Enscape for Revit: Architectural Renderings

Enscape for Revit: Architectural Renderings

Technical Writing


Architectural Technologist Reference Manual

Lydia Handforth, Carrie Roussin, and Simran Simran

April 2021


Technical Writing Page | i Contents

Contents Getting Started .................................................................................................................................. 1

Audience ...................................................................................................................................................... 1

Required Setup ............................................................................................................................................ 1

System Requirements ..................................................................................................................................... 2

Software Requirements .................................................................................................................................. 2

Additional Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 2

About Enscape ............................................................................................................................................ 2

User Interface .............................................................................................................................................. 3

Setting Up Your 3D Revit Files ........................................................................................................... 5

Activating the Enscape Plugin in Revit ...................................................................................................... 5

To open your 3D model view in Revit ........................................................................................................... 5

To activate the Enscape plugin in Revit ....................................................................................................... 6

Navigating the Revit Model using Enscape .............................................................................................. 7

To navigate using Walk Mode ........................................................................................................................ 7

To navigate using Fly Mode ........................................................................................................................... 8

Adjusting Settings in Enscape ................................................................................................................... 9

To adjust the Renderer Window Settings .................................................................................................... 9

Generating 3D Renders .................................................................................................................... 11

Generating 3D Panoramic Views ............................................................................................................. 11

To create a 3D panoramic view ................................................................................................................... 11

To export a 3D panoramic view locally ...................................................................................................... 12

To export a 3D panoramic view to the cloud ............................................................................................ 13

Generating 3D Walkthroughs ................................................................................................................... 14

To create a keyframe ..................................................................................................................................... 14

To edit a keyframe .......................................................................................................................................... 15

To preview a 3D walkthrough ....................................................................................................................... 16

To export a 3D walkthrough ......................................................................................................................... 17

Exporting Standalone Executable (.Exe) Files ........................................................................................ 18

To export a standalone executable (.exe) file ........................................................................................... 18

Appendices ..................................................................................................................................... 19


Technical Writing Page | ii Contents

Appendix A: Additional Resources for Enscape Visualizations ............................................................ 20

Appendix B: Glossary ................................................................................................................................ 21

Appendix C: Index ..................................................................................................................................... 22


Technical Writing Page | 1 Getting Started

Getting Started This reference manual explains to architectural technologists how to use Enscape software for Revit to produce the following 3D architectural renders:

• 360-degree panoramas • 3D Walkthroughs • Standalone executable (.exe) files

Architectural technologists can use Enscape to showcase homes to stakeholders and clients. Architectural visualizations allow customers to experience virtual home tours, while reducing the time and costs incurred by developers for constructing model homes and guiding in-person tours. Virtual tours have the additional benefits of being safe during the pandemic, providing a flexible remote experience, and allowing a realistic and immersive view of a home pre-construction that can be personalized based on a customer’s preferences (e.g. finish materials and paint colours).

This manual contains the following chapters:

• Getting Started • Setting up your 3D Revit files • Generating 3D Renders • Generating 3D Walkthroughs • References

This manual is intended to provide an overview and is not a comprehensive resource. For further information, refer to the list of resources in Appendix A.

Audience This manual is for architectural technologists with a minimum 2-year college diploma in their field. The users of this manual should have previous experience using Revit software. Previous experience rendering using similar rendering software such as Lumion or Unreal Engine is an asset; however, no previous experience using Enscape is required.

Required Setup Before you proceed, you must ensure your setup meets the minimum requirements described in this section.



