Lightmap has released a KeyShot plug-in for HDR Light Studio Pro 2.0, its intuitive HDR design software. The app enables users to design custom studio lighting set-ups in real time, exporting the result as a HDR image.
The KeyShot plug-in, which is free to registered users, joins existing HDR Light Studio Pro plug-ins for Maxwell Render 2.5 and Deep Exploration 6. HDR Light Studio Pro 2.0 costs £599 (around $975).
PRESS RELEASE (Excerpts)
Lightmap Ltd is proud to announce the launch of the HDR Light Studio Live plug-in for Luxion KeyShot. HDR Light Studio brings a professional real-time HDRI lighting tool-kit directly into KeyShot to allow users to vastly improve the quality of their renders with custom lighting designs for each shot that brings out the best in the subject. With its simple yet powerful interface, 3D artists, designers and engineers of all levels can quickly transform their shots into works of art to help sell their new ideas. Existing HDR environments can be augmented to improve the quality of their renders with more control over the lighting and reflections.
Lightmap Ltd is proud to announce the launch of the HDR Light Studio Live plug-in for Luxion KeyShot. HDR Light Studio brings a professional real-time HDRI lighting tool-kit directly into KeyShot to allow users to vastly improve the quality of their renders with custom lighting designs for each shot that brings out the best in the subject. With its simple yet powerful interface, 3D artists, designers and engineers of all levels can quickly transform their shots into works of art to help sell their new ideas. Existing HDR environments can be augmented to improve the quality of their renders with more control over the lighting and reflections.
In the root of the Studio Pack, there is the main “studio,” which is the drag and drop rig in which you place the HDRI images. Below are seven folders containing many HDRI images of various colors, shapes and sizes; many based on real world lighting setups. If you're fond of rendering female characters in a studio setting, then Studio Light PRO Iray HDRI will blow your mind. 180 HDRI maps, with up to 7 light sources per map will give you gorgeous female renders with stunning details.
“Lightmap is really excited to have partnered with Luxion to bring our HDRI lighting tool-kit directly inside KeyShot, the cutting edge real-time visualization software. The performance of the two products working together is awesome, with lighting adjustments happening instantly in the real-time KeyShot viewport – it feels just like
a professional photo shoot happening inside your computer. KeyShot and HDR Light Studio are the perfect combination for product designers, engineers and even photographers, for the fast and efficient creation of CGI marketing images of new CAD designs” said Mark Segasby, CEO of Lightmap Ltd.
a professional photo shoot happening inside your computer. KeyShot and HDR Light Studio are the perfect combination for product designers, engineers and even photographers, for the fast and efficient creation of CGI marketing images of new CAD designs” said Mark Segasby, CEO of Lightmap Ltd.
“The KeyShot plugin feels like a breath of fresh air. Integration is seamless and the instant fluidity with which highlights can be positioned really is a liberating experience.” said Daniel Richardson of Greaves Best Design.
Kevin Quigley, Quigley Design says “Using the plug in for KeyShot takes the guesswork out of lighting and gives the user total control of the scene. You want a white product against a white background? No problem! Using this plug-in the user can control the highlights and shadows to accentuate even the most subtle forms – all in real-time. This is precision rendering! This takes HDRI based rendering to a totally new level.”
Pricing and Availability
HDR Light Studio Live for KeyShot is included with the HDR Light Studio 2.0 ‘Pro’ edition – available immediately from the Lightmap web store and from resellers world-wide. Additionally, throughout September and October 2011, HDR Light Studio 2.0 Pro edition will be available with a 25% discount.
HDR Light Studio Live for KeyShot is included with the HDR Light Studio 2.0 ‘Pro’ edition – available immediately from the Lightmap web store and from resellers world-wide. Additionally, throughout September and October 2011, HDR Light Studio 2.0 Pro edition will be available with a 25% discount.
Related posts:
Tags: HDR, HDR Light Studio Pro, KeyShot, lighting, Lightmap, plug-in, real time
Review:
The fastest way to perfect lighting
Create the perfect HDRI lighting in minutes with HDR Light Studio Pro. Lighting shots is now fast, precise and easy. Simply click on the model to position lights on a live HDRI map.
HDR Light Studio software provides 3D artists with a new way to light 3D imagery. Paint your shot with lights. The lighting process is now easy, fast, precise, creative and enjoyable. HDR Light Studio builds lighting that is used by your existing 3D software and renderer. By adding HDR Light Studio, 3D artists become more productive and image quality improves.
HDR Light Studio ‘Pro’ provides the following bundle of software, connectivity and support:
- HDR Light Studio + Included Connections: 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, MODO, LightWave3D, Houdini, Maxwell Studio, Rhino 3D, Octane Standalone, SOLIDWORKS Visualize + Priority Email Support.
The Tungsten release adds ‘Composites’ to its feature set, allowing users to group lights, to mask and add effects to individual lights and much more. In addition, the way HDR Light Studio is packaged and priced has also been refreshed with a new product range. Introducing HDR Light Studio – Indie, Pro and Automotive.
HDR Light Studio – Indie, Pro and Automotive
Lightmap have changed the way we sell HDR Light Studio with the new Tungsten release. The new product range bundles HDR Light Studio, a collection of Connections and Support into a single product. For many customer scenarios these new license models are lower cost and provide more value for money. The included Connections means customers can use HDR Light Studio with a wide range of 3D software without having to justify any additional Connection purchases. See Details tab for comparison chart.
Images lit with HDR Light Studio
HDR Light Studio transforms your lighting workflow:
- Studio Lighting
- Lighting to match a back-plate image
- Adding lights/adjustments to existing HDRI maps
Creative Benefits:
- Fast
- Craft lighting to a higher level
- Explore more lighting treatments
- User-Friendly
- Puts the art back into lighting
- Easy to use with real-time feedback
- Accurate
- Precisely position lighting and reflections on 3D models
Commercial Benefits:
- Cost Effective
- Increase productivity – light shots in minutes not hours
- Image-based lighting can significantly reduce render times
- Works with your existing hardware/software
- Improve Quality
- HDR lighting raises image quality to the next level
Key Features:
- Organize lights in groups and more with Composites (New in Tungsten release)
- LightPaint – click on the 3D model in HDR Light Studio to position lights
- Create and edit HDRI maps in real-time
- Create HDRI Area Lights: 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, MODO, Houdini, Octane Standalone
- Procedural lights, image-based lights, and procedural sky
- Loads Alembic and Collada scenes
- Includes a large library of HDRI light source captures
- Ideal lighting solution for Physically Based Rendering
Interactive Image Based Lighting
The dynamic HDRI environment map is updated in real-time as lights are added and adjusted, as is the Render View that is lit by it.
HDRI Area Lights
HDR Light Studio can also create and control 3D Area Lights / Emitters inside your 3D software. These are positioned with the same intuative interface, clicking and dragging on the 3D model.
Area Lights are currently compatible with 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, MODO, Houdini and Octane Render Standalone Connections.
More than Studio Lighting
HDR Light Studio is best know for studio lighting, as the software name suggests.
