Chapter 7 Rendering

From ShadeCamp

In this chapter we will learn about several of the rendering methods available in Shade and render an image of our scene.

Contents 1 Rendering Methods 1.1 First a Quick Render 1.2 Rendering Methods 1.3 Scanline 1.4 Ray tracing 1.5 Path tracing 2 Saving the Rendered Image 2.1 Other Export Methods

Rendering Methods

First a Quick Render

Before we explain each of the methods of rendering, let’s try it once with the default settings to see the initial result.

1. Open the Image window by selecting View > Image Window. This is where you can modify the rendering settings and see the actual rendered image of your scene.
   
2. In the top left corner of the Image window you will find a button in the shape of a small black triangle. Click this button to open the Rendering Options window.
3. For Method, specify Ray tracing. On the Basics tab, turn on both the Render background checkbox and the Reflect background checkbox.
   
4. Now select Rendering > Render All. The rendering process will start and you will see the image being calculated in the Image window.
   
5. You may notice the circle icon in the top left of the Image window spinning. This means Shade is in the middle of rendering the scene. Rendering can take some time to finish but be patient.
6. When the circle icon stops spinning rendering has finished and the image is complete.

Rendering Methods

In the previous section we tried the ray tracing method of rendering. Let’s look at the three basic rendering methods in a little more detail:

Scanline

Scanline rendering is fast and supports smooth shading. Reflections and refractions are not supported, but shadows are possible through the use of shadow maps.

Ray tracing

Ray tracing is a high-quality rendering method that supports reflection and refraction, making it possible to render glass-like translucent materials.

Path tracing

This method builds upon ray tracing to provide global illumination, for even more realistic images with indirect lighting effects. Soft shadows and depth of field effects are also possible. Path tracing often takes longer to render than other rendering methods.

Saving the Rendered Image

Let’s save the image we just finished rendering.

1. In the Image window, click the Save button.
   
2. In the Save dialog specify the location, file name and file format for the rendered image.
   

Other Export Methods

It is also possible to export animation, Flash and many other formats from Shade. For more information on exporting files please see the User Guide and the Plugin Manual. |