Setup

The Preview->Setup command in the Matter module allows you to set the parameters for the preview rendering of an image.

This command lets you set up the options to preview on the screen only, but does not save the rendered image to a file. For the final rendering of a frame or a sequence, use the Render menu cell.

Procedure

1. Choose the Preview->Setup command.
2. Set the parameters as desired.
3. Click Exit.

Parameters

Resolution

Sets the preview window resolution in pixels. There is no limit for image resolution, but since a monitor has a specific resolution of 1280 in x, it would be useless to set the preview rendering to a higher resolution than your monitor. You can use a resolution for a subregion if the region fits on the screen.

Pixel Ratio

Allows you to set the pixel ratio. Some devices use rectangular pixels rather than square, so Pixel Ratio ensures compatibility of images with these devices.

Y According to Format

Automatically sets the y-resolution of the image according to the
x-resolution entered and the format currently selected.

Specify Y

Allows you to set the y-resolution independently of the x-resolution.

Back Culling

Renders the front faces of objects only. The back faces are "culled" (ignored) by the renderer. This parameter is activated by default. If you deselect this option, everything is rendered.

Note:
Back culling has no effect when both the front and back face have transparent 2D local textures or transparent material.

Global Switches

Allow you to switch rendering on or off for:

• Global On
• 2D Textures
• 3D Textures
• Reflections
• Refractions
• Shadows

Raytraced Depth

Default setting is 2, which allows for one bounce of the light rays. For a transparent refractive object such as glass, this value should be set at 3 or 4.

For more information on ray tracing, see the Raytracing section of the Rendering User's Guide.

Note:
If the raytraced depth value is set to less than the number of bounces made by the rays, a black default may occur, resulting in an incorrect dark interior.

Triangles per Leaf

Allows you to optimize the raytracing process by limiting the number of triangles per leaf that are rendered. For more information, see the Triangles per Leaf section of the Rendering User's Guide.

Max Tree Depth

Allows you to optimize the raytracing process by limiting the level of rendering that occurs. For more information, see the Max Tree Depth section of the Rendering User's Guide.

Preview Renderer

This setting affects all Preview options in SOFTIMAGE 3D, even in the Material, 2D Texture, and 3D Texture dialogue boxes.

• SOFTIMAGE lets you select the SOFTIMAGE 3D renderer (default) for the preview.
• mental ray lets you select the mental ray renderer for the preview.

For more information on these renderers, see Rendering Type.

Subregion

Allows you to set the subregion to be rendered by entering the pixel or percentage coordinates for the area you want rendered. For more information, see Render Subregion.

Draw Subregion on Previewing

Selecting this option brings up a cropping rectangle that allows you to choose the subregion to be rendered. This cropping rectangle stays visible. This option is selected by default.

Draw Subregion

Lets you select the subregion to be rendered and then turns off the interactive display (the cropping rectangle) and reuses the setting.

Last updated 02-apr-1998