However you can do much more in HDR Light Studio than create studio HDRI maps. You can load and ‘enhance, augment, mix’ existing HDR and LDR image content using HDR Light Studio’s powerful features. Allowing you to take full control over the lighting effect of any existing HDRI map.
Use Standalone or Connected
HDR Light Studio can be used standalone – load a 3D scene and produce the perfect HDRI map.
OR
Connect HDR Light Studio with your 3D software and Renderer. Lighting is built and updated live within your 3D software as you light with HDR Light Studio.
Connections are available for:
- 3ds Max
- Maya
- Cinema 4D
- Modo
- VRED
- DELTAGEN
- Rhino
- SOLIDWORKS Visualize
- LightWave3D
- Houdini
- Maxwell Studio
- Octane Render Standalone
Learn more about connections in the Details tab.
Licenses Explained
A node-locked license is for one user and allows HDR Light Studio to run on a designated primary computer, and a designated second home/laptop computer if required (by using the license transfer facility on our web site).
A floating license is for multiple users and allows one concurrent session of HDR Light Studio to run on any computer on the local network. You need to purchase licenses for the number of concurrent users you will require. A computer on the network runs the RLM server software and client machines get their licenses from this computer via the local network.
An annual subscription provides a license that will expire at the end of the 1 year period. During the subscription period you can run the latest software and you are entitled to support. Renewal is not automatic and we do not store card details.
A permanent license does not expire. It includes 1 year of maintenance – providing software updates and support. At the end of this period, additional maintenance can be purchased in order to keep your software up to date and to continue to be supported.
HDR Light Studio Comparison Chart
Indie Revenue under $100K | Pro Revenue over $100K | Automotive Access to VRED, DeltaGen, Patchwork3D connections | |
HDR Light Studio | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Included connections: 3dsMax, Maya, Cinema 4D, MODO, Lighwave3D, Houdini, Maxwell Studio, Rhino, Octane Standaline, SOLIDWORKS Visualize | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Included connections: VRED, DeltaGen, Patchwork 3D | ✓ | ||
Priority Support | ✓ | ✓ | |
Support Channels | email, phone, web meetings | ||
Nodelocked – Single User Annual Subscription | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Nodelocked – Single User Permanent | ✓ | ||
Floating – Multi-User Annual Subscription | ✓ | ✓ |
Features:
Anatomy of HDR Light Studio
HDR Light Studio provides a unique real-time lighting interface and includes a wealth of procedural and image based lighting content.
Light Sources: Procedural
HDR Light Studio is best known for creating studio lighting – especially suited to reflective materials. Procedural lights can be precisely controlled and positioned to create a wide variety of lighting effects.
Light Sources: Images
For the most realistic lighting effects – load HDR images as light sources in HDR Light Studio. Image based light sources bring high levels of realism with subtle details and imperfections seen in reflections.
Includes a Library of Light Sources
HDR Light Studio includes a library of over 200 high quality HDR photographs of soft boxes, spot lights, windows and even clouds. View a PDF Brochure of all Preset Lights included with HDR Light Studio.
Over 50 studio lights
Softboxes and umbrellas
Miscellaneous lighting
HDR Light Studio ships with many high dynamic range images of real lights – softboxes, reflectors, flourescent strip lights,
incandescent bulbs and more.
incandescent bulbs and more.
Render View & LightPaint
The Render View is a key feature of HDR Light Studio’s lighting interface. Lights are positioned by clicking and dragging on the Render View – we call this patented process LightPaint.
HDR Light Studio loads Alembic, FBX*, Collada and MI file formats.
*Windows OS only
*Windows OS only
Area Lights
Area Lights are controlled with LightPaint and are compatible with 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, MODO and Houdini.
Area lights are created and controlled in real-time in your 3D software, for your chosen 3D renderer, as you work in HDR Light Studio. This includes creating the light geometry, appropriate shaders and mapping the RGBA image content onto the light.
Handles Huge Scenes
The Render View and LightPaint remain fast even with huge scenes.
Matching Photography
When blending photography and CG imagery, matching the lighting between the photographic content and the CG elements is key to a successful and believable image. If a HDRI map of the location has not been captured then a lighting setup needs building from scratch. HDR Light Studio makes this process easy and enabling the rapid creation of a suitable lighting environment.
Enhancing Reality
When reality isn’t enough. Load HDRI maps shot on location and add additional light sources to bring your subject to life. Just like on a real photoshoot, beauty lights are added to make your subject the star of the show.
Procedural Sky
HDR Light Studio includes a procedural sky shader. Replace the sky on an existing HDRI map and use an alpha ramp to control the horizon position and softness. Drag and drop the included Cloud preset images onto the sky for added realism. The sun disc can be increased in size whilst maintaining its overall lighting contribution, allowing for creative decisions about the sun scale. The sun disc has a controllable soft edge.
Mix Up Your Maps
Load more than one HDRI map into HDR Light Studio and use the alpha ramp to blend between them. Use saturation adjustments and color filtering, via blend modes, to take control of color and create a better match. Enabling you to get more out of your existing HDRI collection.
More than Lights
The HDR Canvas is a compositor for HDR and LDR content, supporting a range of image formats, mappings and blend modes.
Lights are not limited to representing light sources. A light can be a loaded HDRI map background or an additional cloud added to the sky. The procedural light sources are very useful when combined with blend modes. Allowing precise local adjustments of color and brightness on the HDRI map – shaping the lighting effect.
Portable Lighting
HDRI maps are the ultimate portable lighting format. They can be used with different renderers and produce predictable and accurate results. Especially with physically based rendering.
When implementing the new Area Lights feature, we ensured these lights were portable too. For example, you can create a lighting design in Maya for Arnold Render (using a HDRI map with Area Lights) and then switch renderers to V-Ray, the Area Lights will be rebuilt using V-Ray lights. You can also light a shot in Cinema 4D with Arnold, and load the same lighting design into Maya with Maxwell Render to get the exact same lighting.
Industry Standards
VFX artists will be pleased to know HDR Light Studio has progressed to embrace some industry standards.
HDR Light Studio uses OpenColorIO color management and supports loading Alembic scene files. In order to efficiently handle very large image files, HDR Light Studio will automatically convert image files to mip-mapped and tiled images, saving them as .tx files. When using .tx files, HDR Light Studio only loads the image resolution and area needed – this vastly improves image load times and performance.
Connections
Connect your 3D application to HDR Light Studio.
3ds Max
How does HDR Light Studio work with 3ds Max?
