[tbny65]

Is it possible to change the backgroung to a map with Dome? Or is it only available with Image Based. Can I use Image Based and only use map for backgroung and not illumination?

Thanks,

T

Edit: I normally add the background post but MWR doesnt add alpha so thought i would just add it at rendertime but I dont want to use image based.

[JDHill]

You can use an image-based background without also using it for illumination:

1. Scene Manager > Environment Settings > Image Based > set 'Link Channels' to 'No'
2. set 'Disabled Channel Lighting' to 'Sky Dome'
3. set the path for the Background channel

This will use your image for the background, but still use Sky Dome for illumination/reflection/refraction. To show the background in the Rhino viewport, left-click the 'Enable Background Channel' button in the plugin's Environments toolbar.

JD

[tbny65]

Thanks JDhill.

I guess the only wrinkle is they must be exr,hdr or mxi (and a large resolution).

Will this slow things terribly as opposed to Dome with no background?

thanks very much for your help!

-T

[JDHill]

I'm not sure, since I haven't done any projects this way, but I'd guess it to be roughly the same speed as a plain Sky Dome.

[tbny65]

If you dont mind me asking...what is your preferred workflow? Is it Image Based? Phys Sky? Architectural or products?

Is Image Based necessarily slower? Ive been getting some decent images with Dome in a timely fashion.

PS-Regarding alphas..is it true you must save the separate alpha image and it cant be saved with the file for every format?

Sorry for all the perhaps rudimentary question. I'm just getting going but your assistance is really helpful!

[JDHill]

Hi T,

That would all just depend on what the project requires. As for speed, sky dome is quickest, since it makes Maxwell do the least amount of math - the light is coming from everywhere. For the same reason, and depening on the specific image used, Image Based environment usually takes longer. Physical Sky is similar to Sky Dome, but it may also take longer, say if you've set up a dusk shot.

As for alphas, I have not used them much so you may want to ask on the regular forum. You're right about alpha not being saved in the same file as the rendered output - the rendered output is always the RGB channels, with separate files for alpha, object id, etc.

JD