Hello. In this "Brief" tutorial, I will explain the entire process of using Google Sketchup to make and get a model in-game. Please note that this is **NOT** a tutorial for modeling using Sketchup (Like you would need one anyways) but simply a way to get your models in-game as a DTS shape. There are multiple steps to this process and it is easiest to perform this procedure with
two different computers, although it is not completely necessary.
Step 1:
First thing's first, we're gonna need a slew of different programs which I have listed below:
- Google Sketchup (duh)
- Blender
To go along with those programs, you'll need to get the following:
- DTS Exporter for Blender
- Python 2.6
Now, depending on how you plan to do this, there are different procedures involved.
For those who have access to 2 computers:You need to install the free version of Sketchup onto the computer you have access to the most (EG: A laptop). This is the computer you should use to make the models. Next, install the free trial of the
PRO version of Sketch onto the other computer. You will
NOT be using this computer to make the models themselves, do that with the free version.
For those who have access to only one computer:Download the trial version of Sketchup Pro and install it to your
DESKTOP. Do not open the program yet, wait for further instruction. (from me :3)
Click
here to get the Sketchup Pro Trial.
Click
here to get the free version of Sketchup.
Click
here to get Blender.
Click
here to get Python. Dont listen to their website, just get Python 2.6.
Click
here for the Blender DTS exporter.
Step 2:
After getting the needed programs , you'll obviously need to make a model. If you're using 2 computers, use the one with the free version of Sketch to make the model itself. For those with only one computer, the process is just a little more complicated.
This procedure was done using Windows 7 x64, but it should be the same for other versions of Windows. Go to C:\ and Click on the "Program Data" Folder. From there, go to Google\Google Sketchup 7\. In there should be a SketchUp.LF file. Select the file, hit CTRL+X, and paste the file to your desktop. NOW open Sketchup. When it opens, it will be the Free version rather than the pro. Now you can make your models.
Step 3:
Once you've made your model, you have to export it to either 3DS or OBJ. Using .OBJ creates less poly's, but it also merges your entire model into a single object, which will cause problems when trying to continue. My reccomendation is to only use the .OBJ exporter when your model is single-colored. Most of the time thats not the case, so use .3DS.
(BEFORE you point out to me the fact that the free version can export COLLADA files and that Blender has a COLLADA importer, please note that COLLADA is a very bad file format and compatibility is a bitch. Blender's COLLADA importer does not work without several painstaking modifications and updates and even when you think you've got it working there is no guarentee you'll be able to import your model. My advice is to stay away from COLLADA all together and avoid the countless headaches and stress involved with it.)If you are using 2 computers, simply save the .skp file to a flash drive or other portable storage device and copy it to your other computer. Open up the Pro version of Sketchup on the corresponding computer and click "File->Export->3D Model...". When the dialog box comes up, click the drop-down menu and choose the proper format. Click Export and close Sketchup right away (after it's done exporting, of course) to save the time you have to use the trial. Copy the exported model to your flash drive (if you have blender on the other computer) and proceed to the next step.
If you have one computer, you need to "re-activate" the pro version trial. To do this, close SketchUp (if it's open) and move the SketchUp.LF file you pasted to your desktop back to its original location (C:\ProgramData\Google\Google SketchUp 7). Open up SketchUp again. You will notice that the top of the window says "Google Sketchup Pro [EVAL]". Now click File->Export->3D Model. Choose either .3DS or .OBJ depending on your situation. Close out the program and put the SketchUp.LF file back on your desktop to revert to the free version.
Step 4:
Now is the whole Blender process, which is already explained for you in this wonderful tutorial by DarkStar:
http://forum.blockland.us/index.php?topic=66763.0Now, there are some issues that can happen when doing this. (EG: Backfaces, improper coloring of model, etc) which can be fixed through a simple process. The backfaces have to be fixed in blender, but for the improper colorting, you should do it in sketch. When this happens, simply open the .skp file, and use the orbit tool to look at the face that isnt colored right from behind. It is probably a different color on the back than it is on the front. Make sure that all the faces of your model are the SAME color on each side and then re-export your model. That will fix it. With backfaces, look at Heedicalking's Tutorial on Effiency in Blender
here. That covers pretty much all you'll need to know about using SketchUp for Blockland.
I hope this helps out a lot of people in modeling for Blockland. If you have any questions, just ask.
