News - Maxwell Render News
13/07/2010 - form·Z plug-in updates :: Version 2.0.2.4
form·Z
New Features
  • "Automatic" filepath generation option. Creates and saves uniquely named MXS, MXI, and Image files upon activating renderer. Provides options for automatically creating uniquely named subfolders to keep Maxwell Render projects organized, and avoids naming collisions.
  • "Image Only" file path generation option. Use for preliminary testing, where only the   rendered image is needed and not the MXS or MXI. Saves the output image to the current project folder (or a custom folder) and avoids naming collisions. Keeps MXS files and dependencies out of your way, storing them in a temporary, invisible folder which is deleted upon exiting formZ.

  • "Dependencies Subfolder": Option to have plugin created in an automatically-named subfolder within the MXS folder, where Maxwell Render dependencies will be copied. Helps to keep complex scenes tidy.

  • "Network Render": Exports the MXS directly to the 'Add job wizard' of the Network Manager.
  • "Pack-and-Go Project": This feature packages all Maxwel Renderl-related files in preparation to move formZ project to another workstation.

  • "Pack-and-Go Scene": This feature copies all necessary Maxwell Render dependencies and places them in the same folder with MXS. The resulting folder is completely portable and ready to render on another workstation or renderfarm.

  • Added 'Delete' buttons for all filepath fields.
Performance Improvements
  • Export of smooth objects is 100 -1000+ times faster than previous speed, depending on the smooth meshing parameters of the object.
  • When 'Disable Textures' is enabled, MXS export for scenes with procedural textures is significantly faster.
Bug Fixes
  • Progress bar during export now functions properly, and text updates are more informative
  • Now possible to cancel the MXS export process (with scenes with high resolution procedural textures or densely meshed objects. Press and hold the 'cancel' key shortcut for best results)
  • When Sky Dome 'use sun' is active, sun settings from Physical Sky/ formZ sun are now correctly exported
  • When changing Manual file paths for MXI and Image, filename now displayed correctly immediately upon dismissing file open dialog
  • When rendering files with procedural textures, additional, empty garbage files are no longer written to project folder (OSX only)
  • All "Illumination and Caustics" render layer settings are now exported correctly. (The GUI in this area has also been improved for clarity.)
  • Image type pulldown is now remembered when project is saved
  • Sky is now correctly hidden when IBL > Use For Disabled Channels is set to None and channels are disabled.