TUTORIAL
Creating a Swaying Curtain in Google SketchUp – Tutorial by Dirk de Jongh
Creating a Swaying Curtain in Google SketchUp
This is the first of a number of tutorials where I explain how to create an living room scene. Using Hi-poly/detail models made in Google SketchUp.
In this first tutorial I will show you how to create a swaying curtain using some freely available Google SketchUp plug-ins.
Two plug-ins are used in this tutorial: BezierSpline by Fredo6 which you can download here and Free Form Deformation (FFD) by Chris Phillips which you can download here. Both files are attached at the bottom of each post.
Notes: BezierSpline can alternatively be replaced by the native Google SketchUp Freehand tool. Although FFD is necessary for the correct deformation technique used in this tutorial.
01
INTRODUCTION
In this tutorial I will be using a technique where I start with a 2D contour which makes up the basic shape of the curtain. Then I will extrude it and modify the shape using the Free Form Deformation plug-in.
Left: Starting out by drawing the basic contour of the curtain.
Bottom: The finished curtain graciously swaying by the wind.
02
Step 1/7
Drawing the Basic Shape
First create a rectangle. Don’t worry about the size for now. You can always scale it later.
Use the BezierSpline plug-in to create the flow of the curtain (I used a curve of 100 segments). Alternatively you can use the native Google SketchUp Freehand tool.
03
Step 2/7
Creating the Curtain
Extrude one of the segments you have just made.
Delete all the unnecessary Edges so that only the curtain itself remains.
04
Step 3/7
Preparing the Curtain Subdivision
Make it a Group.
Turn it horizontal by using the rotation handles on the Group.
05
Step 4/7
Subdividing the Curtain
Use the Create From Scratch tool from the Sandbox tools to create a grid below the curtain.
Note: The version of the FFD plug-in released on May 9th 2008 and later (which you are going to use in the next step), contains a subdivision tool which you can also use to set up this grid. Think of the amount of squares you want to divide your mesh into and then add 1 to that number.
The method shown here however has somewhat more flexibility as the grid can be scaled dynamically with the Scale tool to determine the optimal subdivision density.
Using the Drape tool (also from the Sandbox tools), drape the grid onto the curtain.
06
Step 5/7
Setting up the FFD Grid
Turn the Group of the curtain back to vertical position.
Now activate the 3×3 FFD by selecting from the context menu FFD > 3×3 FFD.
07
Step 6/7
Deform the Curtain Shape
Fiddle around with the mesh until you are happy with the look of the curtain by moving the Guide/Construction Points in different directions.
Now you can delete the FFD grid points and smooth the curtain mesh using either or both the Eraser tool or the Soften Edges panel.
Any left-over visible Edges can be softened using the Eraser tool with Control/Option held down, or using the Soften coplanar button in the Soften Edges panel.
08
Step 7/7
Finished Curtain With Shadows on
Here is the finalized model of the swaying curtain.
End of tutorial.
09
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simple and useful :)
thanks, but how do i get the ffd plugin? i went to the referred url indicated above but there is no way, at least that i can see, to get the plugin.
You need to be logged in to the forums to be able to download FFD. Log in here or if you don’t have a forums account yet you can register one here.
thanks,
i like these tutorials very much
and still wish to learn more
i’m a budding Architect, so preferable like to see the tutorials related to modren architecture
Hello where can i find this plug FFD in this site please.
I try but….
nice tuto
thx
Oliver,
You need to be logged in to the forums to be able to download FFD. Log in here or if you don’t have a forums account yet you can register one here.
Just a note to say thanks for the clear instruction. The use of the sandbox was new to me as well.
No. Copying content is strictly prohibited. All content is owned by its author. In all other cases it is owned by SketchUcation.
Thanx for tutorial, but is there any way to reduce segments? as they are very huge, specially when creating moredetailed curtaned.
thanks for this one. I really appreciate this