The model has materials assigned, the camera view is setup, you are now ready to light…
1. Start HDR Light Studio from the 3ds Max plug-in
2. Export the 3ds Max scene into HDR Light Studio’s live 3D view
3. Paint your shot with lights in HDR Light Studio (Lights are automatically created in 3ds Max as you light)
4. (Optional) Start ActiveShade in 3ds Max and see the results as you light
5. To finish, HDR Light Studio generates high-res HDRI images for your lights
6. The completed 3ds Max scene is now ready for rendering locally, or on a farm
2. Export the 3ds Max scene into HDR Light Studio’s live 3D view
3. Paint your shot with lights in HDR Light Studio (Lights are automatically created in 3ds Max as you light)
4. (Optional) Start ActiveShade in 3ds Max and see the results as you light
5. To finish, HDR Light Studio generates high-res HDRI images for your lights
6. The completed 3ds Max scene is now ready for rendering locally, or on a farm
Key Features
- Our 3ds Max plug-in creates a live link with HDR Light Studio
- 3ds Max’s IPR in HDR Light Studio UI for Light Painting
- Export your scene into HDR Light Studio’s live Render View
- Click and drag on the Render View to position lights with live feedback
- Create and edit HDRI maps in real-time
- Create and position 3D HDRI Area Lights/Emitters in real-time
- Light Types: Procedural, image based and procedural sky
- Includes a large library of HDRI light source captures
- Lighting in 3ds Max is kept in sync with HDR Light Studio as you work
- HDR Light Studio project is stored in the 3ds Max scene file
- HDR Light Studio uses OpenColorIO Color Management
- HDR Light Studio can be used Standalone: Loads Alembic and Collada scenes
- Ideal lighting solution for Physically Based Rendering – Photoreal Results
Compatibility
- 3ds Max 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Maya
How does HDR Light Studio work with Maya?
The model has materials assigned, the camera view is setup, you are now ready to light…
1. Start HDR Light Studio from the Maya plug-in
2. Export the Maya scene into HDR Light Studio’s live 3D view
3. Paint your shot with lights in HDR Light Studio (Lights are automatically created in Maya as you light)
4. (Optional) Start interactive rendering in Maya and see the results as you light
5. To finish, HDR Light Studio generates high-res HDRI images for your lights
6. The completed Maya scene is now ready for rendering locally, or on a farm
2. Export the Maya scene into HDR Light Studio’s live 3D view
3. Paint your shot with lights in HDR Light Studio (Lights are automatically created in Maya as you light)
4. (Optional) Start interactive rendering in Maya and see the results as you light
5. To finish, HDR Light Studio generates high-res HDRI images for your lights
6. The completed Maya scene is now ready for rendering locally, or on a farm
Key Features
- Our Maya 4D plug-in creates a live link with HDR Light Studio
- Maya’s IPR in HDR Light Studio UI for Light Painting
- Export your scene into HDR Light Studio’s live Render View
- Click and drag on the Render View to position lights with live feedback
- Create and edit HDRI maps in real-time
- Create and position 3D HDRI Area Lights/Emitters in real-time
- Includes a large library of HDRI light source captures
- Light Types: Procedural, image based and procedural sky
- Lighting in Maya is kept in sync with HDR Light Studio as you work
- The HDR Light Studio lighting project is stored in the Maya scene
- HDR Light Studio uses OpenColorIO Color Management
- HDR Light Studio can be used Standalone: Loads Alembic and Collada scenes
- Ideal lighting solution for Physically Based Rendering – Photoreal Results
Compatibility
- Maya 2016.5, 2017, 2018, 2019
Cinema 4D
How does HDR Light Studio work with Cinema 4D?
The model has materials assigned, the camera view is setup, you are now ready to light…
1. Start HDR Light Studio from the Cinema 4D plug-in
2. Export the Cinema 4D scene into HDR Light Studio’s live 3D view
3. Paint your shot with lights in HDR Light Studio (Lights are automatically created in Cinema 4D as you light)
4. (Optional) Start interactive rendering in Cinema 4D and see the results as you light
5. To finish, HDR Light Studio generates high-res HDRI images for your lights
6. The completed Cinema 4D scene is now ready for rendering locally, or on a farm
2. Export the Cinema 4D scene into HDR Light Studio’s live 3D view
3. Paint your shot with lights in HDR Light Studio (Lights are automatically created in Cinema 4D as you light)
4. (Optional) Start interactive rendering in Cinema 4D and see the results as you light
5. To finish, HDR Light Studio generates high-res HDRI images for your lights
6. The completed Cinema 4D scene is now ready for rendering locally, or on a farm
Key Features
- Our Cinema 4D plug-in creates a live link with HDR Light Studio
- Export your scene into HDR Light Studio’s live Render View
- Click and drag on the Render View to position lights with live feedback
- Create and edit HDRI maps in real-time
- Create and position 3D HDRI Area Lights/Emitters in real-time
- Light Types: Procedural, image based and procedural sky
- Includes a large library of HDRI light source captures
- Lighting in Cinema 4D is kept in sync with HDR Light Studio as you work
- The HDR Light Studio lighting project is stored in the Cinema 4D scene
- HDR Light Studio uses OpenColorIO Color Management
- HDR Light Studio can be used Standalone: Loads Alembic and Collada scenes
- Ideal lighting solution for Physically Based Rendering – Photoreal Results
Compatibility
- Cinema 4D 17,18, 19, 20
Modo
How does HDR Light Studio work with MODO?
The model has materials assigned, the camera view is setup, you are now ready to light…
1. Start HDR Light Studio from the MODO plug-in
2. Export the MODO scene into HDR Light Studio’s live 3D view
3. Paint your shot with lights in HDR Light Studio (Lights are automatically created in MODO as you light)
4. (Optional) Start interactive rendering in MODO and see the results as you light
5. To finish, HDR Light Studio generates high-res HDRI images for your lights
6. The completed MODO scene is now ready for rendering locally, or on a farm
2. Export the MODO scene into HDR Light Studio’s live 3D view
3. Paint your shot with lights in HDR Light Studio (Lights are automatically created in MODO as you light)
4. (Optional) Start interactive rendering in MODO and see the results as you light
5. To finish, HDR Light Studio generates high-res HDRI images for your lights
6. The completed MODO scene is now ready for rendering locally, or on a farm
Key features
- Our MODO plug-in creates a live link with HDR Light Studio
- Export your scene into HDR Light Studio’s live Render View
- Click and drag on the Render View to position lights with live feedback
- Create and edit HDRI maps in real-time
- Create and position 3D HDRI Area Lights/Emitters in real-time
- Light Types: Procedural, image based and procedural sky
- Includes a large library of HDRI light source captures
- Lighting in MODO is kept in sync with HDR Light Studio as you work
- The HDR Light Studio lighting project is stored in the Cinema 4D scene
- HDR Light Studio uses OpenColorIO Color Management
- HDR Light Studio can be used Standalone: Loads Alembic and Collada scenes
- Ideal lighting solution for Physically Based Rendering – Photoreal Results
Compatibility
- MODO 13, 12, 11, 10
VRED (only available in Automotive version)
How does HDR Light Studio work with VRED?
The model has materials applied, the camera view is setup, you are now ready to light…
- Start HDR Light Studio from the VRED environment
- Load an existing HDRI map to edit, or start with a blank canvas
- Add a new lights in HDR Light Studio
- Click on the 3D model in VRED to position lights
- To finish, HDR Light Studio generates a high-res HDRI map for the VRED environment
- The VRED scene is now ready for final rendering
Key Features
- VRED has integrated HDR Light Studio support
- Light your shots using HDR Light Studio’s interactive HDRI map
- Click on the 3D model in VRED to position lights on the HDRI map
- Light Types: Procedural, image based and procedural sky
- Includes a large library of HDRI light source captures
- The HDR Light Studio lighting project is stored in the VRED scene
- HDR Light Studio can be used Standalone: Loads Alembic and Collada scene
Compatibility
- VRED 2017, 2018, 2019 (Windows only)
DeltaGen (only available in Automotive version)
How does HDR Light Studio work with DeltaGen?
