3D Jewelry Design Rendering Techniques, Tips

How to Render Animations in FluidRay

June 10, 2021/in 3D Rendering, Animation, Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Jewelry Design, Tutorials & Training

In this tutorial we will show you how to quickly render camera animations in FluidRay.

If you are a designer, sometimes making a quick video is the most effective way to show your product to a client. Or, if you are an Architect, a camera walk-through can immerse your clients in the spaces you have created for them.

Making such videos is really easy in FluidRay.

FluidRay 3.0 Animation Render

Watch this video on YouTube

Start by loading your project, then navigate to the Camera tab on the Editor window that is located on the right.

There are a few buttons on the bottom right of the panel that allow you to manipulate the different “Scenes”:

A “Scene” is a point of view that your camera will go through. After you have added a few scenes with different point of views, FluidRay will automatically create an animation by transitioning between them.

Click on the “+” button to add a new scene, then move the camera to another point of view:

Keep adding points of views to cover all the walkthrough.

You can also rename the scenes by clicking on the corresponding name or by clicking on the “Rename” button:

Two parameters are important for animation – Transition and Duration:

FluidRay Animation duration and transition

Duration: how long, in seconds, the camera stays fixed in the same point of view
Transition: how long, in seconds, the camera takes to go from a point of view to the next

We can now ready to render our animation. To access the render animation dialog, press the “Reel” button on the main toolbar or go to the menu Tools -> Render Animation:

The Render Animation dialog appears:

The following options are available in the Render Animation dialog:

Camera: the camera to be used for the animation
Start Scene: the scene (point of view) where the animation starts
End Scene: the scene (point of view) where the animation ends
Resolution: animation resolution. The smaller the resolution the less time it will take to render the animation
Quality: the samples per pixels used to render the animation. Lower values will result in lower quality but quicker render times.
Preview: the preview button will show a quick preview of the animation, useful to check the animation before starting the final render.
Render: the render button starts rendering the animation.

By clicking the Render button you’ll be asked the location where to save the rendered animation:

Note that when selecting the location where to save the video, it’s also possible to decide if to save the animation as a video file (.mp4) or as multiple image files to be joined together at a later time.

This concludes the tutorial. If you have questions, please post them on our Discussion Forums.

If you would like to try FludRay, download the FREE TRIAL.

FluidRay: Jewelry Design Rendering Software

July 29, 2020/in Jewelry Design, Tutorials & Training

Jewelry designers traditionally would create jewelry designs with pencil and paper to share design ideas. Next, the jewelry piece was carved out in wax or plastic to give customers an opportunity to interact with the prototype and decide if the piece was right. While many designers still create models this way, rendering software will take a jewelers design ideas to the next level. Now, it is much more convenient, fast, and cost effective to create realistic models using a rendering software, like FluidRay, to communicate design ideas. Are you a jewelry designer who is considering incorporating rendering software into your workflow? Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits rendering software offers to jewelry designers.

Benefits to Using FluidRay Rendering Software for Jewelry Design:

Design in Real Time

Quickly share multiple design options and adjust jewelry designs on the fly. Decisions are made quickly and efficiently to shave time off your projects.

Save Money

Design issues are discovered early, before materials are purchased, avoiding costly mistakes.

Create Detailed Designs

Customers can better visualize the final piece and sample different materials, shapes, and colors.

Communicate Ideas

Communicate design ideas and modifications to your customers quickly and effectively to keep projects moving forward.

Impress Customers

Create attention grabbing design presentations that highlight your vision and abilities winning over even the most demanding of customers.

Learn Quickly

FluidRay’s intuitive interface and straightforward menus make rendering fast and easy to learn.

Designers can create beautiful renders in 4 simple steps:

1. Import 3D Model

Directly in the FluidRay dashboard, you can import your 3d model created in a modeling tool such as SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD or other, simply by selecting Import from the main menu. Once your model is created, import the file into FluidRay.

