Set a Custom Background Environment Map

To create a more nuanced rendering environment, you can set a Custom Background Map.

  1. On the ribbon, click the Rendering tab.
  2. Click the Environment icon.

  3. In the Control Panel, enable Custom background map, and define the following:
    Option Description Note
    Wrapping Define how the image is projected around the objects in your scene:
    • Spherical: Use for rectangular images. Projects the image around your scene in the shape of a sphere.
    • Hemispherical: Use for rectangular images. Projects the image around the upper half of the sphere. This is useful for depicting objects on a ground plane, so that reflections do not show underneath.
    • Angular Probe: Use for images taken with a fisheye lens.
     
    Rotation Rotate the map. This will affect how the scene is illuminated.  
    Intensity Define the brightness of the map.

    Type a value from 0 to 1, where the default value of 1 corresponds to 100% intensity. Lower values darken the scene, while higher values brighten the scene.

    Decrease the intensity if you plan on adding lights or emitters to your scene.
    Horizontal offset % Zoom in on a specific area of the background map by shifting 0–50% of the image in the horizontal direction.
    • To move 0–50% of the image to the right, enter a Offset Horz value between 0 and 50.
    • To move 0–50% of the image to the left, enter a Offset Horz value between 0 and -50.
    Only available for Background Map.
    Vertical Offset % Zoom in on a specific area of the background map by shifting 0–50% of the image in the vertical direction.
    • To move 0–50% of the image upward, enter an Offset Vert value between 0 and 50.
    • To move 0–50% of the image downward, enter an Offset Vert value between 0 and -50.
    Only available for Background Map.
    Scale To resize the background map, enter a scale factor. Only available for Background Map.
  4. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.


Figure 1. Background Maps