The model has materials applied, the camera view is setup, you are now ready to light…
- Start HDR Light Studio from the DeltaGen local surrounding
- Load an existing HDRI map to edit, or start with a blank canvas
- Add a new lights in HDR Light Studio
- Click on the 3D model in DeltaGen to position lights
- To finish, HDR Light Studio generates a high-res HDRI map for DeltaGen
- The DeltaGen scene is now ready for final rendering
Key Features
- Our DeltaGen plug-in creates a live link with HDR Light Studio
- Light your DeltaGen render with an interactive HDRI map
- Click on the 3D model in DeltaGen to position lights on the HDRI map
- Light Types: Procedural, image based and procedural sky
- Includes a large library of HDRI light source captures
- HDR Light Studio project is stored in the DeltaGen scene file
- HDR Light Studio can be used Standalone: Loads Alembic and Collada scenes
Compatibility
- DELTAGEN 2019x (DELTAGEN STAGE 2019x)
- DELTAGEN 2018x (DELTAGEN STAGE 2018x), 2018, 2017, 13.1
Rhino
How does HDR Light Studio work with Rhino?
The model has materials applied, the camera view is setup, you are now ready to light…
- Start HDR Light Studio from the Rhino environment
- Load an existing HDRI map to edit, or start with a blank canvas
- Add a new lights in HDR Light Studio
- Click on the 3D model in Rhino to position lights
- To finish, HDR Light Studio generates a high-res HDRI map for the Rhino environment
- The Rhino scene is now ready for final rendering
Key Features
- Our Rhino plug-in creates a live link with HDR Light Studio
- Light your shots using HDR Light Studio’s interactive HDRI map
- Click on the 3D model in Rhino to position lights on the HDRI map
- Light Types: Procedural, image based and procedural sky
- Includes a large library of HDRI light source captures
- The HDR Light Studio lighting project is stored in the Rhino scene
- HDR Light Studio can be used Standalone: Loads Alembic and Collada scenes
Compatibility
- Rhino 5 (Windows only)
- Rhino 6 (BETA VERSION) (Windows only)
SOLIDWORKS Visualize
How does HDR Light Studio work with SOLIDWORKS Visualize?
The model has materials applied, the camera view is setup, you are now ready to light…
- Start HDR Light Studio from the SOLIDWORKS Visualize environment
- Load an existing HDRI map to edit, or start with a blank canvas
- Add a new lights in HDR Light Studio
- Click on the 3D model in SOLIDWORKS Visualize to position lights
- To finish, HDR Light Studio generates a high-res HDRI map for the SOLIDWORKS Visualize environment
- The SOLIDWORKS Visualize scene is now ready for final rendering
Key Features
- SOLIDWORKS Visualize has integrated HDR Light Studio support
- Light your shots using HDR Light Studio’s interactive HDRI map
- Click on the 3D model in SOLIDWORKS Visualize to position lights on the HDRI map
- Light Types: Procedural, image based and procedural sky
- Includes a large library of HDRI light source captures
- The HDR Light Studio lighting project is stored in the SOLIDWORKS Visualize scene
- HDR Light Studio can be used Standalone: Loads Alembic and Collada scenes
Compatibility
- SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2016 (Standard and Pro) – SP1
- SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2017 (Standard and Pro) – SP0 and above
- SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2018 (Standard and Pro)
Lightwave3D
How does HDR Light Studio work with LightWave3D?
The model has materials assigned, the camera view is setup, you are now ready to light…
1. Start HDR Light Studio from the LightWave3D plug-in
2. Export the LightWave3D scene into HDR Light Studio’s live 3D view
3. Paint your shot with lights in HDR Light Studio (The HDRI map updates in LightWave3D as you light)
4. (Optional) Start interactive rendering in LightWave3D and see the results as you light
5. To finish, HDR Light Studio generates a high-res HDR for your environment light
6. The completed LightWave3D scene is now ready for rendering locally, or on a farm
2. Export the LightWave3D scene into HDR Light Studio’s live 3D view
3. Paint your shot with lights in HDR Light Studio (The HDRI map updates in LightWave3D as you light)
4. (Optional) Start interactive rendering in LightWave3D and see the results as you light
5. To finish, HDR Light Studio generates a high-res HDR for your environment light
6. The completed LightWave3D scene is now ready for rendering locally, or on a farm
Key Features
- Our LightWave plug-in creates a live link with HDR Light Studio
- Click on the 3D model in LightWave to position lights on the HDRI map
- Light your shots using HDR Light Studio’s interactive HDRI map
- Light Types: Procedural, image based and procedural sky
- Includes a large library of HDRI light source captures
- The HDR Light Studio lighting project is stored in the LightWave scene
- HDR Light Studio can be used Standalone: Loads Alembic and Collada scenes
- HDR Light Studio uses OpenColorIO Color Management
Compatibility
- LightWave 3D 2015, 2018, 2019
Houdini
How does HDR Light Studio work with Houdini?
The model has materials assigned, the camera view is setup, you are now ready to light…
1. Start HDR Light Studio using the HDR Light Studio node attached to an Environment light in Houdini
2. Export the Houdini scene into HDR Light Studio’s live 3D view
3. Paint your shot with lights in HDR Light Studio (The HDRI map updates in Houdini as you light)
4. (Optional) Start interactive rendering in Houdini and see the results as you light
5. To finish, HDR Light Studio generates a high-res HDR file for your environment light
6. The completed Houdini scene is now ready for rendering locally, or on a farm
2. Export the Houdini scene into HDR Light Studio’s live 3D view
3. Paint your shot with lights in HDR Light Studio (The HDRI map updates in Houdini as you light)
4. (Optional) Start interactive rendering in Houdini and see the results as you light
5. To finish, HDR Light Studio generates a high-res HDR file for your environment light
6. The completed Houdini scene is now ready for rendering locally, or on a farm
Key Features
- Our Houdini plug-in creates a live link with HDR Light Studio
- Export your scene into HDR Light Studio’s live Render View
- Click and drag on the Render View to position lights with live feedback
- Light your Houdini render with an interactive HDRI map
- Create and position 3D HDRI Area Lights/Emitters in real-time
- Light Types: Procedural, image based and procedural sky
- Includes a large library of HDRI light source captures
- Lighting in Houdini is kept in sync with HDR Light Studio as you work
- The HDR Light Studio lighting project is stored in the Houdini scene
- HDR Light Studio uses OpenColorIO Color Management
- HDR Light Studio can be used Standalone: Loads Alembic and Collada scenes
- Ideal lighting solution for Physically Based Rendering – Photoreal Results
Compatibility
- Houdini 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5
Maxwell Studio
How does HDR Light Studio work with Maxwell Studio?
