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Hi all,
Is it difference in render time if i use embed channels (instead of separated alpha channel)?
Sorry for question but i have hard time now and i cant perform any tests :\

Thank you for help

You will save a tiny amount of time because the renderer will not need to write two different images (color, then alpha) to disk.

If you're doing a 10,000 frame animation, this time savings can be very helpful. However, writing out a separate alpha file tends to be good practice anyway, as it can be crucial to proper compositing or post-processing.

hatts wrote:You will save a tiny amount of time because the renderer will not need to write two different images (color, then alpha) to disk.

If you're doing a 10,000 frame animation, this time savings can be very helpful. However, writing out a separate alpha file tends to be good practice anyway, as it can be crucial to proper compositing or post-processing.

I noticed if i turn on alpha it slower render a lot. Most of a cases i render image, than turn off all time consuming settings (render only diffuse without reflections) and alpha channel. SL 11-12 gives clear alpha. I know it isnt correct but is faster

Thx for quick answer

That would be the main advantage yes - most channels clear much faster than what is needed for the render. The channels can take time because they take into consideration DOF, and the shadow channels also the GI. Many times I see people just turning on all channels not even knowing what they do/if they need them and increase the render times unnecessarily.

So it would be great feature if i could manually setup SL for each channel (IDs and alpha) Shadow Pass is great but takes ages:(