Importing a model into Velux

Importing

Steps to Import

Open Velux and click "Import Project".

If using SketchUp, import should work seamlessly.

If using Rhino, check units and scale:

Change units to feet.

Verify scale using the ruler icon.

If the model appears 3.5 times too large, apply a 0.3048 scale factor.

Adjust the location settings under the Location tab. If the project is in Minneapolis, use:

Longitude: 93°W

Latitude: 45°N

Leave degrees at 0 if the glazing faces south.

Add the Time Zone for your location

Minneapolis : UTC - 6

Navigating Velux Interface

Velux has five key tabs:

Scale/Units – Adjusts the model’s scale and measurement units. Ensure it matches the original model’s dimensions. If scaling issues arise, use the ruler tool to confirm accuracy.

Surfaces – Assigns materials to model surfaces. The surfaces imported from SketchUp or Rhino will need appropriate reflectance and transparency values set in Velux.

Location – Defines the geographical position of the project. Manually enter the correct latitude and longitude for accurate daylight calculations.

Camera – Positions a perspective camera for rendering. Adjust the viewpoint and angle for optimized visualization of daylight conditions.

Render – Sets rendering conditions and generates images. Users can select time of day, sky conditions, and output image quality.

Rendering in Velux

Recommended Rendering Settings

Set camera position and perspective.

Adjust settings:

Common daylighting testing settings

Render type: Luminance

Sky condition: Sunny

Times & Dates: 9 AM, Noon, 3 PM on December 21, March 21, June 21

Use medium or higher quality for clear results.

Right-click on the image to view luminance values in candela/m²

Save images under File > Save Image.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Velux interface appears too small: Adjust display ratio on your computer.

Model is tiny after import: Change scale from 1.000 meters to 0.3.

Camera doesn’t work: Unhighlight the upper left icons and reset the camera.

Interior room not visible: Switch to "Perspective View" and reposition the camera.

Rendered image is too dark/black: Adjust the contrast slider.

Software won’t import files: Reinstall Velux, ensuring you have the correct 32-bit or 64-bit version.

[link to addition import issues tutorial]

Additional Notes for Mac Users

If the plan view image does not appear, ensure the OBJ file is exported using Mac X format instead of Mac 9.

When exporting an OBJ, check for a formatting tab with options for Windows, Mac X, and Mac 9. Select Mac X.

If Velux fails to install or open, check system compatibility and reinstall from the official Velux website.

Mac users may experience rendering glitches; ensure you are running the latest software updates and try rendering on a Windows machine if issues persist.

If unit scaling issues arise on Mac, double-check export settings and manually adjust scale in the Scale/Units tab in Velux.

Importing into Velux.mp4

Last updated by Abigail Green - March 2025

Based on tutorial by Pat Smith, with contributions from Madaline Portway, Logan Stein, Mary Guzowski, and Beau Gaulin.

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