The model has materials applied, the camera view is setup, you are now ready to light…
- Start HDR Light Studio from the Maxwell Studio environment
- Load an existing HDRI map to edit, or start with a blank canvas
- Start Maxwell Studio’s FIRE render view
- Add a new light to the HDRI map in HDR Light Studio
- The FIRE render view updates instantly as changes are made in HDR Light Studio
- To finish, HDR Light Studio generates a high-res HDRI map for the environment
- The Maxwell Studio scene is now ready for final rendering
Key Features
- Maxwell Studio has integrated HDR Light Studio support
- Light your shots using HDR Light Studio’s interactive HDRI map
- Light Types: Procedural, image based and procedural sky
- Includes a large library of HDRI light source captures
- The HDR Light Studio lighting project is stored in the Cinema 4D scene
- HDR Light Studio can be used Standalone: Loads Alembic and Collada scenes
- HDR Light Studio uses OpenColorIO Color Management
Compatibility
- Maxwell Studio 3.2, 4 (Windows only)
Octane Render Standalone
How does HDR Light Studio work with Octane Render Standalone?
The model has materials assigned, the camera view is setup, you are now ready to light…
1. Start HDR Light Studio from the Octane standalone plug-in
2. Press the Play button on the Render View to see the Octane rendered image inside HDR Light Studio
3. Paint your shot with lights in HDR Light Studio (Lighting is automatically updated in Octane as you light)
4. To finish, HDR Light Studio generates high-res HDRI images for your lights
5. The completed Octane scene is now ready for rendering
2. Press the Play button on the Render View to see the Octane rendered image inside HDR Light Studio
3. Paint your shot with lights in HDR Light Studio (Lighting is automatically updated in Octane as you light)
4. To finish, HDR Light Studio generates high-res HDRI images for your lights
5. The completed Octane scene is now ready for rendering
Key Features
- Our Octane plug-in creates a live link with HDR Light Studio
- Octane’s IPR in HDR Light Studio UI for Light Painting
- Create and edit HDRI maps in real-time
- Create and position 3D HDRI Area Lights/Emitters in real-time
- Light Types: Procedural, image based and procedural sky
- Includes a large library of HDRI light source captures
- The HDR Light Studio lighting project is stored in the Octane scene
- HDR Light Studio uses OpenColorIO Color Management
- HDR Light Studio can be used Standalone: Loads Alembic and Collada scenes
- Ideal lighting solution for Physically Based Rendering – Photoreal Results
Compatibility
- Octane Standalone for Windows version 3.08.1 & 4
Licenses Explained
A node-locked license is for one user and allows HDR Light Studio to run on a designated primary computer, and a designated second home/laptop computer if required (by using the license transfer facility on our web site).
A floating license is for multiple users and allows one concurrent session of HDR Light Studio to run on any computer on the local network. You need to purchase licenses for the number of concurrent users you will require. A computer on the network runs the RLM server software and client machines get their licenses from this computer via the local network.
An annual subscription provides a license that will expire at the end of the 1 year period. During the subscription period you can run the latest software and you are entitled to support. Renewal is not automatic and we do not store card details.
A permanent license does not expire. It includes 1 year of maintenance – providing software updates and support. At the end of this period, additional maintenance can be purchased in order to keep your software up to date and to continue to be supported.
Requirements
- Software delivery via internet download
- Internet connection required for license activation
- HDR Light Studio software requires approx. 200MB disc space
- Preset light content requires approx. 7GB disc space
- CPU based, no special graphics card required
- Compatible with Windows, MacOS and Linux
- Connections compatibility with 3D software/renderers – please check here: https://www.lightmap.co.uk/hdrlightstudio/connections/
System Requirements
HDR Light Studio is officially supported on:
- Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10
- Mac OS X 10.7 or later
- Linux: Centos 7, Fedora 19+ (not 27 though), Ubuntu 13.10+, Mint 16+, Debian 8+, OpenSUSE 13.2+
HDR Light Studio Pro can also be connected live to your 3D software: i.e Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, MODO, LightWave3D, Houdini, Maxwell Studio, Rhino, SOLIDWORKS Visualize.
Compatibility
3ds Max – 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Cinema 4D – 18,19, 20
Maya – 2016.5, 2017, 2018, 2019
MODO – 10,11,12,13 (Windows and MacOS)
Houdini – 16.5, 17, 17.5
LightWave 3D – 2015, 2018, 2019
Rhino – 5,6 (Windows only, 6 is Beta)
Octane Standalone – 3.08.1+, 4 (Windows only)
VRED – 2017, 2018, 2019 (Windows only)
Maxwell Studio – 3.2 and 4 (Windows only)
SOLIDWORKS Visualize – 2017, 2018, 2019
Cinema 4D – 18,19, 20
Maya – 2016.5, 2017, 2018, 2019
MODO – 10,11,12,13 (Windows and MacOS)
Houdini – 16.5, 17, 17.5
LightWave 3D – 2015, 2018, 2019
Rhino – 5,6 (Windows only, 6 is Beta)
Octane Standalone – 3.08.1+, 4 (Windows only)
VRED – 2017, 2018, 2019 (Windows only)
Maxwell Studio – 3.2 and 4 (Windows only)
SOLIDWORKS Visualize – 2017, 2018, 2019
What’s new in Tungsten (Drop 2), released July 2019
New Lighting Workflows come to MODO and Cinema 4D Connections
See the interactive render from MODO and Cinema 4D directly inside the HDR Light Studio interface. No need to switch between interfaces to light your shots. Everything you need to light is in one place. Drag and drop lights directly onto the interactive render. See the lighting interact with your final shot and shaders. Move lights by clicking on the shot using LightPaint.
This new feature is compatible with:
Cinema 4D R20 with Arnold, Octane, Redshift, Thea Renderers
Watch the new workflow tutorial video here
Read the updated documentation here
Cinema 4D R20 with Arnold, Octane, Redshift, Thea Renderers
Watch the new workflow tutorial video here
Read the updated documentation here
MODO 11,12,13 with MODO and Octane Renderers
Watch the new workflow tutorial video here
Read the updated documentation here
Watch the new workflow tutorial video here
Read the updated documentation here
This feature is already compatible with:
3ds Max 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 Connections with V-Ray, Arnold, Corona, Redshift, Maya 2017, 2018, 2019 Connections, with V-Ray, Arnold, Octane, Redshift, RenderMan
3ds Max 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 Connections with V-Ray, Arnold, Corona, Redshift, Maya 2017, 2018, 2019 Connections, with V-Ray, Arnold, Octane, Redshift, RenderMan
Also New in Tungsten Drop 2:
- Cinema 4D Connections support Corona Render (watch the tutorial video)
- Octane Standalone Connection now supports 2018
- HDR Light Studio’s own Render View
- Fast Area Lights – This setting produces a less noisy render far faster.
- Updated Raytracing Engine – Faster performance on many scenes – up to 40% faster.
Here is the updated Connections Features and Compatibility Chart PDF.
