Using the Image Layers group of attributes the user specifies one or several layers of images to output simultaneously from the rendering process. By default, the Image Layers group of attributes is setup to output only one image layer: the RGBA components representing the main image, also commonly referred to as the Beauty. It is possible to add any number of layers, each set to output any complementary information to the Beauty image, such as: Such layers can be useful for compositors to have many options while composing the final image and/or rapidly establishing the right light balance. All the layers are rendered simultaneously. Adding many layers do not generally increase rendering time significantly. Windows only: Writing to disk many Image Layers may result in a performance bottleneck on Windows file systems. This is not the case on more efficient file systems such as Linux (ext4) and MacOSX (hfs+).Overview
The Image Layers group
Global Options
Default Image Filename
Specifies the default file location for the image layers. By default, the location is based on the scene name, the render pass name and the AOV name.
Default Image Format
Specifies the default file format for the image layers, including the pixel bit depth. The default is 16-bit float EXR files.
The supported file formats are:
| Name | Extension | Description | Bit Depth | Multi-Layer Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TIFF |
| TIFF format. | 8-bit integer | Yes_ (Layers can have different data types.) |
OpenEXR | .exr | The Open EXR format. OpenEXR is a high dynamic-range (HDR) image file format developed by Industrial Light & Magic. | 16-bit float | Yes _______________ |
OpenEXR (deep) | .exr | The Open EXR "deep" image format (introduced in Open EXR 2.0). Each pixel can contain multiple values at different depths. | 16-bit float | Yes |
JPEG | .jpg | JPEG format. | 8-bit integer | No |
PNG | .png | PNG format. | 8-bit integer | No |
8-bit images are saved with a sRGB gamma correction.
16-bit integer, 16-bit float and 32-bit float images are saved as "raw" data, without any gamma correction.
Image Layers (AOVs) List
The second section of the Image Layers group is used to specify the list all the layers that will be generated during the rendering process (subject to the selection of any of the three output toggles in the list). By default, the list is populated with only one image layer, the RGBA ("Beauty") layer.
List of Layers (AOVs)
Each layer can be selected to be displayed on screen while rendering or be saved to file or both. They can be saved in the specified format and also simultaneously in JPEG (similar in concept to a digital camera that can save simultaneously a RAW and a JPEG image). These outputs (display on screen and save to file) for each layer is controlled using three toggles located left of the layer name in the list. If no output toggles are selected, the image layer with its AOV is inactive.
Toggle | Output Destination |
|---|---|
display on screen | Enables the display of the image layer in a window on screen: either in the Cinema4D Render View or 3Delight Display. The selection of which window (and accordingly which application) is a user preference that can be specified in the 3Delight Preferences. Unlike 3Delight Display, the Cinem4D Render View does not support to display simultaneously multiple layers. When this toggle is enable for multiple layers, only the first one is displayed. |
file output | Enables the output of the image layer to file using the file format and location specified by the Default Image Filename and Default Image Format attributes (unless overridden for that layer in the options listed below the list of layers). |
jpeg output | Enables the output of the image layer as a JPEG. The file location is the same as specified for the standard file, only this time with the |
If all three toggles are selected, the image layer will be outputted simultaneously in a screen window, on file and as a jpeg. Below the list of layers there are four buttons. Except for Add, their function applies to the selected layers in the list:
Add...
For adding layers. The AOV Selector will pop for enabling one or more AOVs. All the AOVs selected in the AOV Selector are presented in the list of layers.
Remove
Select one or more layers in the list and press Remove to remove. Note that the RGBA ("Beauty") layer can not be removed.
Duplicate
Select a layer in the list and press Duplicate to duplicate. You can then change some of the per layer attributes for any of the duplicated layer (otherwise you simply end up with exactly the same Layer/AOV without any difference). For example, you can have two Diffuse layers saved in different file format, or each with a different Pixel Filter or Display Subset (specified in the Advanced groups of attributes).
View...
Select a layer and press View to view it. This opens the Image Filename for that layer in a viewing application. Refer to the 3Delight Preferences for how to select which application should be launched.