FluidRay works directly with SketchUp (.skp), Rhino OpenNurbs (.3dm), FBX (.fbx), Alias Wavefront (.obj), Collada (.dae), 3DS (.3ds, .ase), DirectX (.X), Stanford PLY (.ply), and STereoLithography (.stl).

If your filetype isn’t listed here, simply export to an .fbx file within your 3D modeling software and then import into FluidRay.

2. Apply Lighting

Environmental light comes from the outside, rather than from the inside. Environmental light is a global parameter, meaning it will affect the entire jewelry rendering, not only one part of it. Apply environmental lighting to your jewelry design to give it a realistic look and feel.

3. Add Reflections

Reflections add to the realistic nature of a rendering, particularly with jewelry or other metal materials. Adjust the reflections in real-time until the piece looks just right.

5. Assign Materials

Finally, we assign materials to the model to finish the jewelry piece. In this example, we start by adding gold. Once that is set, add the gem and you can see how the materials will react in real-time when adjusting the lighting and reflections. FluidRay’s extensive library of materials allows designers to create shapes and apply different materials until the rendering looks exactly right. Making beautiful previews of your jewelry designs is easy with FluidRay. In just a few minutes you can turn your jewelry prototype into a real-life photo-realistic image.

This video provides a quick tutorial on how to create a jewelry rendering in FluidRay.

Jewelry Rendering with FluidRay

Watch this video on YouTube

Are you ready to learn rendering for your next jewelry design project? Our pricing is inexpensive and we offer a free trial so you can see how fast and easy it is to turn your 3D models into realistic images that will inspire your jewelry customers. To learn how to create beautiful jewelry renderings in FluidRay, we provide a library of training tutorials.

See for yourself how quickly you can go from a 3D model to a beautiful FluidRay rendering. Experience the good side of rendering today!

Try FluidRay For Free!

Our 10 Favorite 2020 Software Renderings (so far)

July 16, 2020/in 3D Rendering, Architecture, Interior Design, Jewelry Design, Product Design

Make no mistake about it – rendering software will bring your 3d model to life. Architects, interior designers, jewelry designers and other product designers rely on beautiful renderings to communicate designs to their clients. Clients love viewing renderings because they get a reliable preview of the final product.

2020 is proving to be a year with fewer events, fewer get-togethers, and fewer travels. But it is NOT a year with fewer renderings. FluidRay is proud to share our 10 favorite renderings of 2020 (so far).

1. Small House

Why we love this rendering: This realistic architectural rendering highlights the flexibility of FluidRay. While this house is located in a garden setting, the designer can quickly change the materials to meet the needs of a customer interested in a different environment. Credit: https://smallhousecatalog.com/

2. Candles Behind Glass

Why we love this rendering: This image shows off the lighting powers of FluidRay. Notice the light from the candle through the glass while also the window reflection. This rendering showcases the power of FluidRay.

3. Fast Car

Why we love this rendering: The metallic materials and curves of the car make this rendering look like a real image. Can’t you imagine yourself on a windy road right now?

4. Villa with Pool

Why we love this rendering: Check out the shadows and caustics in this rendering. The pool looks so inviting. A+

5. Sunset

Why we love this rendering: The glimmer from the sunset lights up this hillside house just right. Photo credit: Marco Piva

6. Kitchen Interior Design

Why we love this rendering: This beautiful space involves interior lighting (kitchen lights and lamps) as well as sunlight streaming in through the glass windows. Interior designers take notice!

7. Textured Wall

Why we love this rendering: This interior rendering does a nice job with the materials – particularly the textures on the wall. We also love the realistic view of the horizon.

8. Stone Walls

Why we love this rendering: The stone walls and tile roofing provide a level of detail that any designer can appreciate.

9. Engagement Ring

Engagement ring rendering width FluidRay

Why we love this rendering: The materials on this engagement ring perfectly reflect the light, giving it a very realistic look.

10. Contemporary Shelf

Why we love this rendering: This shelf highlights how helpful a rendering is for a designer to depict the different materials available. Imagine this shelf available in wood, metal or plastic.

