Option: Cube | Fixed Cube

 

The Global Environment Type setting lets you choose whether a standard "Cube" or "Fixed Cube" environment will be formed around your render scene by the chosen High Dynamic-Range Images.

 

When choosing "Cube", your cubical map will be automatically sized and positioned around the scene by TurboCAD. This is quick and in many cases a good choice. Figure 1 shows a typical render using a "Cube" Global Environment Type. In the following examples, the HDRI files used are visible in the scene to help illustrate the differences between "Cube" and "Fixed Cube".

 

figure 1 - "Cube"

 

 

 

Choosing "Fixed Cube" gives you more flexibility by allowing you to size and position the cubical map around the scene. This gives you more control over how the images will appear in the background and in reflections. You'll also have more control over how the lighting generated by the images lands on the objects in your scene. In figure 2 below, the "Fixed Cube" is sized roughly to the width of the pot, which is 8 units. The "Z" field is given a value of 4 units which raises the cube and allows more light to land on the checkered floor. Notice also how the two lights reflected in the front of the pot are now positioned higher, changing the shape and look of their reflection.

 

figure 2 - "Fixed Cube" (Size=8, X=0, Y=0, Z=4)

 

 

 

Figure 3 shows the result of moving the cube from figure 2 in the "X" direction by 4 units. The lighting shifts toward the left side of the image and the front two lights are again repositioned on the pot.

 

figure 3 - "Fixed Cube" (Size=8, X=4, Y=0, Z=4)

 

 

 

Global Environment Type corresponds to the "Global Environment" setting of the Render Scene Environment Editor in TurboCAD. Figures 4 & 5 show both "Cube" and "Fixed Cube" settings.

 

figure 4 - Global Environment - "Cube"

 

 

 

figure 5 - Global Environment - "Fixed Cube"