Getting the plugin to run is only half the battle. For a successful export, the way you structure your model in SketchUp is crucial. From user forums and documentation, a few key techniques have emerged to ensure the plugin works as intended:
: Locate the 3drad_sketchup_export.rb file (commonly found in the 3D Rad installation folder under \import\SketchUp_Plugin\ ).
It was also crucial to pay attention to hidden geometry. Any model downloaded from the 3D Warehouse often contained unseen faces and lines. The exporter would include these in the final .X file, adding unnecessary data. Before exporting, users were advised to unhide all components to review exactly what would be exported. 3d rad exporter plugin
The exporter uses generic naming (e.g., "Blender_model_"), which can overwrite existing projects unless the user manually renames the generated folders and index files. Review Summary Ease of Use
3D Rad imports standard formats (OBJ, X, 3DS). If you write a plugin that exports to these formats from Blender/Maya, 3D Rad will automatically accept them. Getting the plugin to run is only half the battle
Once you have generated your .x file using the exporter plugin, open 3D Rad to bring your asset to life:
This is the tricky part. 3D Rad loads elements based on its internal class structure. Since the engine is closed-source, you cannot simply "pass" a mesh to the engine core directly. It was also crucial to pay attention to hidden geometry
When executing the export command (), the configuration panel settings dictate whether 3D Rad will read the file properly. Use the following baseline profile: Setting Parameter Recommended Configuration Coordinate System Right-Handed / Y-Up (or Z-Up depending on plugin version) Matches Blender's workspace to 3D Rad orientation Export Mode Binary or Text (Text is safer for debugging) Binary yields smaller file sizes; Text allows manual edits Export Animations Checked (Only if rigging exists) Exports keyframed bone movements Include Skin Weights Binds the mesh vertices to the bone structure Texture Path
When 3D Rad went silent around 2012, the official website vanished. The forums—which held every single link to the exporters—became a sea of 404 errors.