Bacground(image) layer and effect result

V-Ray for 3ds Max V-Ray for 3ds Max :: Issues
1

Hi,

there is a bug when you use background layer (now called image), it always shows in effect result channel even if it’s disabled. You have to delete it. We run on Vray 7.40.01.

2

Do you mean in the VFB or when saving the image? Can’t reproduce either. Do show the exact reproduction steps, please.

3

Here, if there is an image it will always save to the effect result even when turned off (save in image is off).

image
image718×750 83.3 KB

4

Thanks for reporting. I see the problem.
Frankly this option is a bit of a UX nightmare as it is quite hidden and individual to any image layer - it makes it very hard to know looking at the layer tree which layer would be visible but not saved in file - visible but not saved is a bit counter intuitive.
IMO this option should be better removed entirely or at the very least modified to be more visible (for eg a dedicated icon next to the visibility icon or a modified eye icon). However again it would make it individual to each layer which is quickly becoming annoying.
Any suggestion is welcome.

5

Save in image could be on folder level maybe?

6

Just popping in to give my thoughts on this.

I think something like what AutoCAD does with layers where there is a visibility setting and also a “plot” option that can be toggled to prevent a layer from printing. So, you can have a layer shown while working, but not print when plotting. (3Ds max with the render toggle would have been a more fitting example, but I already made this :upside_down_face: )

image
image535×511 88.4 KB

I think in the case of VRay, it would be a save icon instead of a printer - quick mockup below.

Untitled-1
Untitled-1260×216 18.6 KB

I didn’t think of this until after i made the image:

  • The save icon should probably be automatically switch to the ‘not save in image’ icon when the eye icon is toggled off, and restored to its original state when the visibility is turned back on. Otherwise, I think it would be confusing to have a layer toggled off, but the save icon still shows it as saving in the image. Or even worse, the layer not being visible but still saving in the image, causing unexpected saved images.
  • A folder and sub-items could have a ‘save in image’ toggle. Sub-items visibility/saving would be affected similarly to the point above, where if the folder’s visibility/saving is toggled off, the child items would also be hidden/not-saved.