System Requirements • Internet – WiFi or ethernet connection • Operating System – Windows 7 (64-bit) or higher or macOS 7 (64-bit) or higher • Processor – Intel i5 CPU or higher • Graphics Card – NVIDIA or AMD GPU • Memory – Minimum 2 GB VRAM (4 GB recommended)

Software Requirements

The Enscape installer will check your system for additional software that is required to run Enscape. If this additional software is not present, the Enscape installer will prompt you to download and install the following:

• Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.2 (or higher) • Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable Package • Vulkan RunTime Libraries

Additional Requirements

• Revit 3D (RVT) files • A VR headset supported by Enscape and associated hardware

About Enscape Enscape is a plug-in software that produces realistic architectural renders and animations in real time. Enscape integrates existing compatible 3D model files (e.g. .rvt extension files) within an augmented reality (AR) environment. Rendering engines similar to Enscape include the standalone software Lumion and Unreal Engine. In Enscape, tools and commands are accessed from within a compatible standalone software used for 3D modelling. This user manual is specifically for the standalone software Revit.

Caution The Enscape installer is compatible with Revit 2018 or later. Revit LT is not supported.

Note If you will be using a VR headset, you will need the following software to run Enscape:

• Steam or Steam VR • Windows Mixed Reality for Steam or Steam VR



Enscape generates realistic renders that can help future homebuyers visualize home layouts and finishes to help guide purchasing decisions. Since changes made to .rvt files are updated in Enscape in real time, customers can customize finishes (such as finish materials and paint colours) on the fly.

User Interface Since Enscape is a plug-in software, the user interface will change based on the menu buttons you select within Revit. To open and start Enscape, you must access it from the Revit user interface shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Revit user interface

The Enscape user interface is shown in Figure 2. This is where you will interact with your 3D Revit model to produce architectural renders. The main Enscape user interface components are described in Figure 2.



Figure 2: Enscape user interface

Interface Component Description

Enscape Ribbon Contains menu commands for executing functions inside Enscape

Navigation mode panel Contains keyboard shortcuts for executing navigation functions inside Enscape

Enscape Window Displays your .rvt file within Enscape


Technical Writing Page | 5 Setting Up Your 3D Revit Files

Setting Up Your 3D Revit Files This chapter explains how to prepare your 3D Revit model for rendering within Enscape. The process is similar to preparing 3D Revit models for rendering within Revit’s internal rendering engine. Setting up your 3D Revit model in advance will save you time and reduce the chance of errors occurring when you begin generating 3D renders using Enscape. Before you can produce 3D renders, you must first activate the Enscape plugin, learn how to navigate your 3D Revit model using Enscape, and configure your rendering settings within Enscape.

This chapter is organized into three topics that are broken down into procedures:

• Activating the Enscape Plugin in Revit • Navigating the Revit Model using Enscape • Adjusting Settings in Enscape

Activating the Enscape Plugin in Revit This topic explains how to activate the Enscape plugin for Revit 2020. Activating the Enscape plugin is the first step to creating 3D renders using Enscape for Revit 2020. There are two procedures you must follow to activate the Enscape plugin for Revit: opening your 3D model view in Revit and activating the Enscape plugin in Revit.

To open your 3D model view in Revit

1. Open your Revit 3D file in the Revit 2020 desktop application.

Caution There must be at least one 3D view in your 3D Revit model.

Caution You will need the full version of Revit. Enscape is not compatible with Revit LT.



2. In the Project Browser below 3D Views, select a 3D view.

To activate the Enscape plugin in Revit 1. On the Revit ribbon, go to Enscape™.

2. On the Enscape ribbon, select Start.

The Enscape Window will open in a new window.

Note Any changes made to the Revit model will be reflected live in Enscape.

Tip Set your Revit model quality to Low to load the Enscape plugin faster.



Navigating the Revit Model using Enscape This topic explains how to navigate your 3D Revit model using Enscape. Navigating your 3D Revit model using Enscape allows you to set up vantage points and keyframes for 3D renders and walkthroughs. Choosing your vantage points and keyframes allows you to choose the views that will be shown in your 3D renders and walkthroughs. There are two navigation modes in Enscape: Walk Mode and Fly Mode. Walk mode allows you to create vantage points at grade. Fly mode allows you to create vantage points at any height above grade.

