Revit Cloud Rendering – How to Use Autodesk’s Cloud Rendering Services for High-Quality Images

Introduction

Rendering is an essential part of architectural visualization, turning 3D models into photorealistic images that communicate a design’s intent. While Revit includes a built-in rendering engine, Autodesk Cloud Rendering takes visualization to the next level by offering high-quality renders without taxing your local hardware. This guide explores how to use Revit Cloud Rendering, covering setup, rendering options, and tips for producing professional-grade images efficiently.

What is Revit Cloud Rendering?

Revit Cloud Rendering is a service provided by Autodesk that enables users to offload rendering tasks to powerful cloud servers. This approach not only reduces the load on local machines but also delivers faster and more detailed results, even for complex projects.

Key Features of Revit Cloud Rendering:

• High-Quality Renders: Generate photorealistic images with advanced lighting, textures, and shadows.
• Faster Processing: Use Autodesk’s high-performance servers for quicker results.
• Multiple Output Options: Supports still images, panoramas, solar studies, and illuminance simulations.
• Accessible Anywhere: Render from any device with an internet connection via Autodesk’s platform.

Who Benefits from Cloud Rendering?

• Architects presenting detailed visuals to clients.
• Engineers showcasing technical designs.
• Designers creating walkthroughs, sun studies, or lighting analyses.

How to Use Revit Cloud Rendering

1. Prepare Your Model for Rendering

Before sending your model to the cloud, ensure it’s optimized for rendering.

Steps:

1. Apply Materials: Use the Material Browser to assign realistic textures to surfaces.
2. Set Up Lighting: Add natural and artificial lighting to your model:
   • Go to Manage Tab > Location and Settings to configure the geographic location and sunlight.
   • Add artificial lights using the Lighting Fixture Tool.
3. Position the Camera: Create a 3D view or perspective view for rendering.
   • Use the View Cube to adjust the perspective.
   • Crop the view to focus on specific areas.

Pro Tip: Test your setup using a quick render in Revit’s Draft Quality mode to spot any issues.

2. Access the Cloud Rendering Tool

Once your model is ready, access the cloud rendering tool in Revit.

Steps:

1. Sign in to your Autodesk account in Revit.
2. Go to View Tab > Render in Cloud.
3. The Render in Cloud dialog box will appear.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have sufficient cloud credits in your Autodesk account for rendering tasks. Some services, like solar studies or standard renders, may be free, but high-quality outputs often require credits.

3. Configure Cloud Rendering Settings

In the Render in Cloud dialog, configure the following options:

• Output Type:
  • Still Image
  • Panorama
  • Solar Study
  • Illuminance
• Render Quality: Choose from Standard, Final, or Custom settings depending on the desired output.
• Image Size: Specify dimensions (e.g., 1080p or 4K resolution).
• Lighting Scheme: Select lighting modes such as Exterior: Sun Only, Interior: Sun and Artificial, or Interior: Artificial Only.
• File Format: Choose file types like JPG, PNG, or TIFF for export.

Pro Tip: Higher quality and resolution settings will consume more cloud credits but produce better results.

4. Submit the Rendering Task

After configuring the settings:

1. Click Start Rendering.
2. A confirmation message will appear, and the rendering process will begin on Autodesk’s cloud servers.
3. You can continue working in Revit while the render is processed in the background.

Pro Tip: Use the Render Gallery in Autodesk A360 to monitor your rendering progress and view completed images.

5. Download and Share Rendered Images

Once the rendering is complete:

1. Go to the Render Gallery in Autodesk A360 or access it through Revit.
2. View the rendered image and download it to your local device.
3. Use the sharing tools to send the render directly to clients or collaborators.

Advanced Features of Revit Cloud Rendering

1. Panoramas

Create immersive 360-degree panoramas to showcase interiors or exterior views.

Steps:

1. Select Panorama as the output type in the Render in Cloud dialog.
2. Set the camera in the center of the room or space you want to highlight.
3. Share the panorama link with stakeholders for an interactive experience.

Use Case: Present a fully immersive living room layout to a client.

2. Illuminance Analysis

Analyze how light interacts with your design, helping with energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Steps:

1. Select Illuminance as the output type.
2. Define the time of day and location for accurate results.
3. Use the results to optimize window placements or lighting fixtures.

Example: Perform a daylighting analysis to ensure proper lighting in office spaces.

3. Solar Studies

Simulate how sunlight interacts with your building across different times and seasons.

Steps:

1. Select Solar Study in the Render in Cloud dialog.
2. Choose settings for Single Day or Multi-Day studies.
3. Use the analysis to adjust building orientation or shading devices.

Pro Tip: Overlay solar studies on site plans for better client understanding.

Tips for High-Quality Cloud Renders

1. Optimize Materials: Use high-resolution textures and assign realistic properties like reflectivity and transparency.
2. Balance Lighting: Combine sunlight and artificial lights for natural-looking renders.
3. Use Backgrounds: Add a sky, gradient, or custom image background for exterior renders.
4. Check the Perspective: Ensure the camera angle showcases the design’s best features.
5. Post-Processing: Enhance renders in tools like Photoshop for added sharpness and contrast.

Benefits of Using Revit Cloud Rendering

1. Hardware Independence: Offload rendering tasks to Autodesk’s servers, freeing up your local computer.
2. Faster Turnaround: Cloud servers process high-resolution images quickly, even for complex models.
3. Scalable Output: Generate renders in multiple formats, from still images to interactive panoramas.
4. Collaboration: Share rendered images directly through Autodesk’s cloud platform.
5. Energy Efficiency: Reduce the strain on your local workstation while working on large projects.

Common Challenges and Solutions

1. Insufficient Cloud Credits:
   • Solution: Monitor credit usage and plan rendering tasks strategically. Purchase additional credits if needed.
2. Lighting Issues:
   • Solution: Test lighting schemes in draft renders before submitting to the cloud.
3. Render Quality:
   • Solution: Experiment with different resolutions and settings to achieve optimal results.
4. Slow Internet Connection:
   • Solution: Ensure a stable and fast internet connection for uploading and downloading files.

FAQs

1. What is Revit Cloud Rendering?
   Revit Cloud Rendering is an Autodesk service that allows users to generate high-quality renders using cloud-based servers instead of local hardware.
2. How do I access the Render Gallery?
   Log into your Autodesk account and access the Render Gallery via A360 or directly through Revit’s cloud rendering tool.
3. Are cloud rendering services free?
   Some basic services may be free, but high-quality outputs and advanced features typically require Autodesk cloud credits.
4. Can I render 360-degree panoramas in Revit?
   Yes, you can create panoramas using Revit Cloud Rendering and share them for immersive client presentations.
5. Is cloud rendering faster than local rendering?
   Yes, cloud rendering uses Autodesk’s powerful servers, which significantly reduce rendering times compared to local machines.