Hans

Thanks - that's easy enough to follow. I've downloaded the 32 bit version and it is as you describe and the shell script is there. The PDF file output now works. The video creation also works provided I keep it short and the size no bigger than 720x540. That'll do for me.
My computer's memory ...

Hans

I'm a bit confused about what you are recommending, perhaps I don't understand the terminology. Your statement (1) suggested that the Software Centre was used to install the program, whereas (2) suggested that you just downloaded the program.

I never use the Java Web Start version,

I ...

Hans
I'm using version 3.3, Java 1.6.0_2_2. I find that if I install it using the "Ubuntu Software Centre" or by the method in your link, it just shows the startup screen then disappears. I tried running it using the advice in the FAQ "How can I disable 3D features in Sweet Home 3D" and that worked ...

I am running Ubuntu 11.04 and have exactly the same problem as mariora, - the PDF file is empty. I get no error message, and have checked for the presence of iText-2.1.7.jar.