What’s new in Tungsten (Drop 1), released May 2019
Composites
You can use Composites to:
You can use Composites to:
- Group Lights
- Control a group of lights (brightness, position, color etc)
- Store Multiple Lighting Designs in one HDR Light Studio project
- Isolate and Edit Individual Lights
- Mask Lights
- Clone and move areas of the HDRI map
- Combine different regions of multiple HDRI maps
- Dissect and take control of light regions in existing HDRI maps
Select multiple Lights in the Light List
Multiple light selections can be: Deleted, Merged into a Composite, Released from a Composite
Multiple light selections can be: Deleted, Merged into a Composite, Released from a Composite
Blend Channel
A new drop down called Blend Channel currently allows you to choose if Add blend mode affects the Color or only Values. This option works well with the Composite feature – allowing the user to take control over light sources in an existing HDRI map.
A new drop down called Blend Channel currently allows you to choose if Add blend mode affects the Color or only Values. This option works well with the Composite feature – allowing the user to take control over light sources in an existing HDRI map.
Blend Modes
- Streamlined – When using blend modes, we have made a few changes making them easier to use. Improved default settings and removed redundant options from interface.
- Low Pass takes into account Alpha – Low Pass blend mode now takes into account the alpha of the light, so that a Low Pass blend can have a soft edge to its clamping effect.
- Mask Setting on Multiply – Mask setting added to Multiply blend mode. Very useful to use in conjunction with Composites.
- Flat Background Light – A Flat Background light has been added to the tool bar. This is a very useful light setting and having it available on the tool bar is a time saver.
HDRLS_SCALE_GUI environment variable
Add support to force scale of GUI through HDRLS_SCALE_GUI environment variable. The value represents the scale size you want.
Add support to force scale of GUI through HDRLS_SCALE_GUI environment variable. The value represents the scale size you want.
Updated Compatibility
- 3ds Max 2020
- Maya 2019
- MODO 13
- Houdini 17.5
- LightWave 3D 19
- DeltaGen 2019 (and the x-builds)
What’s new in Carbon Drop 5, released December 2018
HDR Light Studio
Resync button has been added to the Render View (HDR Light Studio).
When using HDR Light Studio standalone – the resync button will reload the current scene back into the Render View.
When using HDR Light Studio connected to a 3D app – the resync button will open the ‘Import Scene Geometry’ panel – so you can re-import the scene from your host 3D software. This is useful if you have made changes to the scene in your 3D software.
Resync button has been added to the Render View (HDR Light Studio).
When using HDR Light Studio standalone – the resync button will reload the current scene back into the Render View.
When using HDR Light Studio connected to a 3D app – the resync button will open the ‘Import Scene Geometry’ panel – so you can re-import the scene from your host 3D software. This is useful if you have made changes to the scene in your 3D software.
Rhino 6 Connection – (Open Beta Version)
Rhino 6 support is now released with a new updated Connection workflow. Rhino’s rendered viewport is now displayed inside the HDR Light Studio interface where users can paint the shot with lighting. Compatible with Cycles, Octane, V-Ray, and other renderers using the Rhino Environments for lighting.
Rhino 6 support is now released with a new updated Connection workflow. Rhino’s rendered viewport is now displayed inside the HDR Light Studio interface where users can paint the shot with lighting. Compatible with Cycles, Octane, V-Ray, and other renderers using the Rhino Environments for lighting.
Octane Standalone Connection
Octane Standalone version 4 is now supported
Octane Standalone version 4 is now supported
Octane Render version 4
Octane 4 has now been tested and we can confirm is compatible with our 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, MODO and Rhino 6 Connection.
Octane 4 has now been tested and we can confirm is compatible with our 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, MODO and Rhino 6 Connection.
MODO Connection
Fixed bug where initial state of lighting shared with Modo was black until one lighting change was made.
Fixed bug where initial state of lighting shared with Modo was black until one lighting change was made.
Maya Connection
Fixed a bug resulting in duplicated area lights caused by a change in Arnold 3.1.1
Fixed a bug resulting in duplicated area lights caused by a change in Arnold 3.1.1
What’s new in Carbon Drop 4, released October 24, 2018
Our latest drop includes: Gamma Control, Tabbed Content Properties, New Ways to Apply Content Presets, Batch Import Images as Presets, and Houdini 17 is now supported.
Gamma control has been added to images
A new feature Gamma control can be used to change the contrast and visual character of a loaded image. This is a great way to adjust the character of lights as seen in reflections.
A new feature Gamma control can be used to change the contrast and visual character of a loaded image. This is a great way to adjust the character of lights as seen in reflections.
Tabbed Content Properties:
In the Light Properties panel, Content sections have now been tabbed to reduce the need to scroll up and down a long list of properties.
In the Light Properties panel, Content sections have now been tabbed to reduce the need to scroll up and down a long list of properties.
New ways to apply Content Presets:
Content Presets allow you to switch the appearance of a light which is already positioned in HDR Light Studio. The Content Presets can now be applied in the following ways:
Content Presets allow you to switch the appearance of a light which is already positioned in HDR Light Studio. The Content Presets can now be applied in the following ways:
Drag and drop the content preset onto any of the new content tabs – Master, Value Blend, Alpha Multiply. This new feature is much faster than the previous process which required scrolling to the required section first.
Right click on the Content Preset thumbnail, and choose ‘Apply to Current Light’ to apply the preset to the Master Content of the selected light. This method is perfect for scrolling around the presets and quickly and easily trying out different looks on a specific light.
Drag and Drop Content Presets onto lights in the ‘Light List’ to apply them to the Master Content. The advantage of this method is you do not need to select the light in order to apply a different lighting look. Therefore, you can easily replace the appearance of many lights in your lighting design without selecting them first. This is a fast method for totally altering the look of the whole lighting design, and changing the appearance of many lights.
Batch Import images as presets.
Easily add a batch of images to your User Presets, as Element: Images. Drag and drop the images from your file system onto the Presets panel in HDR Light Studio. This is a perfect way to import a batch of pre-purchased HDRI maps, and add them to your HDR Light Studio preset library to use on future lighting projects – a really useful asset to have readily available within HDR Light Studio. In the batch import process, each preset will inherit the name of the original image file as its description and the batch of images can also be tagged. The images are then batch converted into the .tx format and added as user presets, where they can be dragged and dropped into the image slot of a light.
Easily add a batch of images to your User Presets, as Element: Images. Drag and drop the images from your file system onto the Presets panel in HDR Light Studio. This is a perfect way to import a batch of pre-purchased HDRI maps, and add them to your HDR Light Studio preset library to use on future lighting projects – a really useful asset to have readily available within HDR Light Studio. In the batch import process, each preset will inherit the name of the original image file as its description and the batch of images can also be tagged. The images are then batch converted into the .tx format and added as user presets, where they can be dragged and dropped into the image slot of a light.
Houdini Connection updated to support Houdini 17
How do I get Carbon Drop 4?
- If you’re an existing HDR Light Studio subscription or maintenance customer, the release is all yours. Simply log in to your account and download now.
- If your subscription or maintenance has lapsed you can renew online now.
- Alternatively, you can take a fully functional 15-day trial or buy here at Toolfarm.
Customer licenses will run any build of HDR Light Studio up to and including the version date as shown in the License Management dialogue. All subscription customers can run the latest releases. Customers with permanent licenses get 1 year of updates from the date of purchase, then need to renew their maintenance to update the version dates in their license files.
