How to Make an Image Transparent in SketchUp

In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a simple swimming pool model in SketchUp and Indigo with nice caustics at the bottom of the pool. To achieve this, we need to make sure that our water material is transparent so that we can see the caustics.

To start, open the SkIndigo material editor and select the 'water' material. Click on the dotted button next to 'Absorption' to set some absorption to give the water a blue/green tint. Additionally, we need to add some displacement to create ripples in the water.

Next, move the water volume into place using the Move tool and set its opacity to around 50% so that it becomes transparent. Apply this material to all faces of the water volume, making sure it is larger than the pool recess along all axes.

To create a new SketchUp material called 'water', use the Push/Pull tool to push the middle down to create the pool recess. Then, create a cuboidal volume for the pool water using the Rectangle tool.

The result will be a simple swimming pool model with nice caustics at the bottom of the pool. This tutorial demonstrates how to make an image transparent in SketchUp by adjusting the material settings and applying them to the desired volume.

By following these steps, you can create a realistic swimming pool model with a transparent water effect, perfect for visualizing architectural designs or creating stunning visuals for your projects.

Make image transparent sketchup