To navigate using Walk Mode

1. On the Enscape ribbon, from the Navigation Mode dropdown menu, select Walk Mode.

2. Use the following keyboard shortcuts to change your direction.

• Select W to move the camera forward.

Caution During Walk Mode, the only surfaces you can pass through are doors and windows. You must select and hold SPACE to pass through windows.

Caution During Walk Mode, you cannot move the camera up or down.

Note The list of keyboard shortcuts for navigating your model are in the Walk Mode and Fly Mode panels.



• Select S to move the camera backward. • Select A to move the camera left. • Select D to move the camera right. • Select and hold the left mouse button while moving your cursor to rotate the camera in the direction of

your cursor. • Select and hold the right mouse button while moving your cursor to orbit around your cursor position.

To navigate using Fly Mode 1. On the Enscape ribbon, select Fly Mode from the Navigation Mode dropdown menu.

2. Use the following keyboard shortcuts to change your direction.

• Select W to move the camera forward. • Select S to move the camera backward. • Select A to move the camera left. • Select D to move the camera right. • Select and hold the left mouse button while moving your cursor to rotate the camera in the direction of

your cursor. • Select and hold the right mouse button while moving your cursor to orbit around your cursor position.

Tip Select SPACE to toggle between Walk Mode and Fly Mode.

Note The list of keyboard shortcuts for navigating your model are in the Walk Mode and Fly Mode panels.



• Select Q to move the camera up. • Select E to move the camera down.

Adjusting Settings in Enscape This topic explains how to adjust your settings in Enscape. There are two main settings panels in Enscape: The Renderer Window Settings panel and the Visual Settings panel. The Renderer Window Settings panel provides settings regarding render quality and output, including image resolution and file location. The Visual Settings panel provides settings regarding atmospheric qualities in your model, including camera perspective, lighting, skies, and clouds. Adjusting your Enscape settings allows you to customize the output of your 3D renders and walkthroughs.

To adjust the Renderer Window Settings 1. Open the Enscape Window.

2. On the Enscape ribbon, select Renderer Window Settings.

3. From the Renderer Window Settings panel, select the tab name for the settings you want to adjust.

4. Adjust the settings to suit your preferences.

Tip Select SPACE to toggle between Walk Mode and Fly Mode.

Note Tab names correspond with the setting parameters you may adjust. For example, the Atmosphere tab contains parameters that adjust cloud and sky appearance.



To adjust the Visual Settings 1. Open the Enscape Window.

2. On the Enscape ribbon, select Visual Settings.

3. From the Renderer Window Settings panel, select the tab name for the settings you want to adjust.

4. Adjust the settings to suit your preferences.

Note Image settings affect the export settings for images. Video settings affect the export settings for 3D walkthroughs. Panorama settings affect the export settings for 3D panoramic views. General settings affect the export settings for images, 3D walkthroughs, and 3D panoramic views.

Note Tab names correspond with the setting parameters you may adjust. For example, the Atmosphere tab contains parameters that adjust cloud and sky appearance.


Technical Writing Page | 11 Generating 3D Renders

Generating 3D Renders This chapter explains how to generate three types of 3D renders using Enscape: 3D panoramic views, 3D walkthroughs, and standalone executable (.exe) files. The Enscape plugin opens directly within your Revit model to start rendering, creating an efficient rendering workflow. Generating 3D renders in Enscape allows you to integrate your existing 3D Revit model within Enscape to produce high-quality and realistic 3D renders to show stakeholders and clients.

This chapter is organized into three topics that are broken down into procedures:

• Generating 3D panoramic views • Generating 3D walkthroughs • Exporting standalone executable (.exe) files

Generating 3D Panoramic Views This topic explains how to generate 3D views using Enscape. Generating 3D views in Enscape creates realistic 360-degree perspectives that are updated in real time to reflect changes to your 3D Revit model. You can generate two types of 3D views in Enscape: 3D panoramic views and standalone executable (.exe) files. This topic explains how to create and export the 3D views for each file type.

