New Shaderlight gives architects and designers the winning edge

A new version of the leading interactive rendering plug-in for Google SketchUp is being launched today, with a range of unique features for architects and designers. It will be revealed exclusively today at the American Institute of Architects Annual Convention in New Orleans.

Offering a host of new features, Shaderlight 1.3 has been developed incorporating feedback from architects and designers across the globe, wanting to create photorealistic 3D images for client presentations.

An innovative ray-tracing plug-in to Google SketchUp, the new release builds on the compelling feature set that has already made Shaderlight the first choice SketchUp renderer for thousands of architects around the world. Interactive rendering allows the user to watch their image develop as they work and the simplicity of the software allows any SketchUp user to easily take their 3D models to the next level. This latest version also offers increased render quality and speed plus improved workflow and usability.

New features introduced to Shaderlight include chalk rendering as well as the ability to render plans, elevations and isometric viewpoints. A selection of additional lighting environments and backgrounds provided by leading supplier of high dynamic range images (HDRI) Moofe® have also been added to further enhance the photorealistic lighting functionality.

Kate Marshall, marketing director at Shaderlight, said: “We are continuing to develop Shaderlight at a fast pace to ensure SketchUp users have the very best rendering tools at their fingertips. A large number of our customers are architects and designers, many of whom are facing increasing pressure to deliver high quality, photo realistic images for client presentations. Shaderlight gives them a simple and fast means to make this happen. The additional features now available give users even more options to make their renderings stand out from the competition.

The Shaderlight Free version is available to download without registration. To benefit from the complete range of features, Shaderlight Pro can be trialed at no cost for two weeks and $199 thereafter. Existing Shaderlight customers can upgrade to the new version for free.