Rendering an image is a very time-consuming thing. Technically speaking, it's the process of generating the desired image from a model through a computer program. It's an essential thing for many designers and architects, as it allows them to see the final product.

The render has an integral testing purpose, allowing the designer to see their work in an environment. It will enable them to view any faults and mistakes that could be hidden during the initial design process, and then further correct them. A render contains a triangular shape, texture, lighting, shading, and coloring all in a multiple-angle viewpoint.

Since it's such a big thing, it's implementation is massive. Yet, even if the application is vast, the process, and the time it takes to render an image, is usually very considerable. Some rendering software tricks can help your reader ultimately wind up better, and you can do it faster, too.

It is why we've compiled a list of the six best rendering software tricks to help you finish your render in quality and timely manner.

GPU or CPU | Which Is Better For Rendering?

When it comes to rendering, there are insider tricks, and then there are the essentials. The essential method is to make sure your rendering is using the full potential of your machine. In your PC, there are two different processors - the central processing unit and a graphics processing unit. On default, most pieces of software are going to opt to use your CPU, but that's a far inferior thing. You see, your GPU packs quite a lot more power for rendering. The GPU is not only far more potent for rendering, but it should also be set as your default option.

Doing this will significantly increase the speed at which you render your images, giving you more time to work on the image itself. Every single piece of rendering software can be set to your GPU, and what good is your amazing graphics card if you don't use its full potential?

Hardware and Software

If you already know that you should set up your rendering software to work with your GPU, there might be another trick for you. Not every single piece of software is created with equal optimization and care, and worse software will result in a worse product and significantly slower rendering times. If you take into account the time, revisions, and details you put into your work, investing in a good piece of software is an absolute must.

Another essential component of your design and rendering process is the hardware. As mentioned above, the GPU can significantly speed up your rendering process, as long as your graphics card is up to the task. Rendering and design change frequently, and investing a little bit of money into a better graphics card is going to significantly increase the work output, and streamline the whole workflow. Invest in your business, and you're going to see it flourish.

CPU Threads

Not every designer has a graphics card that's worth several thousand dollars, and some have to rely on their CPU to perform the task. It is entirely understandable, and you can still make it work. Most modern CPUs come with several cores (Dual, Quad, Octa). The number of threads points out the number of cores used in the rendering process.

When you're rendering in 3D, it's a specially long process. You can speed it up by checking your settings and seeing the number of threads that are currently in use. Most pieces of software won't automatically discover all cores, so you're going to have to add them manually.

Lighting And Texturing

Rendering is mostly about presenting something in a real environment. Lighting and texturing are essential pieces of a good rendered model. Combining the simulated sunlight and simulated alternative lighting sources, alongside different angles, is going to give us a better interpretation of a product.

Remember to thoroughly play around with lighting when you're rendering a product. It might not be the most time-saving thing, but it will significantly increase the quality of your results.

Another essential thing when you're modeling or rendering is the texturing. While you might have a fixed texture in mind for your product or model, you should never make it definitive before you test others out. Testing out numerous textures is going to give your model perception, and allow you to see it in a different light, leading to any needed modification.

Adequately lighting and texturing your model is going to give it a new dimension, and give you a new perspective on your model, subsequently leading to a more refined result.

Cut Excessive Details

Speeding up your rendering process is going to give you much more time to edit whatever might be wrong with your final image. You can't expect to do everything at once, as an artist's job is never indeed done - especially if you're an architect doing a 3D rendering project.

Cutting excessive details is going to significantly improve your rendering speed, and give you a better idea of the structure of your project. If you're entirely aware and versed in the "bones" of your design, you're going to see some fundamental things that need changing.

It would be tragic to completely elaborate on the idea and bring it to fruition, just to find out that it needs essential, fundamental, structural changes. Break your rendering and design process into steps, and make sure you're satisfied with each one before you proceed.

Alternatively, some projects are costly. If you're trying to render a whole environment to check out a specific thing, it's better to render that aspect only. Full-scale rendering should be reserved for final touching or final production steps.

Consider AR or AI

Staying on top of the competition means utilizing the latest that the industry has to offer. And if you're looking to get the best result, you're going to have to use these innovations. The latest change in the design, rendering, and architectural field is the introduction of artificial intelligence and augmented reality assistance.

Now, this is a relatively new concept, and its implementation into the design community has been slow, but very expansive. If your PC has the technical capabilities to handle such software, you can expect your result to be virtually awe-inspiring. It's a great thing to use if you're looking to impress investors or pitch a project. Software like 3DS MAX 2019 is fully capable of handling VR Headsets, which will allow for a very immersive experience.

In Conclusion

If you keep all these tricks in mind, you're bound to improve your rendering, both in 2D or 3D. Just keep in mind that you should always work to increase the speed of your rendering, and work for a higher work output quality.

Utilizing these tips will do just that - significantly improve your workflow by streamlining your work process.