AccuRender Studio

AccuRender Studio is the newest version of the AccuRender product line.  It represents the first major release since the nXt product line.  It is currently available for free as a work-in-progress.  The new feature list is large, please take a look.  Download, installation, and operating instructions are below.

Features:

• New AutoCAD plugin
  • All data is stored in the AutoCAD drawing
  • Legacy data is automatically captured if a recent version of nXtRender for AutoCAD is running, see requirements.
• Built-in Intel Open Image Denoise
  • Most drawings are 4-10 times faster using noise removal!
  • Runs on most Intel-based computers.  Special GPU hardware is not required. 
• New Render engine
  • Engine is parameter-free, physically-based, realistic, simpler to use.
  • Rendered preview shows your changes quickly.
  • Effects like caustics are generated automatically, without user input.
  • Large numbers of lights can be used without significant performance degradation.
  • Support for parallel processing has been improved, whether using multiple cores on a single machine, or multiple machines.
  • Lighting channel concept has been expanded and improved.
• Cloud Rendering and Data
  • Support included for rendering to your own Azure Batch account.
  • Our cloud account can be used with a credit card.
  • Plant and material cloud libraries are easily accessed.
• Out-of-AutoCAD operation
  • Option for out-of-process rendering so you can continue to work in AutoCAD.
  • Includes a full standalone AccuRender Studio version includes input from a variety of sources.
  • Render farm support improved and included.
  • Plants can be exported as meshes for use in other rendering and modeling software.
• New data formats
  • New material format allows for easier creation of realistic surfaces.
  • New plant format offers more realistic, easier to create, plants.

Requirements:

64 bit system.

AutoCAD 2013-2018.

If you wish to include legacy nXtRender data such as materials and lighting, you'll need a recent copy of the nXtRender for AutoCAD product.  See the Download->nXtRender and nXt menu option.  A release date of 1/15 or later is recommended.

Instructions:

1. Download and install AccuRender Studio.
2. Open an AutoCAD session.
3. Load the correct .net AccuRender Studio plugin for your version of AutoCAD by typing netload at the command prompt (not appload!) and navigating to

    c:\program files\AccuRender Studio.  The plugin versions are:

    ArStudioAcadPlugin-2013-2014.dll

    ArStudioAcadPlugin-2015-2016.dll

    ArStudioAcadPlugin-2017.dll

    ArStudioAcadPlugin-2018.dll

    ArStudioAcadPlugin-2019.dll (should work for AutoCAD 2020 as well)

    You should only have to do this step once. The file will be demand loaded after that.

4. Optionally load nXtRender (by typing nxt at the command line, for example).
5. Type arstudio at the command line to run the command.

AutoCAD commands:

ArStudio-- brings up the full product interface including a render preview window.

ArPlants-- allows loading placement of plants.

ArTagLights and ArUntagLights-- select (or unselect) objects to be treated as AccuRender lights.

ArQMap-- quickly and planar or box material mapping to an object

ArDecal-- place and edit decals.

ArScene-- writes an external scene file for use by AccuRender Studio standalone or others.

ArRemoveData-- removes the new AccuRender Studio data from your drawing.  May be useful for recapturing legacy data.