.2.4.2. TrunkTrunkTrunkTrunk

From the Trunk menu, you will get a dialog box that enables you to

change parameters that apply to the global tree and to the main

trunk.



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Tree shapeTree shapeTree shapeTree shape

This option changes the global aspect of the tree by adapting the

length and count of branches among the trunk from its base to its

end. To better understand the effects of this option here are

examples of the same tree with from left to right the tree shapes:

pyramidal, round, hemispherical, columnar, diamond, V-Shape.

Tree Shape Options

Pyramidal-Round-Hemispherical-Columnar-Diamond-VShape



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Tree heightTree heightTree heightTree height

Size (height) of the trunk.

The total height of the tree may be higher if branches are growing

upward. Changing this value will impact some other options like

branches length that are defined in percentage of this value.

Trunk curve typeTrunk curve typeTrunk curve typeTrunk curve type

The trunk may be curved with the following options:

• None: no curve

• Simple: regular curve angle

• S Shape: start in one direction at the beginning then curve

back in reverse direction

• Begin: most of the curve applied to the start of the trunk

• Middle: most of the curve applied to the middle of the trunk

• End: most of the curve applied to the end of the trunk

If another value than none is chosen here, you need to also define

the trunk curve angle option.

Trunk curve angleTrunk curve angleTrunk curve angleTrunk curve angle

If a curve shape has been setup in the trunk curve type option,

defines the total angle that will be used.

Radius sizeRadius sizeRadius sizeRadius size

Half size (radius and to diameter) of the trunk at the foot.

Branchless lengthBranchless lengthBranchless lengthBranchless length

The percentage of the trunk length that will be free of branches.

SegmentsSegmentsSegmentsSegments

Trunk (and stems) are split into equal portions called segments.

Curves only apply at segments change, so increasing this value

makes the tree seems more regular if curved, but it increases also

the number of polygons of the model (and the size of the file).



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FacesFacesFacesFaces

Number of faces defined to draw the trunk. Higher this value,

more circular will look the trunk. If value set to three, trunk will be

drawn as a triangle.

Set a value of zero or two if you want the trunk to be drawn as a

simple face (2) or not visible at all (0), but with other parts of tree

drawn. These small values are more often used for small branches.

Value of 5 to 8 is recommended.

Roots numberRoots numberRoots numberRoots number

For most of the trees you can let this value to 1. It is used in rare

situations where you want multiple instances of the same tree to

be drawn at the same time. May be useful to create “bouquets” of

flowers or complex trees.

Wind forceWind forceWind forceWind force

An additional small shift is added to any element of the tree always

in the same horizontal direction. This may simulate the effect of

the wind.

Wind force effect (max value) on the tree at the right



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SplitsSplitsSplitsSplits

Each time a split occurs, a new sub-tree will start from the split

position.

Before using the split op�on, reduce the number of branches, sub

branches, leaves and flowers, as it mul�ply those objects and may

result in huge trees.

Split example

SpiralsSpiralsSpiralsSpirals

The trunk will rotate around itself.



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Spiral : 2 with curve angle 90

This value needs the curve angle also to be set to sufficient high

number in order to have effect.

Trunk colorsetTrunk colorsetTrunk colorsetTrunk colorset

Select from the predefined colors that can be used. You may also

apply a texture (see texture option).

Radius reductionRadius reductionRadius reductionRadius reduction

How the trunk width will vary from the start to the end.



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Radius reduction – 5% at left and 95% at right

Height variationHeight variationHeight variationHeight variation

Each time the tree is rebuilt, a small variation is applied to the

height in order to get different instance of the same tree.

Split angle minSplit angle minSplit angle minSplit angle min

If split value non zero, the minimum angle for new branches

created at the split origin.

Split angle maxSplit angle maxSplit angle maxSplit angle max

If split value non zero, the maximum angle for new branches

created at the split origin.

Attractive forceAttractive forceAttractive forceAttractive force

Like the windforce option, but shift is vertical: up or down.

Global randomize factorGlobal randomize factorGlobal randomize factorGlobal randomize factor

Additional random changes are made to all values in order to get

different results of the same tree at each instance.

Unpredictable results may be obtained with high values.



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Global randomize factor set to 1

TextureTextureTextureTexture

Select a texture to apply to the trunk. Textures are combined with

the color selected in the preceding options.

4.3.4.3.4.3.4.3. Main BranchesMain BranchesMain BranchesMain Branches

Max number ofMax number ofMax number ofMax number of branchesbranchesbranchesbranches

Select the number of branches that will grow from the main trunk.

The total number of branches actually built may be different, as it

depends also on the tree shape.

Be careful that choosing too high number of branches may result in

huge Sketchup files that may be long to load and display within

Sketchup, as each branch will itself generate sub branches and leaves.

LengthLengthLengthLength

Length expressed in percentage of the parent branch (or trunk).



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Angle minAngle minAngle minAngle min

Minimum angle at the start

Angle maxAngle maxAngle maxAngle max

Maximum angle at the start

Angle decreaseAngle decreaseAngle decreaseAngle decrease

The branch angle will decrease.

Branches distributionBranches distributionBranches distributionBranches distribution

How the branches will start from the trunk.

• Fixed : grouped on one face

• Stairs : regular rotation

• Alternate : opposite directions

• Random



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Branches distribution : fixed – stairs – alternate - random

Branches curve typeBranches curve typeBranches curve typeBranches curve type

• None

• Simple

• S Shape

• Begin

• Middle

• End

Curve AngleCurve AngleCurve AngleCurve Angle

Total curve in degrees.

