KeyShot 7 introduces quite a few workflow enhancements. Among these are new Environment capabilities and the introduction of Studios. You can now use multiple Environments in one scene and use this together with Studios to present different views, materials and lighting conditions, all within the same scene. Here, we’ll break down the new features and how to use them.
KeyShot Environments
You’re likely familiar with KeyShot Environments – drag and drop an HDRI from the KeyShot library for instant, real-world scene lighting. In KeyShot 7 we expand this with the ability to use multiple environments in a single scene. In the Project window, Environment tab, you’ll see the new Environment List where you can drag and drop multiple HDRI environments or, with KeyShot Pro, create and edit your own environment using the HDRI Editor. Let’s look at this and two other new additions for environments.
Updated Environment Library
All KeyShot Environments have been rebuilt procedurally which means, if using KeyShot Pro, each pin (light) can be individually adjusted to meet your needs with the HDRI Editor. While the default HDRI resolution is set to 4k, you can increase it if needed to ensure crisp highlights and reflections. We’ve also added new interior and outdoor HDRI environments and have kept a few fan favorites. Previous environments and even more environments can be found on KeyShot Cloud.
Environment List
As mentioned, on the Environment tab, you’ll see a new Environment List. This allows you to collect as many different environments as you like for use in your scene. Drag and drop a KeyShot environment from the Library to the Environment List to add it. Select the environment in the Environment List to activate it. Additionally, you may use the buttons to the left to duplicate an environment or add a new, blank environment to edit using the HDRI Editor.
HDRI Editor
For KeyShot Pro users, below the Environment List and the Environment Preview is the new embedded HDRI Editor. Select the environment in the Environment List to edit it in the HDRI Editor. You have four background modes you can apply, each with different options. Aditionally, all environments are now compressed and saved within the KeyShot scene file.
KeyShot Studios
Studios is a new feature for KeyShot 7 Pro that allows you to combine Camera, Environment, Models Sets, or Multi-Materials for quick creation and presentation. Before creating the Studio it’s a good approach to create any cameras, environments, model sets or multi-materials you wish to use in the Studio. Let’s break down the steps:
Add Cameras
To add a Camera, go to the Camera tab in the Project window. Select the Add New Camera icon to add a new camera. You can adjust the camera and hit the Save icon to save the camera view.
Add Environments
To add an Environment, go to the Environment tab in the Project window. Drag and drop an environment from the KeyShot library into the Environment List or select the Duplicate Environment icon to add a new environment.
Add Model Sets
To add a Model Set, go to the Scene tab in the Project window. (Model Sets behave the same as Scene Sets in KeyShot 6.) Model Sets can be used to save changes to display states such as hidden or visible parts, patterns or position of parts. Material changes are retained in Model Sets as well. Right-click in the Model Set list to add a new Model Set. Any changes made in an active Model Set will automatically be saved.
Add Multi-Materials
To add Multi-Materials double-click the part to edit the material. Select the Multi-Material button in the Material window to display the Multi-Material list for that part. Use the buttons to the left of the list to add a new material or duplicate a material.
Create Your Studio
Add a Studio by selecting the Studio icon on the Ribbon or hitting the U-key. Select the Add Studio button and name it as desired. Click the check boxes below the Studio list to activate each item for the active Studio. Make your selections from the drop-down menus to set the specific combination desired. The Studio automatically saves your selections as you make them.
Are Studios the same as Viewsets?
If you used Viewsets in previous version of KeyShot Pro, you may be wondering where they are in KeyShot 7 Pro or if they are the same as Studios. First, let’s look at the difference between the two.
Prior to KeyShot 7, you could create a Viewset, a combination of a Camera and Environment, or a Scene Set, a combination of Camera/Viewset and Model Sets. As you may have noticed, a Studio simplifies this by combining options for Camera, Environment, Model Sets and Material variations in one window.
In KeyShot 7, when a scene with Viewsets and/or Scene Sets is imported, each Viewset and Scene Set is converted to a Studio. When you import a scene that contains Viewsets or Scene Sets, you will get a message explaining this.
So Studios combine the best of Viewsets (Camera and Environment) and allow you to include Model Sets and Material variations. You can learn more about Viewsets to Studios Conversion in the KeyShot 7 Manual.