Digital Spaces for SketchUp
Here you will find everything there is to know about creating a Digital Space for SketchUp
Start Here
Learn how to set views, render, and export to digitalspaces.io. Select a render engine to get started.
How it Works
A Digital Space is comprised of 360° renders and a 3d model. Export from most applications that support usd, dae, or fbx.
Step 1
Place views in your 3d model
Step 2
Render 360° equirectangular images of all views
Step 3
Export your 3d model and views
Step 4
Upload to digitalspaces.io
Behind the scenes
When inside a Digital Space, you are viewing a 360° equirectangular image mapped to your 3d model.
Projection from view location
Image projected to model
99%+ Model Reduction
When you upload your model to digitalspaces.io, we optimize it to around 5mb. Being this light-weight allows us to work on any device.
Original Mesh (2,300,000)
Optimized Mesh (23,000)
Reduce model size by over 99%
When you upload your model to Digital Spaces, we optimize it to around 5mb. Being this light-weight allows us to work on any device.
Original Mesh (2,300,000)
Optimized Mesh (23,000)
Images
We support 360° equirectangular renders with a 2:1 aspect ratio.
Image types we accept
.jpg
.png
.xml
Max size
500mb
Resolutions (px)
Low
2048 x 1024
Regular
4096 x 2048
High
8192 x 4096
Example
Supported render applications
3D Files
We gather geometry and camera/views from your 3d model.
Model types we accept
.usd
.dae
.fbx
Max size
5GB
Supported 3D applications
Place Views
Step 1 - By carefully selecting the placement of your viewpoints, you can create an experience that fully immerses your audience and showcases your design in the best possible light.
Step 1
Place Views
Camera
~
55"
~
4'-6"
~
140
cm
Sitting
~
45"
~
3'-9"
~
110
cm
Dog
~
20"
~
1'-8"
~
50
cm
Ground
~
0"
~
0'-0"
~
0
cm
Origin
~
X"
~
x'-x"
~
X
cm
Setting view height
Capture your Digital Space from a photographers height.
Feet and Inches
Connect views
Try to provide users with multiple exits to another view. When users get stuck, they get annoyed!
Users can easily move around
Views connect through doors
Views connect at ends of stairs
Distance
Digital Spaces are to be explored. Opening doors invites viewers inside and provides a comfortable experience.
Opening doors allow viewers to explore
Closed doors limit the viewers
Open doors
A Digital Space is to be explored. Opening doors invites viewers inside and provides a comfortable experience.
Get creative
We're all about allowing you to tell your story in the most epic way possible!
Place views in SketchUp
Placing views in SketchUp
Place the imported file into the scene.
Explode
Right-click on the imported file and Explode.
Note: Our Viewpoint Helpers are Tagged as "_digitalspaces.io_"
Choose scale that fits your scene
We have three options:
5 feet | 1.5 meter (Recommended for interiors)
10 feet | 3 meter (Large interiors)
20 feet | 6 meter (Exteriors)
We recommend choosing only one scale.
Position helper
Place the helper on the floor of where you would like your first viewpoint to be from.
Copy helper
From a top view, copy and paste the helper around your scene where you would like to place viewpoints.
It is best if all of the circles are connected and touching eachother.
Turn on Tag _digitalspaces.io_
Set Tag "_digitalspaces.io_" to the current Tag and hide all other Tags in your scene.
Helpers should be placed on floor
Sometimes when you copy the helper around the scene it snaps to non-floor objects.
We want the helpers to all be on the same plane (floor).
Adjust as needed
Here we adjusted the z-axis of the helpers so they all sit at the same level.
Position Camera tool
Use the Position Camera tool to place your view straight looking forward.
Click to snap to the back point of the helper and then the front point.
Create Scene
Create a new Scene with this view and name it starting with DS_ and have it end in a number.
Name: DS_01
Visible Tags: OFF
Repeat at every Helper
Repeat creating Scenes at every helper using the Position Camera Tool.
Render Images
Step 2 - Render your viewpoints as equirectangular maps.
Image formats
.jpg
.png
.xml
Easy Resolutions (px)
Low
2048 x 1024
Regular
4096 x 2048
High
8192 x 4096
Max size
500mb
360° Images
Render your images as equirectangular (spherical) projections with an aspect ratio of 2:1
Any resolution in 2:1 aspect ratio
We only accept mono panos
Image Names
Name your images similar to your view names
We accept any resolution as long as it has a 2:1 aspect ratio.