To create a 3D panoramic view 1. Open the Enscape Window.

2. In the Enscape Window, navigate to your desired vantage point.

3. On the Enscape ribbon, choose Perspective from the Projection dropdown menu.



4. From the dropdown arrow next to Render Panorama, choose Mono Panorama or Stereo Panorama.

To export a 3D panoramic view locally 1. Open the Enscape Window.

2. On the Enscape ribbon, select Manage Uploads.

3. Select the panorama that will be used to export the 3D view.

Note Selecting Mono Panorama will render in mono. Selecting Stereo Panorama will render for Google Cardboard.



4. Select the ellipsis > Save panorama to file…

5. Specify the folder to export your 3D panoramic view to.

The 3D panoramic view export will begin.

To export a 3D panoramic view to the cloud 1. Open the Enscape Window.

2. On the Enscape ribbon, select Manage Uploads.

3. Select the panorama that will be used to export the 3D view.



4. Select Upload panorama to cloud.

The panorama will upload to the cloud.

Generating 3D Walkthroughs This topic explains how to generate 3D walkthroughs in Enscape. Generating 3D walkthroughs in Enscape allows you to create virtual tours of 3D models that can be viewed remotely. These tours follow predetermined paths that you will create using keyframes (i.e., the vantage points that Enscape connects to generate the camera path for your walkthrough). To generate 3D views in Enscape, you create and edit keyframes, preview walkthroughs, and export walkthroughs. Previewing your walkthrough will allow you to view it and make additional changes before exporting it.

To create a keyframe

1. In the Enscape ribbon, select Video Editor.

2. Navigate the model to your first desired vantage point.

Caution You must create at least two keyframes to create a 3D walkthrough.



3. In the Video Editor Panel, select Add Keyframe.

4. Navigate to your next desired vantage point.

5. In the Video Editor Panel, select Add Keyframe.

To edit a keyframe 1. In the Enscape ribbon, select Video Editor.

Tip You can also select K to create a keyframe.

Note The path that appears between keyframes shows the path that your video will follow.



2. In the Enscape Window, choose the keyframe you want to edit.

3. In the Video Editor panel, adjust the settings to suit your preferences.

To preview a 3D walkthrough


Note A keyframe will appear highlighted in green when you hover over it with your cursor.



2. In the Video Editor panel, select Preview.

To export a 3D walkthrough


2. In the Video Editor panel, select Export.

3. In the Video Export dialog box, choose your settings.

Caution Export settings in the Video Export dialog box will override export settings in the Visual Settings Output menu.



4. Select Export.

5. Specify the folder to export your 3D panoramic view to. The 3D walkthrough export will begin.

Exporting Standalone Executable (.Exe) Files This topic explains how to export standalone executable (.exe) files. Exporting .exe files allows you to provide clients with a rendered 3D model of your project that they can navigate without requiring additional software. Within the .exe file, the client can adjust the rendering settings to suit their preferences.

To export a standalone executable (.exe) file 1. On the Enscape ribbon, select Export.

2. Specify the folder to export the .exe file to. The .exe export will begin.

Note Video quality is determined by the options specified in the Visual Settings menu.

Tip Select an image, create a linked icon, add a logo overlay, and enter a title for your visualization using the customization tab in the Enscape Visual Settings panel.

Note All scenes and settings that were active when the .exe file was exported will be included.

Tip If the client does not have access to a high-end graphics card, they can access the .exe file from by opening a weblink within a WebGL2 compatible browser (e.g., Chrome or Firefox).


Technical Writing Page | 19 Appendices

Appendices This chapter contains additional resources that can help you use this manual as well as Enscape for Revit. The resources in this chapter are listed below.

