How to render a SketchUp screenshot.
Export your view
Frame the camera in SketchUp. Export a PNG or JPG, or take a clean viewport screenshot.
Generate a render
Upload the image to Folio Labs. Choose a preset or reference, then describe the materials and lighting you want.
Keep refining
Compare the result with your model. Adjust the atmosphere or select one detail to edit, then download a new version.
A clean image is all you need.
File → Export → 2D Graphic → PNG / JPG
Hide guides and selection highlights; crop out toolbars and panels. Keep roof edges, window openings and materials easy to read. For SketchUp Web, use a clear viewport screenshot. Upload the image, not your .skp file.
Render this SketchUp view with a light mineral facade, natural wood accents and soft daylight. Keep the camera angle, building proportions, rooflines and window openings consistent with the input.
Name the view, materials and light you want, then say which design features should stay. Replace the facade description for your project. Suggested template, not the original gallery prompt.
AI rendering for SketchUp projects.
Exterior design options
Compare facade finishes, planting and daylight from a fixed model view. Use your SketchUp screenshot as the starting point for a design discussion, then check the rendered rooflines and openings against the model.
Interior materials and mood
Explore wood, stone, wall finishes and lighting from an interior view. A reference image can guide the look; text can describe the changes. Review furniture, room proportions and details before presenting the result.
Best for exploring visual directions. The output is an image, not a revised 3D model or a dimensionally verified construction drawing.
Refine materials. Explore new light.
Separate interior editing example.
One detail, a new version.
Keep working from a render you like. Select the wall, then describe its new material and the lighting you want to retain.
“Change this wall to dark walnut. Keep the sunlight and shadows.”
Full instruction
Change ONLY the material of the large central floating travertine wall panel to dark smoked walnut veneer with fine vertical wood grain and a matte finish. This is a MATERIAL replacement, not a relighting. CRITICAL: retain the original direct sunlight patch on the LEFT part of this panel. In the source, a narrow warm bright vertical strip touches the panel left edge in its lower half, with a slanted top boundary rising toward the right and a near-vertical boundary against the shadowed remainder. Keep that exact patch location, footprint, slanted top edge, shadow boundary and light direction. The walnut within this sunlight patch must be distinctly brighter and warmer than the walnut in shadow, with wood grain visible in BOTH lit and shaded areas. Do not make the whole panel uniformly dark. Preserve the existing ambient light, exposure, white balance, all window and cabinet shadows and the warm concealed lighting below the panel. Keep the panel exact rectangular outline, flat surface, thickness and floating bottom edge. Keep the surrounding light-oak cabinets on the LEFT, all furniture, curtains, windows, rug, floor, ceiling, camera and room layout unchanged. Do not add objects, bevels, slats or new lights.
Selected area for a wall, object or finish.
Whole scene for morning light, evening glow or a different atmosphere.
SketchUp AI rendering costs, made clear.
The $2 starter pack adds 100 credits. One-time purchase, no subscription.
See all pricing| Credits per image | 1K | 2K | 4K |
|---|---|---|---|
| New render | 20 | 20 | 40 |
| Edit a render | 10 | 20 | 40 |
One 1K render + one 1K edit = 30 credits.
Selected-area and whole-scene edits cost the same. A pack or subscription unlocks 2K / 4K generation.
SketchUp rendering online: common questions.
Can I use SketchUp Free or Web?
Yes. Use a clear viewport screenshot or PNG download. SketchUp Free’s PNG download may include a watermark. No plugin or .skp upload is required.
Does AI rendering preserve SketchUp geometry?
The input guides the result, but AI can change openings, proportions and other details. Compare with your model before sharing. Selected-area edits also may affect unselected details.
Can I change lighting instead of materials?
Yes. Choose Whole scene for morning light, evening glow or a different mood. Use Selected area for a specific object or material.
Can I try SketchUp AI rendering for free?
Sign in with a new Google account to receive 20 credits for one standard render. A 1K edit uses another 10 credits.
How is this different from a SketchUp rendering plugin?
Folio Labs works from an exported image in your browser. It does not connect to the live SketchUp model or calculate a physically based scene from its geometry. Choose it for visual exploration; use a dedicated rendering workflow when exact scene, material and lighting control is essential.
Does editing change my SketchUp model?
No. Each edit creates a new image and keeps the source. It does not change your .skp file. Download important results within 30 days.