Cloudy Sky

hi

does anyone know how to make the sky a cloudy sky ? I tried importing a 2D graphic but it didn't seem to work if anyone could help it would be awsome

cheers

iain

Iain - I attach a sky example I posted previously. It was done in Version 5 using the support for transparent png images.

I'll attach the sky image I used below. Note that if you insert the image and put it as a large backdrop behind your model -- your sky colour will show through. That's how come it is a red sky in my example. It could as easily have been blue --- that's what makes this approach interesting in my opinion.

Hope you can make it work for you. Please post a pic!

Regards, Ross

Attached find the transparent png featuring clouds...

thanxs i understand wat you mean accept i can't seem to insert the image can you help please, i'm sure its a simple task yet i cant work it out

thank you

The easiest way is to insert it onto the ground plane. Initially don't worry much about its size -- when you insert it stretch it big enough that you can work with it. Note the import dialogue box has a small checkbox saing something like "use as a texture" -- that should not be checked.

Once inserted onto the ground plane, rotate the inserted image 90 degrees so it is vertical. Its bottom edge can be on the ground plane or above it -- it doesn't matter much. You can then move it into position behind the model and use the scale tool to resize it appropriately.

If inserting it as an image is really problematic for you there is another approach. Draw a big vertical surface behind your model -- it will become your backdrop. Hide its edges. Now insert the image as a texture (using that little checkbox mentioned earlier) and apply it to the face of the big face you had made. You'll then likely have to adjust the position & scale of the sky texture. You might also have to resize the shape too.

Hope this helps.

Ross

Iain, I have attached a little tutorial like Ross`s (?) second way.

Martin

Tutorial Sky.skp

Iain -- I have to go out to lunch now. When I return I'll make the sky into a component. That should make it easy as pie!

Regards, Ross

Pie in the sky?

Okay so I had a very long lunch. Sory for taking so long -- it was an all you can eat buffet.

I attach a skp component (v5) that is the alpha png image.

Likely you still may need to position it properly behind your model. You may also need to resize it. Generally what I do is after I get the model positioned with the view I want, I adjust the vertical position of the backdrop so it meets the horizon properly.

Also make sure your display settings are set to display transparencies with the quality as "Nicer"

Hope it works for ya!

Regards, Ross

alpha-sky.skp

thx a lot for this fine component!!!

One thing I'd add about using alpha-transparent png skys...When you import one in, check its 'entity info' and confirm casting & receiving shadows are turned off. Also realize that transparent png's are affected by the light & dark settings in the shadow settings panel. With the typical settings I use for light & dark, it usually isn't a problem for me.