Appendix A: Additional Resources for Enscape Visualizations

Appendix B: Glossary

Appendix C: Index



Appendix A: Additional Resources for Enscape Visualizations To learn how to use Enscape to prepare walkthrough video renderings, you may access the following webinars, blogs, and articles for free:

• Enscape Guide to Walkthrough Video Rendering (Enscape3D.com) • Enscape Materials Tips and Tricks | Better Visualization with Enscape for Revit (YouTube) • Webinar: How Real-Time Visualization Can Make Your Design Process Better (YouTube)

For advanced help with rendering in Enscape, you can purchase the following tutorials:

• Enscape: Residential Visualization (Lynda.com) • Enscape: Residential Visualization (Linkedin.com)

https://blog.enscape3d.com/best-practices-video-creation-in-revit-2019

https://www.lynda.com/Enscape-tutorials/Enscape-Residential-Visualization/2819024-2.html

https://www.linkedin.com/learning/enscape-residential-visualization



Appendix B: Glossary

360-degree Video An immersive or spherical video (i.e., live-action, computer-generated, or both) that provides a 360-degree view of a scene and to which a user has full control of the viewing direction during playback.

3D Panorama A wide-angle image, typically captured at a single level, that is a 3D representation of physical space. Unlike a 360-degree video, a 3D panorama does not necessarily include anything above or below eye level.

Augmented Reality (AR) The superimposition of computer-generated simulations on the real world. AR allows users to interact with and experience both real and computer-generated imagery.

Fly Mode Navigation settings that allow the user to move forward, backward, left, right, up, and down, as well as pan and tilt their view. Fly mode provides a birds-eye level view.

Keyframe An Enscape object that defines the start or end of an action within a sequence of frames.

Mono An Enscape 3D panorama setting that renders an image in 2D.

Scene A view within an Enscape 3D model that is a point of reference for a 3D landscape and objects (e.g., trees and plants, furniture, light fixtures, cupboards, and people).

Standalone Executable (Exe) File

A self-contained program that does not require additional software to run.

Stereo An Enscape 3D panorama setting that renders an image in 3D for VR.

Virtual Reality (VR) Computer-generated simulations that allow human interaction with 3D artificial constructs.

Walk Mode Navigation settings that allow the user to move forward, backward, left, right, up, and down, as well as pan and tilt their view. Walk mode provides an eye-level view.



Appendix C: Index

3

3D 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 21 3D views ......................................................................... 11, 14 walkthrough ....................................................... 14, 16, 17, 20

A

AR 2, 21 architectural ........................................................................... 1, 4

technologists .......................................................................... 1 visualizations .......................................................................... 1

Augmented Reality ............................................................ See AR

C

create .............................................................................. 7, 11, 14 create a 3D panoramic view ................................................ 11 create a keyframe ................................................................ 14

E

export ......................................................... 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18 export a 3D panoramic view .......................................... 12, 13

H

hardware .................................................................................... 2 HTC Vive ................................................................................. 2 Oculus Rift .............................................................................. 2

I

interface ................................................................................. 3, 4 components ........................................................................... 4 main ............................................................................... 3, 4, 9 user interface ..................................................................... 3, 4

M

Mode ................................................................................ 7, 8, 21

Fly Mode ............................................................................ 7, 8 Walk Mode ............................................................................ 7

P

panorama .................................................... See panoramic views render ................................................................ 12, 13, 14, 21

panoramic views .................................................................. 1, 11 plugin........................................................................ See Enscape

R

reference material ................................................ See References References............................................................................ 1, 19 render ................................................................................... 5, 18

Mono ....................................................................... 11, 12, 21 standalone executable (.exe) files ................................. 11, 18 Stereo ...................................................................... 11, 12, 21

S

simulation .......................................................................... See VR software ..................................................................1, 2, 3, 18, 21

Enscape .. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.2 ........................................... 2 Revit ............................................. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 19, 20 standalone ................................................................. 3, 11, 18 Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable Package..................... 2 Vulkan RunTime Libraries ...................................................... 2

V

view keyframes ........................................................................ 7, 14 vantage points ..................................................................... 14

Virtual Reality .................................................................... See VR VR 2, 21

headset .................................................................................. 2

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