basic HDRI setup

[highpoly]

I am trying to understand the basic setup for using HDRI in vray with MAX. I am a bit oonfused about where HDRI maps should go...for example

1. there is the environment map/slot in MAX
2. in standard raytrace map, there is a slot for use max environment map or select a map there.
3. there are map slots in Vray GI environment for maps (skylight and ref/refraction).

so far, I THINK what is correct is to use a HDRI map in Env GI slot and this will light your GI using the map and overide MAX enviroment. The environment map in MAX is just for what gets SEEN and possibly reflected in Raytrace maps (if you choose to use MAX environment)....is this correct?

my head is starting to hurt. I know its a very basic question, so please bear with me..

any help is greatly appreciated..

marc

[DaForce]

Ok first things first. Dont use max's raytrace maps when using Vray...never ever ever
They cause lots of render problems.

With that aside, it depends on what you want to do with the HDRI.
If you what to use it to light your scene put it in the GI Environment (Skylight) in the Vray: Environment rollout of the render panel.
Likewise if you want the HDRI to affect reflections and refractions then put it in the Reflection/Refraction etc Environment
Or just put it in both.

And if you put it in the Max Environment, then it will just be seen, unless you dont have anything in the skylight box in the vray render panel then in which case i believe it will also light the scene too. (not 100% on that last point)

Easy

[highpoly]

Hey Thanks...

that makes a lot of sense. I've been doing some tutorials and its starting to gel. Oh, and I did a test with the last point and, yes, if you had a image in your max env slot and using GI in Vray with no map in the skylight box and overide checked 'off', it will light the scene....

thanks for your explanation..

[DaForce]

No problems