I love 3D models (like many people here, I’m sure). Unfortunately, they’re still not as ubiquitous as images, so sharing them widely remains a challenge.
But flat screenshots of 3D models can be frustrating. I can’t help but want to rotate the object and see the dark side of the moon! . I think animated GIFs are a good compromise. So, until native support for 3D models becomes the norm, I thought an extension that generates them directly from SketchUp might be handy.
Introducing SU GIF Exporter:
Features
-
Preview: Displays a preview of the generated GIF.
-
Settings:
-
Resolution: Adjust the width and height (in pixels) of the output GIF (default:
640 x 480
; max value:16000 x 16000
) -
Speed (Degrees per Frame): Rotation angle (in degrees) of the model or camera per frame.
- Predefined options: Slow (5°), Medium (10°), Fast (30°).
- Custom: Enter a specific rotation step (in degrees).
-
Delay: Adjust the delay (duration in milliseconds) between frames (default:
300 ms
). -
Rotation:
- Origin: Apply the rotation either to the model’s center or the camera.
- Axis: Set one of the default axis X, Y, or Z as the rotation axis (default: Z).
- Direction: Define the Clockwise (CW) or Counterclockwise (CCW) orientation of the rotation.
-
-
Export:
- Generate: Begins the GIF creation process with the configured settings.
- Save: Saves the generated GIF to a local file.
How to Use
- Configure Settings: Set the desired resolution, speed, delay, rotation axis, origin, and direction. If “Custom Speed” is selected, specify the step angle in degrees.
- Generate GIF: Click “Generate” to start the GIF creation process. Monitor the progress bar and preview window.
- Preview: Click the “Preview” button to pause/play the resulting GIF after generating.
- Save GIF: Once the GIF is generated, click “Save” to download it to your device.
Examples
Exterior view with model rotation (loops forever)
Interior view with camera rotation (loops 2 times):
Miscs
- 7-Days trial - full access
- Permanent licence for $25 USD
- Get 20% OFF if you purchase before end of trial
- Video export very likely to be added in the future
- Submission to the Extension Warehouse coming soon.
Please have a try and let me know if you like it (or not ).