We only accept mono panos.
Render in Vray
Render with Vray and SketchUp
Vray Settings
Camera Type: VR Spherical Panorama
Stereo: Off
Render Output: (any px with 2:1 aspect ratio)
Render Aspect Ratio: 2:1
Batch Render
Open the V-Ray Batch Render.
Right Click and "Add Current Model".
Render cameras only
Select your cameras only.
Press the play button at the bottom to start the render process.
Export Scene
Step 3 - Export your model and cameras.
Step 3
Export scene
When you upload your model to digitalspaces.io we optimize it to 100k triangles. Here are tips on how to prepare your model for export.
Model types we accept
.usd
.dae
.fbx
Turn off site models
Our optimizer can reduce 99% of file size, but exporting only the models users will see guarantees a great experience.
Export models close to views
Our optimizer can reduce 99% of file size, but exporting only the models users will see guarantees a great experience.
Turn off site/context models
Isolate buildings
Export multiple models for split levels or large projects
Proxy items
Decorations, vegetation, or any models that are beyond 10 feet (3m) from the camera can be proxied and set to box.
Example of pool vegetation as a mesh
Example of pool vegetation as proxies set to box
Cameras and ceilings visible
We need both geometry and cameras in your export, and be sure to not leave your ceiling behind!
Export geometry and cameras/views
Remember to export the ceiling
Export in SketchUp
Export from SketchUp
Universal Scene Description (.usd)
We do not support .usd from SketchUp at this time
COLLADA (.dae)
Collada is the only file type we accept from SketchUp.
Hide Tag
Hide Tag "_digitalspaces.io_"
Navigate to File->Export->Export...
Enter a file name, a save location, and export as COLLADA File (*.dae)
Options
Triangulate all Faces: on
Preserve component hierarchies: on
Export hidden geometry: off
Warning
Ignoring this step may cause scene to fail.
FBX (.fbx)
We do not support .fbx from SketchUp at this time
Upload
Step 4 - Upload your images and scene to digitalspaces.io
Sign in to upload
Create a Digital Space
From the dashboard, click "+ Digital Space" and enter a name.
Upload
Upload your model on the left and panos on the right.
Continue
Once your model has uploaded, you will see your cameras. Click "continue" to start processing your model.
Wait for images & model
Both the model and images will take a few minutes to process.
You will know images are done when the "Stop processing" button in the top right disappears.
Connect
Use the dropdown on each pano and select a camera it connects to.
If you are unable to select a camera, wait for the model or panos to finish processing.
View
Enter the "View" tab to see the experience.
You can go back to the project in the top left hitting "Project".
Enscape Users Only
Rotate Alignment
In the View tab, under Alignment, rotate the image counter-clockwise and Save.
Publish
Publish the experience in the top right.
Once published, you can copy the link or open in a new tab.
How it Works
A Digital Space is comprised of 360° renders and a 3d model. Export from most applications that support usd, dae, or fbx.
Step 1
Place views in your 3d model
Step 2
Render 360° equirectangular images of all views
Step 3
Export your 3d model and views
Step 4
Upload to digitalspaces.io
Behind the scenes
When inside a Digital Space, you are viewing a 360° equirectangular image mapped to your 3d model.
Projection from view location
Image projected to model
99%+ Model Reduction
When you upload your model to digitalspaces.io, we optimize it to around 5mb. Being this light-weight allows us to work on any device.
Original Mesh (2,300,000)
Optimized Mesh (23,000)
Reduce model size by over 99%
When you upload your model to Digital Spaces, we optimize it to around 5mb. Being this light-weight allows us to work on any device.
Original Mesh (2,300,000)
Optimized Mesh (23,000)
Images
We support 360° equirectangular renders with a 2:1 aspect ratio.
Image types we accept
.jpg
.png
.xml
Max size
500mb
Resolutions (px)
Low
2048 x 1024
Regular
4096 x 2048
High
8192 x 4096
Example
Supported render applications
3D Files
We gather geometry and camera/views from your 3d model.
Model types we accept
.usd
.dae
.fbx
Max size
5GB
Supported 3D applications
Place Views
Step 1 - By carefully selecting the placement of your viewpoints, you can create an experience that fully immerses your audience and showcases your design in the best possible light.