As you can see, these 10 renderings really bring designs to life. Do you have a favorite rendering you’ve created with FluidRay? Our team would love to see it and share it with our followers. Please submit your renderings here. Are you interested in trying FluidRay for free? FluidRay is easy to learn and we offer a free trial to get you started.

FluidRay’s extensive features, easy-to-use interface, quick rendering capabilities, affordability, stunning designs, and modeling software compatibility make it the perfect rendering software for designers. Our pricing is inexpensive so anyone can experience the good side of rendering!

Jewelry Rendering Tutorial with Rhino and FluidRay

April 30, 2020/in 3D Rendering, Jewelry Design, Tutorials & Training

We just released a new tutorial video on how to render jewelry designs with Rhino and FluidRay:

Jewelry Rendering with Rhino and FluidRay

Watch this video on YouTube

Where to Find .SKP Files

March 15, 2016/in 3D Rendering, Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Jewelry Design, Managing Assets, Product Design

Regular SketchUp users probably already have a big archive of .skp files to draw on for projects, but sometimes you need something new and it helps if you can grab one rather than building from scratch. I did some wandering around the web and found some sources for .skp files. Some are free and some cost a bit, but the nice thing is that these sites are reliable — you can bookmark them and come back whenever you’re searching.

3DWarehouse – https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/
No surprise you’re going to find SKP files at 3DWarehouse, but it’s worth mentioning that they have a fun mix of models including architecture, people and products.

SketchUp Texture – http://www.sketchuptexture.com/p/3d-sketchup-model.html
SketchUp Texture has several collections of room and furniture models in the SKP format. I liked a lot of the stuff in the Houses and Villas collection. It also never hurts to have furniture models when you’re figuring out interiors.

TF3DM –
These guys have a little bit of everything. The quality can vary, but it’s worth checking out. I’d definitely check here for military vehicles.

SKPWizard – http://skpwizard.com/freeblocks.php
SKPWizard carries a good selection of office furniture models. They also have some vehicles, construction supplies, and electronics. I’ve visit here before starting on an office interior project.

TurboSquid – http://www.turbosquid.com/Search/3D-Models/free/skp
I’d say their free .skp offerings are mostly related to furniture or home decor, but TurboSquid also has some human and animal models, as well as, some building models. Check them out for starter models to practice on.

GrabCad – https://grabcad.com/library/software/sketchup
I’ve found some gorgeous building models here along with a variety of furniture, mechanical, and other objects. If you’re doing product or industrial design, then make sure you check here for things like gears and motors too.

David Hier – http://www.davidhier.co.uk/freemodels.html
Let’s take a moment to thank David for sharing some of his models for high-end designer furniture. He shares a lot of his stuff on TurboSquid, but make sure to check his site for goodies. His models might be good for a hotel room or lobby project where if you’re going for a contemporary look and feel.

Creative Crash – http://www.creativecrash.com/sketchup/
Creative Crash’s marketplace has a lot of goodies. The quality and prices will vary a lot and some models are a bit pricey, but you’ll find plenty of well done vehicle, electronics, exterior and environmental models to work with.

Nomeradona SketchUp, VRay Resources – http://sketchupvrayresources.blogspot.com/p/free-sketchup-scenes-and-models.html
There is not a lot here, but the few models are well done. I especially like the sofa and padded material models. Hopefully, they’ll keep adding to the site, but I’d pick up the sofa models now to have handy.

SketchUp4Architects – http://www.sketchup4architect.com/sketchup-components.htm
There is a good selection of models here with an emphasis on architectural components (rooms, doors, windows, floors, stairways, etc.). You’ll also find some people, furniture, and vehicles mixed in. This is a good resource for assets to construct rooms or other basic architectural modeling tasks.

SweetHome3D – http://www.sweethome3d.com/importModels.jsp
SweetHome3D offers several collections of models, some with hundreds of files included. In some cases, you’ll be directed away from the site, but I didn’t find anything shady — just more models. Pay attention to the licensing rules.

