> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.transmutr.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.transmutr.com/exporting/proxies.md).

# Proxies

Proxies keep SketchUp responsive by putting a **lightweight placeholder** in the `.skp` while your renderer loads a **high-resolution** sidecar file.

{% hint style="info" %}
When you export as a proxy, import the generated `.skp` **as a component** into another model. Avoid opening the proxy `.skp` as a standalone working file.
{% endhint %}

<div><figure><img src="/files/YTrYrkr8GHsgzmqXf6w5" alt=""><figcaption><p>Blob placeholders</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/Ple6Ju3g6c6BfDKgKi0H" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>Rendered proxies</em></p></figcaption></figure></div>

<div><figure><img src="/files/hmfhdNzYEfIPSEvfHp39" alt=""><figcaption><p>Billboard placeholders (Cross and Face-me)</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/eq12IvNlxSEjiPFrEMDU" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>Rendered proxies</em></p></figcaption></figure></div>

## Supported renderers

<table><thead><tr><th width="111">Renderer</th><th>What Transmutr writes</th><th>Requirement</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>V-Ray</strong></td><td><code>.vrmesh</code> next to the SketchUp file</td><td>Path to V-Ray’s <code>ply2vrmesh</code> in Options</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Enscape</strong></td><td>Full-resolution asset registered in Enscape’s local Asset Library, linked from the <code>.skp</code></td><td>Path to Enscape’s batch importer + one-time Asset Library configuration</td></tr></tbody></table>

You can enable V-Ray and Enscape proxies at the same time. In that case, a single `.skp` placeholder will link to both.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Thea proxies are not available in Transmutr v2.**
{% endhint %}

#### Enscape Asset Library

Unlike V-Ray (which writes a `.vrmesh` sidecar next to your SketchUp file), an Enscape proxy **registers the high-resolution model in Enscape’s local Asset Library**. The exported `.skp` keeps only the lightweight placeholder and a reference to that library asset.

When you place the component in a SketchUp model and render with Enscape, Enscape loads the full-resolution asset from the library, so the SketchUp viewport stays light while the render uses the detailed geometry and materials.

{% hint style="info" %}
The asset lives in Enscape’s library on that machine. Anyone who opens the SketchUp file without the same local library asset will still see the placeholder, but Enscape will not find the high-resolution model until the asset is available in their library (for example after they run the same export, or you share the asset through Enscape’s usual library workflows).
{% endhint %}

## Placeholder types

The placeholder is what SketchUp displays in the viewport:

<table><thead><tr><th width="239">Type</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Billboard (cross)</strong></td><td>Two crossing textured planes with automatic renders of the model</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Billboard (face-me)</strong></td><td>Single textured plane that always faces the camera</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Blobs</strong></td><td>Convex shells around meshes you tagged as blobs in the Outliner</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Bounding box (wireframe)</strong></td><td>Lightest: edges only around the model bounds</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Bounding box (faces)</strong></td><td>Opaque box matching the model size</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Face skipping</strong></td><td>Keeps a fraction of faces (set <strong>Face ratio</strong>) while preserving materials</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Simplified geometry</strong></td><td>Uses the simplified mesh as the placeholder; renderers still use full resolution</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Blobs workflow

1. In the Outliner, use **Make blob** on the meshes that should define volumes.
2. Enable **Show blobs** in the viewport to preview.
3. In Export → Proxy, choose **Blobs**.

## Converter paths

If Transmutr cannot find the V-Ray or Enscape converter, open **Options → External tools** and browse to the executable. Enscape also requires a one-time Asset Library configuration the first time you export an Enscape proxy.