Step 1
Place Views
Camera
~
55"
~
4'-6"
~
140
cm
Sitting
~
45"
~
3'-9"
~
110
cm
Dog
~
20"
~
1'-8"
~
50
cm
Ground
~
0"
~
0'-0"
~
0
cm
Origin
~
X"
~
x'-x"
~
X
cm
Setting view height
Capture your Digital Space from a photographers height.
Feet and Inches
Connect views
Try to provide users with multiple exits to another view. When users get stuck, they get annoyed!
Users can easily move around
Views connect through doors
Views connect at ends of stairs
Distance
Digital Spaces are to be explored. Opening doors invites viewers inside and provides a comfortable experience.
Opening doors allow viewers to explore
Closed doors limit the viewers
Open doors
A Digital Space is to be explored. Opening doors invites viewers inside and provides a comfortable experience.
Get creative
We're all about allowing you to tell your story in the most epic way possible!
Place views in Enscape
Placing views in Enscape and SketchUp
Start Enscape
Extensions->Enscape->Start Enscape
Walk Mode
Navigate to where you would like the experience to start and enter Walk Mode.
View Management
Enter the View Management tab and Create View.
Create first view
Name: DS_01
Adjust Camera Position Y: 1.4
Pitch: 0.000°
Save Sun Position: off
Move to next location
Using WASD on your keyboard, walk to the next location you would like to place a view.
Create second view
Name: DS_02
Adjust Camera Position Y: 1.4
Pitch: 0.000°
Save Sun Position: off
Repeat for every view
Keep moving around your scene creating views.
Render Images
Step 2 - Render your viewpoints as equirectangular maps.
Image formats
.jpg
.png
.xml
Easy Resolutions (px)
Low
2048 x 1024
Regular
4096 x 2048
High
8192 x 4096
Max size
500mb
360° Images
Render your images as equirectangular (spherical) projections with an aspect ratio of 2:1
Any resolution in 2:1 aspect ratio
We only accept mono panos
Image Names
Name your images similar to your view names
We accept any resolution as long as it has a 2:1 aspect ratio.
We only accept mono panos.
Render in Enscape
Render with Enscape and SketchUp
Adjust Settings
Visual Settings -> Output-> Panorama
Select a Resolution
Batch Render
Open the Batch Rendering panel
Select all of your Digital Space Views (DS_)
Render Mono Panoramas
Output Images
Images ouput as .xml files
Documents->Enscape->Panoramas
Export Scene
Step 3 - Export your model and cameras.
Step 3
Export scene
When you upload your model to digitalspaces.io we optimize it to 100k triangles. Here are tips on how to prepare your model for export.
Model types we accept
.usd
.dae
.fbx
Turn off site models
Our optimizer can reduce 99% of file size, but exporting only the models users will see guarantees a great experience.
Export models close to views
Our optimizer can reduce 99% of file size, but exporting only the models users will see guarantees a great experience.
Turn off site/context models
Isolate buildings
Export multiple models for split levels or large projects
Proxy items
Decorations, vegetation, or any models that are beyond 10 feet (3m) from the camera can be proxied and set to box.
Example of pool vegetation as a mesh
Example of pool vegetation as proxies set to box
Cameras and ceilings visible
We need both geometry and cameras in your export, and be sure to not leave your ceiling behind!
Export geometry and cameras/views
Remember to export the ceiling
Export in SketchUp
Export from SketchUp
Universal Scene Description (.usd)
We do not support .usd from SketchUp at this time
COLLADA (.dae)
Collada is the only file type we accept from SketchUp.
Hide Tag
Hide Tag "_digitalspaces.io_"
Navigate to File->Export->Export...
Enter a file name, a save location, and export as COLLADA File (*.dae)
Options
Triangulate all Faces: on
Preserve component hierarchies: on
Export hidden geometry: off
Warning
Ignoring this step may cause scene to fail.
FBX (.fbx)
We do not support .fbx from SketchUp at this time
Upload
Step 4 - Upload your images and scene to digitalspaces.io
Sign in to upload
Create a Digital Space
From the dashboard, click "+ Digital Space" and enter a name.
Upload
Upload your model on the left and panos on the right.