What’s new in Carbon Drop 3, released July, 2018.
Carbon Drop 3 includes: Expanded Preset System, New Preset Content, Save your own Presets, New Octane Standalone Connection, and the Houdini Connection now supports Area Lights and Redshift renderer.
Enhanced Presets System
In Carbon Drop 3, Presets have undergone a massive overhaul, expanding to include more lighting ingredient types than ever before. We have made lighting shots faster by developing a ‘Save your own Presets’ feature, which means your favorite lighting settings can be stored, dragged and dropped in an instant, allowing for even more creativity and exploration in your lighting.
In Carbon Drop 3, Presets have undergone a massive overhaul, expanding to include more lighting ingredient types than ever before. We have made lighting shots faster by developing a ‘Save your own Presets’ feature, which means your favorite lighting settings can be stored, dragged and dropped in an instant, allowing for even more creativity and exploration in your lighting.
New Preset Types Explained:
Rigs
Rigs are entire lighting designs containing multiple lights. They provide all the benefits of off the shelf static HDRI maps, but without the limitations. Everything is editable in HDR Light Studio, the rig is a starting point and the lighting can be properly crafted to suit your shot. HDR Light Studio ships with a collection of lighting rigs for you to explore. Rigs are a great way of seeing what is possible when using HDR Light Studio.
Rigs are entire lighting designs containing multiple lights. They provide all the benefits of off the shelf static HDRI maps, but without the limitations. Everything is editable in HDR Light Studio, the rig is a starting point and the lighting can be properly crafted to suit your shot. HDR Light Studio ships with a collection of lighting rigs for you to explore. Rigs are a great way of seeing what is possible when using HDR Light Studio.
Content
The Drag and drop Content Presets change the visual appearance of an existing light without changing its master and transform properties. The ability to easily switch the appearance of a light allows you to explore different lighting set-ups with speed and simplicity. In HDR Light Studio, there are 6 types of Content, and therefore, 6 types of Content Presets to choose from including BoxGrads, Bulbs, Flats, Gradients, Images, and Skies.
The Drag and drop Content Presets change the visual appearance of an existing light without changing its master and transform properties. The ability to easily switch the appearance of a light allows you to explore different lighting set-ups with speed and simplicity. In HDR Light Studio, there are 6 types of Content, and therefore, 6 types of Content Presets to choose from including BoxGrads, Bulbs, Flats, Gradients, Images, and Skies.
Elements
Elements can be dragged and dropped onto your Content settings to update them in an instant. For example, if you drag and drop a Preset Value Ramp or Color Ramp onto a Gradient’s properties you can see the results you want much faster rather than building the ramps one peg at a time, every time.
Elements can be dragged and dropped onto your Content settings to update them in an instant. For example, if you drag and drop a Preset Value Ramp or Color Ramp onto a Gradient’s properties you can see the results you want much faster rather than building the ramps one peg at a time, every time.
Saving Presets
A major new feature we have added is the save your own User Presets: Rigs, Lights, Content, and Elements. A time-saving feature that allows your favorite lighting settings to be readily available to drag and drop, and try out in an instant. The Rigs, for example, are not limited to storing entire lighting setups; if you happen to have a small collection of light sources that you use on most projects, you can store them in a rig and drag and drop the rig to add lights instantly to your current project.
A major new feature we have added is the save your own User Presets: Rigs, Lights, Content, and Elements. A time-saving feature that allows your favorite lighting settings to be readily available to drag and drop, and try out in an instant. The Rigs, for example, are not limited to storing entire lighting setups; if you happen to have a small collection of light sources that you use on most projects, you can store them in a rig and drag and drop the rig to add lights instantly to your current project.
You can now use Presets to organize the HDRI maps you have purchased into a library inside HDR Light Studio. This means they will always be on hand to try regardless of the 3D software you use HDR Light Studio with. We have also stored User Presets separately from the Lightmap supplied Presets, so you can save User Presets on a ‘per client’ or ‘per project’ basis.
More Preset Content
Carbon Drop 3 includes an array of additional preset content, including Backdrop Scoops and Coves, Light Tent, LightPaint Trails, Masks, Lit Tracing Paper, and many more.
Carbon Drop 3 includes an array of additional preset content, including Backdrop Scoops and Coves, Light Tent, LightPaint Trails, Masks, Lit Tracing Paper, and many more.
New Octane Standalone Connection
We have received numerous requests to create a connection for Octane Standalone to use alongside HDR Light Studio. Users love the speed, flexibility, and stability of using Octane Standalone and we are pleased to include this new connection in Carbon Drop 3. The connection is very fast and supports both live HDRI map and Area Light creation and control. Octane Render view is hosted within HDR Light Studio, allowing you to paint lights directly on the final render with fast intuitive feedback.
We have received numerous requests to create a connection for Octane Standalone to use alongside HDR Light Studio. Users love the speed, flexibility, and stability of using Octane Standalone and we are pleased to include this new connection in Carbon Drop 3. The connection is very fast and supports both live HDRI map and Area Light creation and control. Octane Render view is hosted within HDR Light Studio, allowing you to paint lights directly on the final render with fast intuitive feedback.
Updated Houdini Connection
The Houdini connection has been updated to support creation and control of area lights, and we have now included support for Redshift.
The Houdini connection has been updated to support creation and control of area lights, and we have now included support for Redshift.
Updated 3ds Max Connection
The 3ds Max Connection now supports V-Ray Next.
The 3ds Max Connection now supports V-Ray Next.
We are really excited and proud of Carbon Drop 3, and we cannot wait to hear your thoughts and see the incredible work that will be created now it is in your hands. Share your creations with us via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Behance for your chance to be featured.
How do I get Carbon Drop 3?
If you’re an existing HDR Light Studio subscription or maintenance customer, the release is all yours. Simply log in to your account and download now.
If your subscription or maintenance has lapsed you can renew online now. Alternatively, you can take a fully functional 15-day trial or buy here at Toolfarm.
Customer licenses will run any build of HDR Light Studio up to and including the version date as shown in the License Management dialogue. All subscription customers can run the latest releases. Customers with permanent licenses get 1 year of updates from the date of purchase, then need to renew their maintenance to update the version dates in their license files.
What’s new in Carbon Drop 2:
Photographic Exposure Stops
New buttons have been added to the brightness slider. They provide a more photographic approach to adjusting the light brightness. They work by adjusting the brightness relative to its current value. So you can double, halve, increase by 1/3 or decrease by 1/3. This is a really useful addition when an art director wants a light brightening by 1 stop for example. (Double the brightness).
New buttons have been added to the brightness slider. They provide a more photographic approach to adjusting the light brightness. They work by adjusting the brightness relative to its current value. So you can double, halve, increase by 1/3 or decrease by 1/3. This is a really useful addition when an art director wants a light brightening by 1 stop for example. (Double the brightness).
