Thoughts on Maxwell render

frv · 5 Feb 2010, 09:29

Hi, I am a Maxwell user, as well as Modo and SU and Vectorworks,

Since the current plugin for v2 is not really good yet I started to work with Studio exclusively to render my SU work.
As a result my work has become better looking and I have saved a lot of time as well. I render now 300Mb+ models all made in parts in SU and rendered from Studio to Maxwell.

In Studio big models are rather smooth but in Sketchup they are unworkable. I am beginning to see that Maxwell/Studio is one of the few options one has to render very large combined SU models.
Here are the advantages to render with a renderapp. that has its own standalone modeling/rendering window.

models can be made in small SU-parts and rendered assembled in the renderapp.
materialising is fast and easy as compared to the slow material panel in SU.
previews can be made quick without the need to export lots of geometry for each preview.

Am I right to see that when choosing a render application you need to look into how you handle big models with trees, cars, furniture lighting etc. If you have to keep it all in one SU file your presentations will be rather limited.
Francois

jason_maranto · 7 Feb 2010, 17:27

Hey Francois,

Yeah, Maxwell Studio definitely has many advantages over direct output from Sketchup as far as rendering with Maxwell goes... the resistance I see is that most users want a simple to use (meaning no or little learning curve from Sketchup) which is very difficult to do as the design philosophies of the 2 softwares are compatible only in that both deal with Geometry and are openGL based (studio viewports).

My main reason for preferring studio is the ability to bring in models done in different applications (like Z-brush) to composite into a scene which is sometimes just not possible in Sketchup -- especially high poly details... and Maxwell definitely likes to have high poly input versus low poly.

I don't even bother applying materials in Sketchup unless they are basic Maxwell materials -- speaking of which I have a library of a couple thousand RAL colors in various materials for Maxwell in matching Sketchup materials... the idea being that for basic materials you can just use the Sketchup material browser to get things assigned quickly without having to even use Maxwell until you are set for final output.

If you want a copy of those material libraries I'd be happy to share.

Best,
Jason.

dmatho · 8 Feb 2010, 02:08

Check this out, Felix Render is an online system based off of Maxwell - http://www.felixrender.com/

Cheers,

. Diego .

frv · 8 Feb 2010, 22:57

Hi Jason, your right about Studio and mixing models from different modelers. Thats a big pre over other render app's. We just bought Vray though since I got tired of the grainy interior renderings. For exterior Maxwell is just great and fast too but the interiors are just a nightmare to render.

I am interested in your library although I have little to offer back. You are not referring to the RAL library that is posted at the Maxwell forum ?
If you like you can send me a message for sharing your library.
Tx. Francos

antade · 27 May 2010, 01:50

I am interested in the Material Library.... but also... does anyone know how to smooth objects in Maxwell Render?
I am tired of seeing square tires.... but the smoothing under Object Parameters / Display, doesn't help

Thanks,

AA

jason_maranto · 27 May 2010, 10:49

Set the smoothing angle you prefer (roughly the same as the soften smooth edges dialog in Sketchup) -- then hit recalculate.

Best,
Jason.