Physically based renderer in 3D Window - Experimental feature

Try physically based rendering in the 3D window - instead of the default renderer.

Physically based rendering delivers a much more vivid and realistic appearance while you explore the 3D model. The feature simulates the soft shadows that naturally occur when indirect or ambient lighting is cast onto a scene. The lighting remains constant while the user navigates in 3D (no headlight effect).

Enable this feature

  1. Go to Options > Work Environment > More Options > Experimental Features.
  2. Check the box to Enable Physically Based Rendering in 3D.

This is an experimental feature, which may change or disappear in a future release. Please try it out!

See Experimental Features.

After enabling the feature, open the 3D window to explore the design and see the difference.

Figure 1. Physically based rendering OFF
PBROff.png
Figure 2. Physically based rendering ON
PBROn.png

You can fine-tune the 3D visualization using 3D Styles or Sunlight settings.

Limitations:

  • Contours (in 3D Styles) are not currently visible with physically based rendering. (See 3D Styles)
  • Color and intensity settings for Sunlight (in Sunlight settings) do not affect physically based rendering. But you can adjust the color and intensity of Ambient light. (See Sunlight Settings)
  • “Perspective warping” optimizes the shadow map. One shortcoming of the algorithm is when the camera aligns near the light source (so-called “dueling frusta“). In this scenario, the algorithm has to fall back to standard shadow mapping (where no perspective warping can be applied).