Arnold for 3DS Max - AOVs and Render Settings

Rendering your 3DS Max scene using Arnold renderer with AOVs

If your 3DS Max scene is rendered with Arnold, and you require multi-pass AOVs, there are two different situations that may arise if you choose to render on StratusCore Render Rocket.

1) You require your output to be multi-layered with a beauty pass, BUT all the layers are included in one file.
(e.g. myrender.exr)

2) You require the output of AOVs and a beauty pass to be rendered as individual files.
(e.g. myrender.jpg, myrender_diffuse.exr, myrender_specular.exr, myrender_Z.exr  etc etc)

In order to render with Arnold and output the correct files on StratusCores Render Rocket, you'll need to make sure your settings match the desired output.

**This help article uses EXR as the example.  It is best practice to use EXR for multi layered output as it is both high dynamic-range (HDR) and space efficient.  EXR was created by ILM specifically for use with visual effects, and is an industry standard format supported by all high-end 3D and compositing programs.  If you're rendering for a linear workflow and want to save space while maintaining quality with lossless compression or rendering a lot of passes, the EXR file format is best.  
(The following instructions assume that you have already setup Arnold as your renderer, and you have visited the Arnold Renderer tab and set up Sampling and Ray Depth etc.)

Merged AOVs

If you require your output to be multi-layered with a beauty pass, BUT all the layers are included in one file.  (e.g. myrender.exr)  There are a few steps that you need to .

(Example of a layered .exr file open in Photoshop.)

With your scene file open in 3DS Max, open the Render Settings window.
F10 OR click Rendering -> Render Setup...

Click on the AOV tab.
Under the AOV fly-out, "Add new AOV Output File" should be set to;
File Type (driver): -> EXR
And then click [Add AOV File]

At this point you can add ALL desired AOVs.  Keep in mind that if you desire ONE (1) EXR which contains layers, please choose all the AOVs now.  Check "Add AOVS to single file"

After you have chosen all of the necessary AOVs, 3DS will show your choices.  Make sure it says "Add AOV Channel(s) this this EXR file..."  Also, make sure Output File Settings is Active.

After you have completed the previous steps, please click File -> Reference -> Asset Tracking and remove all absolute path references.  Save your scene.

You are ready to upload your assets and run a test render.

Un-Merged AOVs

If you require the output of AOVs and a beauty pass to be rendered as individual files.
(e.g. myrender.jpg, myrender_diffuse.exr, myrender_specular.exr, myrender_Z.exr  etc etc)

With your scene file open in 3DS Max, open the Render Settings window.
F10 OR click Rendering -> Render Setup...

Click on the AOV tab.
Under the AOV fly-out, "Add new AOV Output File" should be set to;
File Type (driver): -> EXR
And then click [Add AOV File]

Choose the appropriate AOV or AOVs.  Check "Add AOVS to single file", and then click the Add button.

For the next AOV, (and all other necessary AOVs) click [Add AOV File] and repeat the process by choosing the appropriate AOV, click Add.

When you have completed adding AOVs your AOV tab should look something like this:

After you have completed the previous steps, please click File -> Reference -> Asset Tracking and remove all absolute path references.  Save your scene.

You are now ready to upload your assets and run a test render.

Not finding what you are looking for here? Try our searchable Help Resources or contact our support team for more information.  You can always email support@stratuscore.com for technical questions.  Don't hesitate to contact us - we are here to help you get your renders done and meet your deadlines.