Modlar – http://www.modlar.com/information/3d-models/
Modlar is the place to get manufacture approved models of appliances, tools, industrial equipment and more. It’s heavy into sinks, faucets and other kitchen and bathroom models, but you also have industrial, furniture and flooring. A good site for anyone doing kitchens and bathrooms, or looking for some well done pieces to refine home models.

TruStile – http://www.trustile.com/design-planning/3d-cad-symbols/sketchup
This is vendor site so you won’t find a variety. That said, TruStile gives you models for about 40 different styles of residential doors. I suggest picking them all up and keeping them as resource for any residential housing project.

Popular Woodworking – http://www.popularwoodworking.com/sketchup-for-woodworking-models
Every model here is for something wooden. Fortunately, you can use wood almost anywhere. A decent selection of models though you’ll see a lot of tables and cabinets. Worth browsing for touches to add to a rustic cabin or home. You might also use the benches for parks or other outdoor settings.

Kolbe – http://www.kolbe-kolbe.com/architectLibrary/index.cfm?pcID=7&pID=169
Another vendor site. This one is focused on Kolbe windows. The models are well made and done to work well with any architectural models. Like with TruStile, I’d grab as many as you can now so you have the for later.

That’s it for now. I’ll keep looking and adding as I discover new sites. Leave a comment if you want to share some of your own models or let us know about some good sites.

Feature image: Asus P6T6 3d model by 3DRegenerator

Where to Find .3dm files

August 25, 2015/in 3D Rendering, Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Jewelry Design, Managing Assets, Product Design

You can build your own .3dm files but it takes time and you may not get the best results. If you’re like us, then you’ve probably got a few spots you check for models, and you’ve also probably bought some sets over the years. But you always end up needing something you don’t have, and having to look around.

I did some snooping through my lists of sites to find ones that offered a good mix of .3dm models. Not all the sites are free or have large selections, but they are all dependable. Take the time to browse through a few of them when working on a project and you should be able to find what you need.

TF3DM – http://tf3dm.com/3d-models/all/1/3dm
This site has a good selection of models, but they range in quality from high-end to beginner. You can find anything from full buildings to Black Hawk helicopters to a T-Rex. Prices vary a lot, and you need to be careful to check which license is available for each model.

CGTrader – http://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models
A library of free 3dm models, heavy on automotive but you can find some animal, environment and product models if you look around for a bit.

GrabCad – https://grabcad.com/library/software/rhino?per_page=20&query=3dm
Not a very large selection, but there are some nice ones here & the site has good search functionality.

AD-3D http://ad-3d.com/free-rhino-3d-nurbs-models/
This is a free collection — available for both personal and commercial use (but not reselling) — from Aleksandar Dimitrov. Mostly furniture models, but some exteriors like fields thrown in.

FlexiCad – https://www.flexicad.com/download.php?lang=de&misc=1300
Honestly, it’s only 4 models here but its worth going to pick up the Audi TT model.

Aversis – http://www.aversis.be/3dmodels/
Not many here, but they are all decent quality. Click the links labeled “Rhino” to get the .3dm files.

Turbosquid – http://www.turbosquid.com/
You’ve probably come across this site before. Big selection of models. You can search subject and then filter to get models compatible with Rhino. Pretty much everything here is high-quality, but you’re going to pay for it: prices range from US $5 – $500. Fortunately, you can filter by price. If you need a model for work, then this is a good place to look, but not sure its the right place for a student.

Craftsmansspace – http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-3d-models
If you’re looking for free geometries and pattern 3dm files, then I’d check here. Nothing to fancy is available, but you can use these models for things like fencing, icons, wall art without too many problems.

Yobi3D – https://www.yobi3d.com/
It finds 3D models on the Internet with simple keyword search. The models can be previewed in 3D right on your browser.

This list is a work in progress. If you’d like to have your model site, set or file added, then leave a comment.