Continue
Once your model has uploaded, you will see your cameras. Click "continue" to start processing your model.
Wait for images & model
Both the model and images will take a few minutes to process.
You will know images are done when the "Stop processing" button in the top right disappears.
Connect
Use the dropdown on each pano and select a camera it connects to.
If you are unable to select a camera, wait for the model or panos to finish processing.
View
Enter the "View" tab to see the experience.
You can go back to the project in the top left hitting "Project".
Enscape Users Only
Rotate Alignment
In the View tab, under Alignment, rotate the image counter-clockwise and Save.
Publish
Publish the experience in the top right.
Once published, you can copy the link or open in a new tab.
How it Works
A Digital Space is comprised of 360° renders and a 3d model. Export from most applications that support usd, dae, or fbx.
Step 1
Place views in your 3d model
Step 2
Render 360° equirectangular images of all views
Step 3
Export your 3d model and views
Step 4
Upload to digitalspaces.io
Behind the scenes
When inside a Digital Space, you are viewing a 360° equirectangular image mapped to your 3d model.
Projection from view location
Image projected to model
99%+ Model Reduction
When you upload your model to digitalspaces.io, we optimize it to around 5mb. Being this light-weight allows us to work on any device.
Original Mesh (2,300,000)
Optimized Mesh (23,000)
Reduce model size by over 99%
When you upload your model to Digital Spaces, we optimize it to around 5mb. Being this light-weight allows us to work on any device.
Original Mesh (2,300,000)
Optimized Mesh (23,000)
Images
We support 360° equirectangular renders with a 2:1 aspect ratio.
Image types we accept
.jpg
.png
.xml
Max size
500mb
Resolutions (px)
Low
2048 x 1024
Regular
4096 x 2048
High
8192 x 4096
Example
Supported render applications
3D Files
We gather geometry and camera/views from your 3d model.
Model types we accept
.usd
.dae
.fbx
Max size
5GB
Supported 3D applications
Place Views
Step 1 - By carefully selecting the placement of your viewpoints, you can create an experience that fully immerses your audience and showcases your design in the best possible light.
Step 1
Place Views
Camera
~
55"
~
4'-6"
~
140
cm
Sitting
~
45"
~
3'-9"
~
110
cm
Dog
~
20"
~
1'-8"
~
50
cm
Ground
~
0"
~
0'-0"
~
0
cm
Origin
~
X"
~
x'-x"
~
X
cm
Setting view height
Capture your Digital Space from a photographers height.
Feet and Inches
Connect views
Try to provide users with multiple exits to another view. When users get stuck, they get annoyed!
Users can easily move around
Views connect through doors
Views connect at ends of stairs
Distance
Digital Spaces are to be explored. Opening doors invites viewers inside and provides a comfortable experience.
Opening doors allow viewers to explore
Closed doors limit the viewers
Open doors
A Digital Space is to be explored. Opening doors invites viewers inside and provides a comfortable experience.
Get creative
We're all about allowing you to tell your story in the most epic way possible!
Place views in SketchUp
Placing views in SketchUp
Place the imported file into the scene.
Explode
Right-click on the imported file and Explode.
Note: Our Viewpoint Helpers are Tagged as "_digitalspaces.io_"
Choose scale that fits your scene
We have three options:
5 feet | 1.5 meter (Recommended for interiors)
10 feet | 3 meter (Large interiors)
20 feet | 6 meter (Exteriors)
We recommend choosing only one scale.
Position helper
Place the helper on the floor of where you would like your first viewpoint to be from.
Copy helper
From a top view, copy and paste the helper around your scene where you would like to place viewpoints.
It is best if all of the circles are connected and touching eachother.
Turn on Tag _digitalspaces.io_
Set Tag "_digitalspaces.io_" to the current Tag and hide all other Tags in your scene.
Helpers should be placed on floor
Sometimes when you copy the helper around the scene it snaps to non-floor objects.
We want the helpers to all be on the same plane (floor).
Adjust as needed
Here we adjusted the z-axis of the helpers so they all sit at the same level.
Position Camera tool
Use the Position Camera tool to place your view straight looking forward.
Click to snap to the back point of the helper and then the front point.
Create Scene
Create a new Scene with this view and name it starting with DS_ and have it end in a number.
Name: DS_01
Visible Tags: OFF
Repeat at every Helper
Repeat creating Scenes at every helper using the Position Camera Tool.
