Use Layers to Complete Renderings Faster

Use SketchUp Layers and Finish Your Renderings Faster

SketchUp makes it possible to build detailed models with relative ease and speed. Because skilled modelers work quickly, many ignore layers. Architectural renderings can take days to process if the modeler doesn't understand how the rendering program processes geometry, materials, reflections, and lighting.

I built a simple model that consists of 3 buildings, 3 floors each, 27 rooms. The model includes 117 ceiling lights. I set up 2 scenes and included the SketchUp sun position and an HDRi sky background for natural lighting.

117 Lights, 100 Passes, 1854x968 - completed in 33 minutes 25 seconds.

Next I turned layer display off for 109 ceiling lights and otherwise processed the same rendering. The difference in rendering times is worth noting.

8 Lights, 100 Passes, 1854x968 completed in 7 minutes 42 seconds

Next I processed two interior renderings. The first rendering is the entire model and all 117 lights.

117 Lights, 100 Passes, 1854x968 - 28 minutes 52 seconds

Because geometry also influences rendering times I processed the next rendering by turning off layers for lights and also surfaces and components that do not influence the rendered image. It's important to note that I get the same rendered image, and a lot faster.

8 Lights, 100 Passes, 1854x968 - 9 minutes 53 seconds

Using the Light Balancer

I typically include the SketchUp sun during processing, even though it might not be included in the final rendering. When I decide that I don't want the SketchUp sun, I use the Light Balancer to adjust the brightness of the sun or turn it off completely.

Rendered Image with SketchUp Sun, and Light Balancer Dialog