Rendering 101- 3D Max 2016/ V-Ray 3.4

Click through for the original res images and save them in a folder. Name this folder and know where it is. Follow these and nothing else. Check everything. Then check them again. Keep checking them as you work because if one setting is off by even a fraction, odd things can happen.

The first image is an example of units setup, to be done as soon as you open a new file. Use either metric or imperial as required, but ensure that the Display Unit Scale and System Unit Scale match. Images two and three show test quality settings. Use these for quick previewing of lighting and material effects at low resolution. Images four and five show final quality settings. Use this for final production renders at high resolution. These settings will take much longer to calculate, but will produce a clean image for publication.

About the annotations: Everything highlighted in any way is of primary importance. Do not skip any. These have to be changed to the values indicated to ensure correct rendering. All other values are of secondary concern; they are also necessary for correct renderings, but they default at those values so as long as you don't inadvertently change them, you'll be fine.

Click the coloured button in each section to toggle between Basic, Advanced and Expert modes. This will give you access to more parameters for finer control. All settings shown above are in Expert mode.

In the case of a rendering issue, making sure all values match the given settings will allow you to rule out the settings as the cause.

Do not touch Caustics. Seriously. Don't.

Bottom line: Do exactly what the images show, leave them that way and you should be fine.

These are settings for V-Ray 3.4 running on 3D Max 2016. There is some overlap if you're using older versions of either, but you shouldn't be. If you haven't the software, contact me and I'll see about getting it for you.

This is complex software you're dealing with; it will always have bugs. If something doesn't seem right, let me know immediately so it can be dealt with. Don't wait for it to get worse, especially if you're a week away from a deadline.

I am available via AOD email and a large number of you seem to have my number, so you have multiple ways of contacting me.

Go forth and render.