Cup Rendering

Rendering in Fusion 360

When an artist is working on a 3D model, they manipulate a mathematical representation of points and surfaces, specifically vertices and polygons, in three-dimensional space.

The term rendering refers to the calculations performed by a 3D software package that translates the scene from a mathematical approximation into a finalized 2D image. During this process, the entire scene's spatial, textural, and lighting information are combined to create a high-quality view of the model.

Rendering allows us to place our 3D model in an environment where we can simulate different light sources, materials, and reflective surfaces, enabling the export of high-quality images or videos to showcase our work.

Fusion 360 supports both local and cloud (remote) rendering. Local rendering can significantly slow down your computer, while cloud rendering utilizes Autodesk's computers to render the image, often resulting in quicker processing times. However, Autodesk limits the number of cloud renders you can perform each day, as each render consumes both electricity and computational resources.

The fastest rendering option is in-canvas rendering. This method is limited in resolution to the size of the window you are working in and is processed directly on your computer.

Rendering a Static Image in Fusion 360

Step 1: Begin by loading the model you wish to render.

Next, click on the menu in the top left corner and select "Render".

Step 2: Next, adjust your model's position until you find a view you like. Then, follow these steps:

- Open the Scene Settings dropdown.
- Set the Background to Environment.
- Check the "Ground Plane" box to create a surface beneath the model, allowing for shadows to be cast by the light.
- Select the Environment Library tab and drag different environments into your render workspace until you find one that suits your model. Generally, plainer environments yield better results.

Step 3: With the environment set up (sharp highlights work well for the mug!), you can now rotate the environment to achieve a better view, shadow, or reflection.

Step 4: To experiment with different materials for your render, open the setup menu and select Appearance (or press A). Then, drag and drop materials onto your model until you find a finish that you like.

Step 5: Once you're satisfied with the view, lighting, and appearance, you can perform an in-canvas render.

Click the in-canvas render button and wait for the process to progress to a quality you find acceptable. Initially, the image will appear very blurry; however, the longer you leave it, the clearer it will become as the computer calculates the scene. Generally, a minute or two of processing should suffice.

Step 6: Once you are satisfied with the render:

Click the Capture Image button.
Select OK.
Tick the box to "Save to your computer."
Choose a suitable location to save the image (e.g., your Google Drive is a good option).

Step 7: Take a look at the image:

Full rendering and turntable rendering in Fusion 360

Fusion 360 also allows you to use Autodesk's cloud service for high-quality renders and turntable renders, showcasing your model from 360 degrees.

Step 1: To start a cloud render, position your model as you did for the in-canvas render.

Click Render.
Select your export settings, choose the desired resolution, and decide between cloud or local rendering. Note that you receive 16 credits per day for cloud rendering; it's advisable to save these credits for turntable renders, which must be done in the cloud.

Step 2: Once your render is complete, it will be available in the render thumbnail bar. You can download it and use it as you wish.

Step 3: If you’d like a turntable render of your object, you need to send it to the cloud renderer, which will require spending credits.

Open your render from the thumbnail bar.
Click the turntable render button at the top.
Select your desired settings (note that 36 frames will yield better quality than 6).
To save credits, choose the mobile or web resolution options.

Press "Render" to submit your job to Autodesk. A thumbnail will appear in your rendering gallery, indicating how long you need to wait for the job to complete.

Step 4: Click on the render in the rendering gallery to see the remaining time before the job is complete.

Step 5: Once your rotation render is complete, you can save it as an MP4 file and convert it to a GIF for use in presentations or evidence. Here’s how you can do that:

Save the Render: After the rotation render is finished, save the file in MP4 format.
Convert MP4 to GIF: To convert your MP4 file to a GIF, you can use various online tools. Here are a few options:
- Adobe Express: This free online converter allows you to upload your MP4 file, select the desired quality, and download the GIF. You can also trim the video and adjust the aspect ratio before conversion.
- VEED.IO: This platform supports MP4 to GIF conversion and offers additional editing features. You can upload your file, select the output format, and convert it easily.

By following these steps, you can easily create a GIF from your rotation render for your needs.

Page updated

Report abuse