Rendering Software

[Red]

Which software is the best for life like renderings? There are so many out there to choose from. Please don't mention Art-Lantis.


Is their a list out there comparing software? Pros and Cons?

[TomWaltz]

I've been a pretty long proponent of Cinema 4D.

It's stunning in breadth and depth, has tons of user support, and is relatively inexpensive for the full suite of add-ons.

[Red]

TomWaltz wrote:
I've been a pretty long proponent of Cinema 4D.

It's stunning in breadth and depth, has tons of user support, and is relatively inexpensive for the full suite of add-ons.

What format do you export out of AC to bring into 4D?

[TomWaltz]

C4D has an add-on called Exchange that you can buy so Archicad can save directly to C4D format.

This creates a giant grouped object of your Archicad model in C4D that you can update, but still keep material changes and any additions you made in C4D.

In other words, you can make changes to your Archicad model and have C4D pick up the changes.... kind of like a Module in a way.

It's $100 for the add-on, and worth every dime.

[Red]

TomWaltz wrote:
C4D has an add-on called Exchange that you can buy so Archicad can save directly to C4D format.

This creates a giant grouped object of your Archicad model in C4D that you can update, but still keep material changes and any additions you made in C4D.

In other words, you can make changes to your Archicad model and have C4D pick up the changes.... kind of like a Module in a way.

It's $100 for the add-on, and worth every dime.

That sounds like a real time saver if you forget to add something!!!! I will look into C4D.

[TomWaltz]

Red wrote:

TomWaltz wrote:
C4D has an add-on called Exchange that you can buy so Archicad can save directly to C4D format.

This creates a giant grouped object of your Archicad model in C4D that you can update, but still keep material changes and any additions you made in C4D.

In other words, you can make changes to your Archicad model and have C4D pick up the changes.... kind of like a Module in a way.

It's $100 for the add-on, and worth every dime.

That sounds like a real time saver if you forget to add something!!!! I will look into C4D.

I'll warn you now, it's not that easy to learn, but does have tons of support out there. (I like C4DCafe.com)

Their sales Rep Rafi is really nice and is almost anxious to help when she can.

[Djordje]

Red wrote:
Which software is the best for life like renderings? There are some many out there to choose from. Please don't mention Art-Lantis.

The one that you know how to make life like renderings with.

[Red]

Djordje wrote:

Red wrote:
Which software is the best for life like renderings? There are some many out there to choose from. Please don't mention Art-Lantis.

The one that you know how to make life like renderings with.

[Dwight]

You have asked a loaded question.

The REAL question you are asking is "Which software is best for lifelike renderings that is AUTOMATIC?"

The answer is: none.

Abvent try hard to make as simple an interface as possible, and high quality renderings from that application can be made. Attached is my first rendering in Artlantis. So if you have trouble with Artlantis, you will certainly be challenged by harder, more complicated software - that all of the best rendering packages are: more difficult than Artlantis. It is a good way to learn the principles of surfaces and lighting because of its previewing speed.

But I don't recommend it as the best, merely as an expedient way to make prettier images if you have the time.

If you want lifelike renderings, it represents a life changing investment of time, effort and money. It is not automatic, no matter what you purchase.


NOT AUTOMATIC.

Immediately, you want to consider:

VIZ
Cinema 4D
LightWave
Electric Image

Check out their on-line communities and see if you like the personalities there.
Check out their extensions and Add-Ons. You don't get lifelike without textures and libraries of special entourage. For example, you'll want to invest in a tree generating program like Xfrog or Onyx Tree Pro.

I personally prefer Cinema 4D because the rendering module is integrated into the modeling scheme.Some other applications make clear separation between model and render functions.

It has many add-ons and a vibrant community.

RPC function is a necessity - RPC make photo figures and entourage... Amazingly real.

You never get to be a good illustrator if you don't like to spend hours experimenting and tweaking. To this end, be sure that the application you choose can access a remote RENDER FARM - there are several [Render King, to name one] for hire. You buy time so that you can test changes faster.

Good luck, but remember the next time you see a fantastic rendering that it just didn't pop out of the box.

[Red]

Dwight wrote:
You have asked a loaded question.

The REAL question you are asking is "Which software is best for lifelike renderings that is AUTOMATIC?"

The answer is: none.

Abvent try hard to make as simple an interface as possible, and high quality renderings from that application can be made. Attached is my first rendering in Artlantis. So if you have trouble with Artlantis, you will certainly be challenged by harder, more complicated software - that all of the best rendering packages are: more difficult than Artlantis. It is a good way to learn the principles of surfaces and lighting because of its previewing speed.

But I don't recommend it as the best, merely as an expedient way to make prettier images if you have the time.

If you want lifelike renderings, it represents a life changing investment of time, effort and money. It is not automatic, no matter what you purchase.


NOT AUTOMATIC.

Immediately, you want to consider:

VIZ
Cinema 4D
LightWave
Electric Image

Check out their on-line communities and see if you like the personalities there.
Check out their extensions and Add-Ons. You don't get lifelike without textures and libraries of special entourage. For example, you'll want to invest in a tree generating program like Xfrog or Onyx Tree Pro.

I personally prefer Cinema 4D because the rendering module is integrated into the modeling scheme.Some other applications make clear separation between model and render functions.

It has many add-ons and a vibrant community.

RPC function is a necessity - RPC make photo figures and entourage... Amazingly real.

You never get to be a good illustrator if you don't like to spend hours experimenting and tweaking. To this end, be sure that the application you choose can access a remote RENDER FARM - there are several [Render King, to name one] for hire. You buy time so that you can test changes faster.

Good luck, but remember the next time you see a fantastic rendering that it just didn't pop out of the box.

First off I didn't ask for an AUTOMATIC rendering. (Which software is the best for life like renderings?) Second Artlantis is far from challenging. I'm sure that Artlantis can produce lifelike rendering, but I just don't like the software ------- the same way I dislike AutoCAD.

Amazingly I'm capable of buying, learning, and spending money to get software like C4D etc...........

With that aside C4D does seem like a nice piece of software with the add-on Archicad Exchange, tutorials, and online forums/communities.