Light Property: Value Blend
Value Blend has been added to the Light Properties panel. It allows blending of the luminosity values from a secondary piece of content with the primary light content. It provides a way to tweak the visual character of a light source. For example, adding a hot spot into an existing softbox, or graduating the light brightness across your light. It can also be used to clamp the brightness within an image, for example clamping the brightness of the sun in an HDRI map.
Value Blend has been added to the Light Properties panel. It allows blending of the luminosity values from a secondary piece of content with the primary light content. It provides a way to tweak the visual character of a light source. For example, adding a hot spot into an existing softbox, or graduating the light brightness across your light. It can also be used to clamp the brightness within an image, for example clamping the brightness of the sun in an HDRI map.
- Content types for Value Blend are: Image, Gradient, Flat and the new Box Gradient
- Blend Modes for Value Blend are: Add, Multiply, Over, Low Pass and Amplify
New Content Type: Box Gradient
Box Gradient is a really useful new content type in HDR Light Studio. It blends a vertical and horizontal ramp. It’s perfect for softening edges or creating a light with a really interesting character that will enhance your reflections. It is perfect to use on Alpha Multiply or the new Value Blend.
Box Gradient is a really useful new content type in HDR Light Studio. It blends a vertical and horizontal ramp. It’s perfect for softening edges or creating a light with a really interesting character that will enhance your reflections. It is perfect to use on Alpha Multiply or the new Value Blend.
All Lights are now Uber Lights
When we released HDR Light Studio version 5, we made it easy to use, so the toolbar created simple lights with fewer settings. But many users don’t take advantage of converting them to Uber Lights that provide far more flexibility and creative options. So in this release, all lights are now created as Uber Lights, which include the Alpha Multiply and Value Blend settings.
When we released HDR Light Studio version 5, we made it easy to use, so the toolbar created simple lights with fewer settings. But many users don’t take advantage of converting them to Uber Lights that provide far more flexibility and creative options. So in this release, all lights are now created as Uber Lights, which include the Alpha Multiply and Value Blend settings.
Region Zoom on the Render View
A tool has been added to the toolbar on the Render View (HDR Light Studio) for region zoom. This was available previously only as a keyboard shortcut. Region zoom is great for positioning lights accurately on small details within the shot.
A tool has been added to the toolbar on the Render View (HDR Light Studio) for region zoom. This was available previously only as a keyboard shortcut. Region zoom is great for positioning lights accurately on small details within the shot.
Light List Buttons Behaviour
Using the buttons on a light in the Light List (on/off, solo, etc) no longer selects the light. It was common for a user to turn off a light and not expect it to be selected, and move a newly hidden light by accident for example. The new behavior avoids this problem.
Using the buttons on a light in the Light List (on/off, solo, etc) no longer selects the light. It was common for a user to turn off a light and not expect it to be selected, and move a newly hidden light by accident for example. The new behavior avoids this problem.
Color Coded Light Properties
With the addition of the new Value Blend on the Light Properties panel, it was easy to confuse which properties you were editing. We have color coded each light property section making it easier to navigate the properties panel.
With the addition of the new Value Blend on the Light Properties panel, it was easy to confuse which properties you were editing. We have color coded each light property section making it easier to navigate the properties panel.
Production Render Speed Improvements
Big performance increase with production renders containing lights using gradient ramps (which is many light types), especially large lights. Additionally, lighting designs containing many small lights will see significant render speeds too, with smarter use of render threads.
Big performance increase with production renders containing lights using gradient ramps (which is many light types), especially large lights. Additionally, lighting designs containing many small lights will see significant render speeds too, with smarter use of render threads.
LUT Control for Preset Panel
The Presets panel now has a LUT drop down to view the presets with correct color space.
Presets Panel also provides links to download Preset lights and Installation instructions if presets are missing.
The Presets panel now has a LUT drop down to view the presets with correct color space.
Presets Panel also provides links to download Preset lights and Installation instructions if presets are missing.
Other changes
- New Maya Connection Interface – Shelf Buttons replace the Panel
- 3ds Max 2019 Connection release
- MODO 12 Connection release
- DeltaGen 2018x and DeltaGen Stage 2018x Connection release
What’s New in Carbon:
This new major release of HDR Light Studio is called Carbon – the element used in the filament of the first commercially available light bulbs. Version numbers have now been replaced with nicknames.
New Render View
Pressing the Play button on the new Render View will start an interactive rendering session in the connected 3D software and display the image in the HDR Light Studio interface. Use LightPaint to click on the render to position lights and see the external render update instantly inside HDR Light Studio. Drag and drop Preset lights too.
Pressing the Play button on the new Render View will start an interactive rendering session in the connected 3D software and display the image in the HDR Light Studio interface. Use LightPaint to click on the render to position lights and see the external render update instantly inside HDR Light Studio. Drag and drop Preset lights too.
The benefits:
Ideal for users with a single display – everything needed to create perfect lighting is now available inside HDR Light Studio’s interface. No need to juggle two interfaces.
For many lighting tasks, HDR Light Studio’s own renderer is no longer needed and can be closed. Freeing resources for your main 3D renderer during your lighting session.
Working directly on the final render enables better lighting decisions – seeing the light interact directly with the final shaders inside HDR Light Studio.
This new Render View is compatible at launch with the following 3D software and renderers:
For many lighting tasks, HDR Light Studio’s own renderer is no longer needed and can be closed. Freeing resources for your main 3D renderer during your lighting session.
Working directly on the final render enables better lighting decisions – seeing the light interact directly with the final shaders inside HDR Light Studio.
This new Render View is compatible at launch with the following 3D software and renderers:
- 3ds Max – V-Ray, Corona, Arnold, Redshift
- Maya – V-Ray, Arnold, Octane, Redshift, RenderMan
We look forward to adding this feature to additional connections in the future.
Faster Area Lights
Area Lights performance has been significantly improved in HDR Light Studio’s own 3D renderer. Area Lights are now created, adjusted and soloed instantly – even when loading huge 3D scenes. This inbuilt renderer is the perfect pre-vis lighting tool when IPR updates are too slow in the connected 3D renderer.
Area Lights performance has been significantly improved in HDR Light Studio’s own 3D renderer. Area Lights are now created, adjusted and soloed instantly – even when loading huge 3D scenes. This inbuilt renderer is the perfect pre-vis lighting tool when IPR updates are too slow in the connected 3D renderer.
3ds Max and Maya Connection Workflow Improvements
- HDR Light Studio is now even easier to use with 3ds Max and Maya. The plug-in now creates the lighting setup for you – simply press Start and begin image based lighting. Bringing the 3D scene into HDR Light Studio is also a click away – press Play and the scene will be automatically imported.
Cinema 4D Connection Improvements
- Redshift and VRAYforC4D 3 now fully supported
- Press play in HDR Light Studio to import the Cinema 4D scene
Additional Improvements:
- HiDPI display support
- LightWave 2018 Connection support
- Change the diffuse color in the Render View (HDR Light Studio)
- Major speed boost to production renders containing Procedural Sky
- Easier client setup with floating licenses
- Now includes a selection of demo scenes
- HDR Light Studio interface layout is stored on a ‘per connection’ basis. Ensuring a preferred interface layout is loaded when using HDR Light Studio with different 3D software.
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