Render Images
Step 2 - Render your viewpoints as equirectangular maps.
Image formats
.jpg
.png
.xml
Easy Resolutions (px)
Low
2048 x 1024
Regular
4096 x 2048
High
8192 x 4096
Max size
500mb
360° Images
Render your images as equirectangular (spherical) projections with an aspect ratio of 2:1
Any resolution in 2:1 aspect ratio
We only accept mono panos
Image Names
Name your images similar to your view names
We accept any resolution as long as it has a 2:1 aspect ratio.
We only accept mono panos.
Render in Lumion
Render with Lumion and SketchUp
Start LiveSync
Press the play button to start Lumion LiveSync
How to install Lumion LiveSync
Extension Warehouse
Navigate to Extensions->Extension Warehouse
Search "Lumion"
Search for "lumion livesync for sketchup".
Select Lumion LiveSync
Install
Turn on LiveSync
Right-click in your toolbar and be sure Lumion LiveSync is turned on.
Place windows side-by-side
Position Lumion and SketchUp side-by-side.
Enter Scene
Double Click on Scene DS_01 (from step 1)
Store camera
Enter 360 panorama (bottom right)
Store the scene as a Camera.
Switch to Build Mode
Enter Scene
Double Click on Scene DS_02 (from step 1)
Double Click on your next stored scene.
Store camera
Enter 360 panorama (bottom right)
Store this scene as a Camera.
Switch to Build Mode
Repeat for all views
Repeat double clicking scenes and saving them as cameras in Lumion.
Render cameras
Select "Render 360 Panorama" on the first camera.
Render 360 panoramas
Select an output quality
Stereoscopic: off
Projection type: Equirectangular
Render 360 panorama
Render cameras
Repeat selecting "Render 360 Panorama" on the next camera.
Render 360 panoramas
Repeat rendering 360 panoramas for every camera.
Save project
Export Scene
Step 3 - Export your model and cameras.
Step 3
Export scene
When you upload your model to digitalspaces.io we optimize it to 100k triangles. Here are tips on how to prepare your model for export.
Model types we accept
.usd
.dae
.fbx
Turn off site models
Our optimizer can reduce 99% of file size, but exporting only the models users will see guarantees a great experience.
Export models close to views
Our optimizer can reduce 99% of file size, but exporting only the models users will see guarantees a great experience.
Turn off site/context models
Isolate buildings
Export multiple models for split levels or large projects
Proxy items
Decorations, vegetation, or any models that are beyond 10 feet (3m) from the camera can be proxied and set to box.
Example of pool vegetation as a mesh
Example of pool vegetation as proxies set to box
Cameras and ceilings visible
We need both geometry and cameras in your export, and be sure to not leave your ceiling behind!
Export geometry and cameras/views
Remember to export the ceiling
Export in SketchUp
Export from SketchUp
Universal Scene Description (.usd)
We do not support .usd from SketchUp at this time
COLLADA (.dae)
Collada is the only file type we accept from SketchUp.
Hide Tag
Hide Tag "_digitalspaces.io_"
Navigate to File->Export->Export...
Enter a file name, a save location, and export as COLLADA File (*.dae)
Options
Triangulate all Faces: on
Preserve component hierarchies: on
Export hidden geometry: off
Warning
Ignoring this step may cause scene to fail.
FBX (.fbx)
We do not support .fbx from SketchUp at this time
Upload
Step 4 - Upload your images and scene to digitalspaces.io
Sign in to upload
Create a Digital Space
From the dashboard, click "+ Digital Space" and enter a name.
Upload
Upload your model on the left and panos on the right.
Continue
Once your model has uploaded, you will see your cameras. Click "continue" to start processing your model.
Wait for images & model
Both the model and images will take a few minutes to process.
You will know images are done when the "Stop processing" button in the top right disappears.
Connect
Use the dropdown on each pano and select a camera it connects to.
If you are unable to select a camera, wait for the model or panos to finish processing.
View
Enter the "View" tab to see the experience.
You can go back to the project in the top left hitting "Project".
Enscape Users Only
Rotate Alignment
In the View tab, under Alignment, rotate the image counter-clockwise and Save.
Publish
Publish the experience in the top right.
Once published, you can copy the link or open in a new tab.
