So I guess It's time to render! Any tips?

gorygreg

I have completed my park layout as far as structural elements with SSB skins. So next I want to add textures(cement) and color, grass, trees and bushes.
I think I am going to save the file as a new name and then figure out how to render it somehow.

Should I soften edges of my SSB skins? (The desired look would be similar to a curvy, free flowing pool.

If I render a component, wouldn't that change all the copies in the file?

What about time? THis is the size I found in the model info: (2957.83KB (3028813 Bytes))

Any tips and advice would be great!

Gaieus

You should d4efinitely soften the SSB skins.

Now as for texturing components:

if you enter the context ("Edit") a component and texture it that way, all the instances will inherit the changes (since you modify the component definition).
if you apply a texture while outside its context, you will only paint that particular instance and none of the other instances will be affected. This will however provide you with limited texturing tools (since you cannot position a texture this way for instance). Works best with simple colours.

remus

Im not sure how big your park is, but if youve got lots of SSB then its probably worth keeping an eye on the poly count, especially when you start adding vegetation.

Perhaps think about using a render app which supports instancing? then youd be able ot lower the number of polys significantly.

gorygreg

Thanks everyone,
Do you have any suggestions about render applications that support instances. Price info would help too!

Gaieus

Kerkythea does instancing (as for the price - well - it's free)

remus

Theres also indigo which can do instancing, i find the interface a bit more intuitive as well, but thats probably just me.