Curve DirectionCurve DirectionCurve DirectionCurve Direction

Up or down.

Branches SegmentsBranches SegmentsBranches SegmentsBranches Segments

Number of segments the branch is made of.



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SpiralsSpiralsSpiralsSpirals

Like for the trunk, the branch will try to rotate around itself. Curve

angle must be set to a non zero value to see the effect.

Trunk ColorsetTrunk ColorsetTrunk ColorsetTrunk Colorset

Not implemented yet for branches, in fact the colorset of the trunk

is used for the branches.

Radius SizeRadius SizeRadius SizeRadius Size

The branch width expressed as a percentage of the parent branch.

FacesFacesFacesFaces

Number of faces used to draw the branches. A value of 2 may be

useful to lower the total size of the tree.

4.4.4.4.4.4.4.4. Sub BranchesSub BranchesSub BranchesSub Branches

The configuration options for sub branches are identical to those

available for branches, so refer to the preceding chapter to see

details.

4.5.4.5.4.5.4.5. LeavesLeavesLeavesLeaves

LeaftypeLeaftypeLeaftypeLeaftype

Each leaf is an instance of a component definition.

The list of leaves available depends on the tree templates installed

with the plugin. The list is the same for the flowers instances.

You can change/replace the component after the tree is built to

give it your own design.



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You can start with leaf�� for leaves and leaf�� for flowers, as they are

fast to draw due to small amount of polygons. When you will be happy

with the global tree aspect, you will be able to choose from more

detailed components.

Here are some of the leaf types you can use:

Leaf types examples

Max nMax nMax nMax number per branchumber per branchumber per branchumber per branch

Maximum number of leaves attached to one branch.

Max number per sub branchMax number per sub branchMax number per sub branchMax number per sub branch

Maximum number of leaves attached to a sub branch.

Leaf sizeLeaf sizeLeaf sizeLeaf size

Scale factor that will be applied to the component used to create

leaves.

Leaf00 component is 17cm height.



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Leaves colorsetLeaves colorsetLeaves colorsetLeaves colorset

A slightly different color, based on one reference color will be

randomly applied to each leaf. The list of colors proposed is an

extract of the standard Sketchup colors.

Leaf length/width ratioLeaf length/width ratioLeaf length/width ratioLeaf length/width ratio

You can change the global aspect of the leaves

Leaves attachmentLeaves attachmentLeaves attachmentLeaves attachment

<draft to be continued>

Leaves distributionLeaves distributionLeaves distributionLeaves distribution


Leaves angleLeaves angleLeaves angleLeaves angle


Leaves orientationLeaves orientationLeaves orientationLeaves orientation


Leaves distanceLeaves distanceLeaves distanceLeaves distance


Leaf textureLeaf textureLeaf textureLeaf texture


Max number on trunkMax number on trunkMax number on trunkMax number on trunk




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4.6.4.6.4.6.4.6. FlowersFlowersFlowersFlowers

You can apply to flowers the same options as to leaves. So refer to

the preceding chapter for details.

4.7.4.7.4.7.4.7. Managing multiple Managing multiple Managing multiple Managing multiple instances of the same treeinstances of the same treeinstances of the same treeinstances of the same tree

Once a tree has been built, you copy and move the Sketchup group

of this tree into your models to create multiple trees. To avoid

having all the trees identical you can use the Rebuild menu. A new

tree will be drawn, based on the same template.

4.8.4.8.4.8.4.8. Save as TemplateSave as TemplateSave as TemplateSave as Template

You can save your tree configuration as a new template to future

build trees based on this configuration.



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5.5.5.5. Additional ToolsAdditional ToolsAdditional ToolsAdditional Tools

5.1.5.1.5.1.5.1. Apply ColorsetApply ColorsetApply ColorsetApply Colorset

Colorsets are used by the Tree Maker plugin to apply slightly

variations of the same color on leaves and flowers. But this feature

can be useful to colorize other objects, like tiles for example.

Each object will get a different color from the colorset.

To apply a colorset

select the objects

activate the menu.

Here is an example of a colorset applied to tiles

5.2.5.2.5.2.5.2. Apply Random ColorsApply Random ColorsApply Random ColorsApply Random Colors

Same as Apply Colorset tool, but each object will get a color

choosen randomly from the standard Sketchup colors.



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6.6.6.6. Additional InformationAdditional InformationAdditional InformationAdditional Information

6.1.6.1.6.1.6.1. Sketchup versionSketchup versionSketchup versionSketchup version

The current beta version of the plugin has only been developed

with Sketchup Pro 8 (version 8.0.16846) on a PC running Windows

7. It may works fine on other systems and Sketchup versions but

without any guarantee. If you are using older versions of Sketchup,

it may be a good opportunity to download and upgrade to the

latest version.

6.2.6.2.6.2.6.2. CompatibylityCompatibylityCompatibylityCompatibylity

We have been very careful during the development to insure that

this plugin will not interfere with other tools and plugins that exist

for Sketchup but we can’t test all Sketchup add-on. Do not hesitate

to contact us if you discover compatibility issues with another

Sketchup tools or plugins.

6.3.6.3.6.3.6.3. Bugs reportingBugs reportingBugs reportingBugs reporting

This plugin is currently a Beta version.

You can report issues by sending a mail to: [email protected]



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6.4.6.4.6.4.6.4. Known issuesKnown issuesKnown issuesKnown issues

ShaderlightShaderlightShaderlightShaderlight

3D models created with 3DArcStudio Tree Maker are not always

correctly rendered by Shaderlight. Some components of the tree

are not displayed at the correct place (leaves or flowers

components may seems to be “exploded”.

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