How to Create Convincing Visualizations Using SketchUp Free and Adobe Firefly?

Publication date: 24-10-2024  |  Update date: 09-04-2025  | Author: Mateusz Ciećwierz

In today's article, I will show you how to prepare attractive visualizations in just a few minutes without the need for a modern computer or installed graphic software. By combining SketchUp Free and Adobe Firefly, you can quickly create visualizations that will impress clients. Preparing such a project is a great option for both architects and interior designers who want to present their concept in an aesthetic form.

Step 1: Creating a Model in SketchUp Free

The first step is to create a building model in the free web version of SketchUp Free. SketchUp is an intuitive tool that works great even for beginners. To get started, just search for "SketchUp Free" on Google and launch the web version of the program. Modeling is easy: using the "Rectangle" tool (keyboard shortcut R), you can draw a rectangle that will serve as the base of the building, and then expand the model by adding features like a garage or windows.

For more precise modeling, it's recommended to change the units in the program to centimeters. To do this, go to Model Info and choose the appropriate settings in the Land Units tab. SketchUp defaults to working in inches, which may be less convenient for European users, so configuring the units according to your own needs is worthwhile.

Step 2: Adding Basic Materials

To help Adobe Firefly better understand what's in our model, it's useful to assign simple materials to objects. In SketchUp, we use the Paint Bucket tool (keyboard shortcut B) to add materials such as glass, concrete, or wood. This will enable Firefly to better comprehend which elements of our project are significant, aiding in the generation of more precise visualizations.

Step 3: Exporting the Model and Editing in a 2D Graphics Program

After preparing the model, it's advisable to set an appropriate view that will serve as the basis for visualization. Then, save the view as a PNG file. Before uploading it to Adobe Firefly, it's recommended to remove unnecessary elements, such as XYZ axis labels, which could disrupt the final visualization.

If you don't have professional photo editing software, you can use Photopea (photopea.com), a free alternative to Photoshop. In Photopea, a few simple modifications are sufficient to remove unwanted elements and prepare the file for further processing.

Step 4: Generating Visualizations in Adobe Firefly

The next step is to open Adobe Firefly (firefly.adobe.com) and upload the prepared PNG file as a reference material. At this point, you can enter a description, for example, "realistic graphic of a minimalist concrete house surrounded by greenery, sunny day." Adobe Firefly utilizes artificial intelligence algorithms to create a visualization based on the provided information and reference image.

In Firefly, you also have the option to modify the generated visualization, such as changing the season or adding additional elements like trees or other buildings. It's also beneficial to enable the quick mode, which speeds up the visualization generation process. If you need a higher resolution version, you can use the "scale" option to sharpen the chosen image.

Final Result – Effortless Visualizations

Generating visualizations using SketchUp Free and Adobe Firefly is a very quick and efficient way to create attractive design concepts. It's an ideal solution when you want to impress a client but don't have the time or resources to create full visualizations in advanced 3D programs like 3ds Max.

Firefly allows for the generation of several versions of visualizations, allowing you to choose the most suitable one for your needs. Even if certain elements, such as snowdrifts in a winter scene, may appear somewhat "off," the overall result is very realistic and perfect for presenting the general design idea.

If you want to learn more about creating 3D model visualizations and applying artificial intelligence in design, visit cgwisdom.pl, where you can find many courses on programs such as 3ds Max, SketchUp, Archicad, Revit, and courses dedicated to artificial intelligence. Check out our AI - Stable Diffusion from Scratch course to learn how to fully leverage the capabilities of artificial intelligence in design.