Author: Charlotte Lee

Using patented six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) navigation, 3Dconnexion devices allow users to pan, zoom, rotate, and tilt models smoothly and intuitively — all with one hand. This transforms how professionals interact with complex 3D data.

Key benefits of 3Dconnexion mice

• Faster, more intuitive 3D model navigation

• Reduced repetitive mouse movements and hand strain

• Improved workflow efficiency using two-handed control

• Native support for leading CAD and 3D applications

• Professional-grade build quality for daily use

For teams working on complex assemblies or large datasets, the productivity gains are immediate and measurable.

Designed specifically for CAD workflows, the 3Dconnexion CadMouse range offers:

• A dedicated middle mouse button for CAD commands

• High-precision sensors for accurate selection

• Ergonomic design to reduce fatigue during long sessions

• Customisable buttons for productivity shortcuts

Wireless models provide flexible connectivity while maintaining professional-grade responsiveness.

Start by understanding how you work:

• If you frequently rotate, zoom, and navigate 3D models, a SpaceMouse is essential.

• If your work focuses on precision selection, sketching, and command execution, a CadMouse is ideal.

• Many professionals use both together for a powerful two-handed workflow.

This combination is widely recognised as the most efficient setup for CAD and engineering environments.

Elmtec offers both wired and wireless 3Dconnexion mice.

Wireless models are ideal for:

• Clean, modern workspaces

• Mobile or hot-desk environments

• Flexible office layouts

Wired models remain popular for:

• Permanent CAD workstations

• Zero battery management

• Always-on reliability

Both options deliver professional-grade performance — the choice depends on your setup.

Accuracy matters. Start every project with:

• Correct units (mm or metres)

• Snapping enabled

• A clear origin point

Create a project-specific template that includes your preferred styles, tags, and scenes. This consistency saves time across multiple projects.

Tags aren’t just for visibility — they’re essential for managing complexity. Architects can use tags to:

• Show structural vs non-structural elements

• Separate existing and proposed works

• Present design options within one model

Pair tags with Scenes to quickly communicate changes to clients, planners, or consultants.

Before you even start modelling, take a moment to set up a custom template. Interior designers benefit hugely from pre-set:

• Units (mm is usually best)

• Scene styles

• Default materials

• Tag structures (walls, furniture, lighting, accessories, etc.)

Using Tags properly from the start makes it easier to toggle elements on and off, create clean scenes, and avoid the dreaded “sticky geometry” problem later.

💡 Top tip: Keep geometry untagged and apply tags to groups and components only.

SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse is a goldmine for interior designers. From sofas and tables to sanitaryware and lighting, it can save hours of modelling time.

However, not all models are created equal. Look for:

• Low polygon counts

• Clean geometry

• Real-world scale

Heavy models can slow down your file quickly — especially when you start adding textures and lighting.

SketchUp 2026.0 introduces real-time collaboration, a long-awaited feature that lets you share models privately or publicly and work together directly inside your project.

Share and Review Models Effortlessly

You can now share your SketchUp models via:

• Private Invites – Send email invites to specific collaborators.

• Public Links – Generate shareable links for broader access.

Viewers can navigate the model, take measurements, leave comments, and even see your updates in real-time, all from their web browser.

Access levels include:

• Owner – Full access and control.

• View Scenes – Can view scenes only.

• Comment – Can leave comments and use camera tools.

Public (General Access) permissions can be set to:

• No Access – Requests access manually.

• View Scenes – Viewers can only see scenes.

• View Model – Viewers can explore and measure your model.

Meet the Collaboration Bar

The new Collaboration Bar keeps teamwork tools right at your fingertips. From here, you can manage sharing, access permissions, and comments without leaving SketchUp.

You’ll find it in the default toolbar or via Window → Collaboration Bar.

Comment in 3D Space

The new Comment Tool lets you drop 3D comment markers directly in your model. Add notes, attach images or links, and even capture a specific camera position, perfect for design reviews.

Comments are scene-aware, meaning when someone clicks a comment marker, SketchUp jumps to the correct scene and camera view.

Real-Time Updates and Shared Views

Collaboration happens in real time. Everyone can see what tool others are using, track updates instantly, and sync their viewpoint with a single click. Click your avatar to bring everyone to your perspective, or click another’s to see what they’re viewing.

SketchUp 2026.0 runs smoother than ever. Behind the scenes, you’ll notice:

• Optimized memory usage for large, complex models.

• Faster loading and saving times.

• Improved stability when handling big projects.

These refinements make SketchUp more reliable for professionals working at scale.

1.1 From brute-force to intelligent rendering

Traditional rendering techniques (ray tracing, global illumination, path tracing) are computationally expensive. Designers often face hours, or even days, of rendering time for high-quality stills or animations. AI introduces a new paradigm, using learned models to assist, accelerate, or enhance the rendering process, reducing time while preserving (or even elevating) fidelity.

Recent discussions and surveys highlight the shift:

• Chaos describes AI as a transformative force that “speeds up workflows and enhances creativity” in architectural visualization.
  
  
• According to the State of Architectural Visualization 2025 survey, via Chaos, Enscape, Architizer, 55% of professionals are exploring or adopting AI-driven solutions in their workflows.
  
  
• Tools that combine AI with real-time or near-real-time rendering workflows are emerging, for example AI-enhancement layers, prompt-driven tweaks, material refinement, noise reduction.
  
  

In short, AI is no longer “optional”, it’s becoming foundational.

1.2 Key AI techniques being applied

Below are some of the AI-based techniques now influencing rendering:

Together, these techniques form a new toolset layered on top of, or integrated into, classic rendering pipelines.

