The Sky's the Limit with Artlantis 4.1's new HDRI Backgrounds feature

Artlantis 4.1 continues to dazzle and amaze with a rich set of excellent new features, including the new HDRI Background environments option. We're going to break down exactly what an HDR image is, and how you can start using them today to help create an immersive, detailed environment with realistic ambient lighting effects in your renderings.

High Dynamic Range Image (or Imaging) is a method of capturing a higher range of lighting intensities in an image by taking multiple photographs of the exact same view at variety of different exposures. Through the use of software, the photographs are merged into a single HDR image file, which can then be manipulated in different ways through the use of tone mapping. Tone mapping enables the full range of intensities in the image to be utilized at will, creating anything from a subdued effect that simply better balances the contrast between light & dark areas of the image, to an extremely exaggerated effect where the high contrast creates an otherworldly atmosphere.

In 3D rendering applications like Artlantis, HDR images tends toward the more subdued, balanced use of background imagery to create realistic-looking immersive 360-degree environments. But, because the full range of lighting exposures are embedded into an HDR image, that same image can also serve as a light source for the scene, creating highly convincing ambient lighting on the surfaces of the 3D model.

What does all this mean, then? Simplicity! Select your HDR image in the Perspective Inspector: Environment settings: Background settings, then click on the HDRI button to turn on HDR lighting and adjust the intensity. Optionally, you can still add a heliodon (with or without shadows and lens flare) to create additional daylighting effects in an HDRI-lit scene. Now, it's your turn to download the free HDRI samples and try it out on your model in Artlantis 4.1!

 Download the Artlantis 30-day Demo

 Download the HDRI Samples

 Artlantis 4.1 Pricing and Ordering

Adding HDRI Backgrounds in Artlantis 4.1

Artlantis 4.1 makes it possible to use HDR images for backgrounds. HDRIs generate a spherical environment around your scene and at the same time also generate an overall illumination with shadows and full, 360 degree reflections. Watch this video and learn how to use HDR images for your background.

 Watch the Video

 Download the Artlantis 30-day Demo

Render[in] 2 for SketchUp is Here!

Powered by Artlantis 4’s rendering engine, Render[in] 2 gives SketchUp users the high-definition, realistic renderings they've been looking for, in a robust, easy-to-use application.

Render[in]2 New Features:

New Radiosity Engine
Improves images for a better perception of colors, textures, and materials. Thanks to both the ISO and Shutter parameters, it is now easier than ever to fine-tune a scene's lighting.

iVisit3D Panoramas
Create a true, virtual tour inside your project with multi-node panoramas. Everything needed for viewing panoramas on your website is created with Render[in].

New Neon Lighting
Colors applied to surfaces can be turned into light sources. In Render[in] 2, users can easily adjust the power and the color of lights.

New Background Image
Users can import a background image for scenes. This new function makes it possible to insert the model in its real site and thus, show it in its future environment.

Bump Mapping
Apply an independent bump map to simulate an optional relief of surfaces.

And More...

• Up to 2x faster than ever

• Modify the infinite ground altitude in the environment palette

• Export your SketchUp file with all the rendering parameters directly to Artlantis 4

• Render your image in PSD format with all the rendering information on different layers

 Render[in]2 Pricing and Ordering

Artlantis 4.1 Offers New Physical Camera option with ISO/Shutter Speed Settings

We are excited to announce the release of Artlantis 4.1. This latest update takes visualization to new heights by combining the speed and ease-of-use of Artlantis with the power and accuracy of Maxwell Render. Artlantis 4.1 is a free update for all Artlantis 4 users and includes a 30-day demo version of the Maxwell Render engine. An unlocking code for the Maxwell Render engine can be purchased separately on Objects Online.

There has been a lot of buzz about the Maxwell Render engine, and we'll be covering that in depth in a future article, but today we're going to focus on one of the other key new features: the new Physical Camera setting. Automatic lighting adjustment has been available since Artlantis 3, but with Artlantis 4.1, an additional Lighting option called Physical Camera is available in the Expert Rendering Parameters (will only be visible if Expert Rendering Parameters are enabled in the general Artlantis preferences). When Physical Camera is checked, the First Bounce/Next Bounces sliders are replaced with ISO/Shutter Speed sliders.

In photography, ISO refers to how sensitive the film (or a digital camera's sensor) is to light in the scene, while shutter speed refers to the length of time the camera's aperture stays open when taking a picture. As with a real camera, increasing ISO increases light sensitivity (brightening the scene), while increasing shutter speed decreases exposure time (darkening the scene). These two controls work in combination to balance the exposure, enabling you to think like a photographer when composing the scene. When used with the Artlantis Tone and Post-Process parameters, your renderings can take on a warm, rich photographic quality.

 Download the Artlantis 4.1 30-day Demo

 Artlantis Pricing and Ordering

 Maxwell Render Engine Pricing and Ordering