[Cosmasad]

Hello everyone,

Reading the Maxwell Render Manual, we are having trouble understanding some of the Output options:

For example, when Maxwell creates a rendering it seems to generate three files: An “Image” file, an “MXS” file and an “MXI” file. Is this correct? There is no explanation, however, what the difference is between them and why there are three. Which one is the one you would use to print out? Which one would you email to someone?

Also, regarding the file types, there are so many. If our ultimate goal is to create a rendering that will be printed out on an ink jet or laser printer, are we right in assuming that tga and png are the best choices? Are they pretty much interchangeable or are there some pros and cons to each one.

Are tga and png easily viewed on a computer monitor? Meaning if we are going to email them to someone and we don’t know what kind of software they have, are png readers quite prevalent?

Then in the Engine section, we understand that color space should be set at Adobe RGB for printing and sRGB for viewing on a screen. Is everyone in agreement on this?

Thank you, everyone. Maxwell is a great program and we are eagerly soaking up all the information we can on it. Your assistance is much appreciated!

Cosmasad

[Half Life]

1) MXS is the actual scene file -- you have to have this to render.
MXI file is the full render data which includes things like multi-light and simulens capabilities -- as well as the ability to use MXI files as emitter materials in other renders.
Image file -- this is what you would send or show to others.... this is the final output.

PNG would be my recommendation -- it serves nearly every function a good image format should... you can open them with anything including a web browser and they can store alpha channel and up to 32-bit as well.

Colorspace is correct -- alternately if you intend to use an offset lithography press to print in CYMK then you may opt to use BruceRGB which is slightly better at retaining certain colors/relationships in the conversion process between RGB and CYMK.

You may want to check out my tutorial videos linked in my sig if you want more information -- especially in regards to Studio and MXED (the material editor).

Best,
Jason.

[fuso]

Hi Cosmasad,

Just in short: All you need for printing is obviously the image output and you can't go wrong with any of the formats .tga,
.png or .tif. I've heard people complaining about the TIFF format when exporting more than just the colour channel. I have
started using .png only and use the default colour profile which I believe is Adobe RGB. You can still convert your output
images later in any postproduction or graphics software.

As for the mxs files: They're the Maxwell Render export and include all render settings, geometry, camera's, texture map
and output paths. You can open these files in the studio application for more advanced modifications if your 3D platform is
restricting you to do certain things. The mxs files are needed for any mxi file to run, as a source.

The mxi file is the internal Maxwell Render image format which allows you to change settings after or even while you're
rendering. It also gives you a few amazing image editing functions to spice up your render like multilight, camera lens
effects and you have access to the camera settings like shutter speed, ISO, etc. In order to use the mxi files it is essential
that you don't change any of the external file locations, especially not the mxs file, until you're done with the job.
Mxi files can even be resumed to higher sampling levels afterwards.

Hope that gives you a rough idea and that it was somehow helpful. Oh and welcome to the family!!

Jost

[Cosmasad]

Thank you, guys. I really appreciate it.

C.