What does this all mean in practice? How will integrating AI-enhanced rendering with Chaos products deliver tangible advantages?

3.1 Faster iterations, better client feedback

One of the biggest wins is speed. With real-time + AI layers:

• You can show clients design variants on-the-fly, materials, lighting, mood
  
  
• Design decisions happen earlier in the process
  
  
• Less time is wasted waiting for “final” renders
  

This reduces friction in the design loop and can lead to happier clients, fewer change cycles, and more buy-in early.

3.2 Higher baseline quality

Even when you’re doing quick previews or lookdev, AI-enhanced rendering elevates the baseline fidelity. Finer detail, better anti-aliasing, more believable vegetation and people, all help make even draft visuals more compelling.

3.3 Empowering smaller teams, democratizing visualization

With AI helping automate certain tasks, for example material setup, lighting refinement, denoising, the barrier to entry for photorealistic visualization lowers. Smaller architectural offices or design practices can now produce high-quality visuals with fewer resources.

3.4 Cost & resource savings

Reducing rendering time also reduces compute costs. Especially when cloud-rendering is used, AI-driven efficiency means less waste, lower energy use, and more sustainable workflows.

3.5 Creative exploration & ideation

AI allows branching design experiments rapidly, for example try multiple styles, moods, material palettes, without rebuilding entire scenes. This encourages more visual exploration and experimentation.

Chaos Envision is a real-time storytelling and presentation tool from Chaos that lets you import scenes from tools like Enscape, V-Ray and Corona, work with them interactively, add animation, manage crowds, build cinematic paths, and render both stills and animations — all using physically accurate ray tracing in real time.

Because it bridges early design phases and high-end marketing visuals, Envision allows you to produce compelling presentation materials without long render times or fidelity trade-offs.

Below is how Envision translates into real value:

1. Faster Iterations & Client Review
   Because Envision renders interactively, you can adjust lighting, materials, camera paths, etc., and see results immediately. That means fewer long waits and more time for refinement.

2. Visually Strong Throughout the Project Lifecycle
   Even in early design stages or internal reviews, your visuals can look polished. That builds confidence among clients from the start.

3. Smooth Integration & Less Wasted Effort
   With compatibility between Enscape, V-Ray and Chaos formats, your scenes need minimal retouching. That reduces overhead and keeps focus on design, not conversion.

4. Stronger, More Persuasive Presentations
   Cinematic camera paths, volumetric effects, animated crowds — these aren’t gimmicks; they help the client “feel” the design. That can give your proposals an edge.

5. Scalability for Larger Projects
   Whether you’re designing interiors or masterplans, Envision handles complexity gracefully. You don’t have to strip away detail just to render faster.

6. Cost Efficiency
   Less rendering time, fewer wasted cycles, and streamlined workflows mean you can do more with the same resources. Over time, that adds up.

7. Future & Ecosystem Ready
   Because Envision works within the Chaos ecosystem (Enscape, V-Ray, Anima, Cosmos), it positions you well for future growth in your visualisation stack.

Key 2025 Updates in V-Ray

• Beta features caution: AI tools (Material Generator, AI Enhancer) are still experimental. Trust them as assistance, not replacements. Check results for artifacts and consistency.
• Hardware adequacy: Some new features (GPU caustics, large scatter scenes, splatting) demand strong GPUs and ample VRAM. Workstations may need upgrades.
• Learning & retraining: Even experienced users will have a small learning curve adopting new VFB workflows, scatter clustering, or material workflows.
• Version compatibility: When collaborating, ensure team members use compatible V-Ray versions; features like Gaussian splats or newer shaders may not render correctly on older versions.
• File size & asset management: More high-fidelity materials, scatter data, and complex textures may increase file sizes and memory load. Use proxies, streaming, or efficient asset linking.
• Cloud / licensing considerations: Some AI or cloud-based features may depend on subscription tier or require online connectivity.

Here are some of the major updates rolling out in 2025 (and late 2024) that are reshaping what you can do in Enscape:

• Compatibility: Some features (e.g. SketchUp 2025 support) may still be rolling out gradually.
• Hardware Requirements: Ray-traced emissive lighting and enhanced shadows may push GPU limits.
• Learning Curve: Features like selective asset exclusion and continuous delivery may require workflow adjustments.
• Team Coordination: Ensure all team members use compatible versions to avoid mismatches.
• Bug Risks in New Builds: Test updates before deploying on critical projects.
• Scene Optimisation: Keep practicing good geometry and asset management to maintain performance.

SketchUp Studio is the complete design solution for professionals who want to create, collaborate, and deliver with confidence. It brings together advanced modeling tools, powerful rendering capabilities, and cloud-based collaboration, all within an easy-to-use interface.

Key features include:

• Comprehensive 3D modeling and documentation tools

• Real-time rendering with V-Ray for stunning visualizations

• Accurate performance modeling with Sefaira

• Integration with Trimble Connect for seamless project collaboration

• Cloud access for flexibility across teams and devices

With SketchUp Studio, you can move effortlessly from concept to construction documentation, improving productivity and reducing design iterations.

Choosing SketchUp Studio through Elmtec means choosing confidence, efficiency, and expert support every step of the way. With Elmtec as your trusted SketchUp partner, you’ll benefit from local expertise, dedicated onboarding, and continuous learning opportunities — everything you need to design without limits.

Empower your creativity, streamline your design workflow, and achieve professional results faster than ever before with SketchUp Studio from Elmtec.

Ready to get started?
Visit SketchUp Studio (1 year Subscription) or contact our team today to book your free onboarding session and experience the ultimate SketchUp workflow advantage.