POV-Ray-Rendering Workbench
Introduction[edit | edit source]
The POV-Ray-Rendering Workbench is an external workbench built to make rendering easy but it also offers options for advanced users. The workbench uses the POV-Ray renderer.
Features[edit | edit source]
Applying textures[edit | edit source]
There are more than 100 predefined textures you can apply, but you can also define your own textures.
Thumbnails and live preview[edit | edit source]
To see the impact of the selected texture options you can check the pre-rendered thumbnail or use the live preview to render the texture.
Lighting[edit | edit source]
With the three light types: area light, point light and spot light, and their different options, you can create advanced lighting.
Indirect lighting (GI)[edit | edit source]
The workbench has the option to enable indirect lighting to create more realistic images.
HDRI environments[edit | edit source]
With support for HDRI environments, beautiful environments are simple to use.
User inc file[edit | edit source]
Power users who want access to all options of the POV-Ray renderer can do so by creating a special file. For more details see the Power User page on our Wiki.
Usage[edit | edit source]
Here is a simple demonstration of the workbench:
There are many more options on the other tabs, please explore them yourself, or you can visit our Wiki: Workbench Wiki
Installation[edit | edit source]
This workbench can be installed and updated from the Addon Manager. The POV-Ray renderer used by the workbench has to be installed separately. For Windows users, the installer can be downloaded from the POV-Ray Download Page, for Linux users it can usually be installed from the package manager. Look up the detailed instructions in the POV-Ray Wiki if you're on a Mac.
To complete the installation the path to the POV-Ray executable has to be defined in the workbench preferences, usually these are the default paths:
- Windows: C:/Program Files/POV-Ray/v3.7/bin/pvengine64.exe (the v*.* folder may change depending on the POV-Ray version)
- Linux: /usr/bin/povray
- MacOS: Not available. If you have more information, please let us know.
Tools[edit | edit source]
OpenDialog: Opens the dialog where most of the work is done. Here you can apply textures, add HDRI environments, etc. and start the rendering.
References[edit | edit source]
- Authors:
- Usb Hub: https://gitlab.com/usbhub
- DerUhrmacher: https://gitlab.com/DerUhrmacher
- Source code on GitHub: https://github.com/TheRaytracers/freecad-povray-render
Links to POV-Ray Workbench[edit | edit source]
- Workbench Wiki: https://gitlab.com/usbhub/exporttopovray/-/tree/master/doc
- FreeCAD Forum: https://forum.freecad.org/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=48629
- Report bugs: Please report bugs at GitHub or the FreeCAD Forum
Other useful links[edit | edit source]
- Getting started
- Installation: Download, Windows, Linux, Mac, Additional components, Docker, AppImage, Ubuntu Snap
- Basics: About FreeCAD, Interface, Mouse navigation, Selection methods, Object name, Preferences, Workbenches, Document structure, Properties, Help FreeCAD, Donate
- Help: Tutorials, Video tutorials
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- Hubs: User hub, Power users hub, Developer hub
