Frontplates are images with transparency that are placed in front of your renderings. This is great for enhancing a scene, adding a watermark or, with a favorite workflow technique we’ll show below, aligning your model within a graphic layout to ensure its placement before rendering a high-res version.
KeyShot Frontplates for Graphics Prep
If you’ve ever wondered how to add an image on top of the KeyShot Real-time View, Frontplates is the answer. Like Backplates, Frontplates are static images that are used in a variety of ways and may be included with your final render.
The Chip Clip model shown in the video is available for download on KeyShot Cloud.
1. Import Your Graphics Template
When you have a graphic template or layout and need to make sure your model fits within a specific area when rendered, first import the template into your KeyShot Resource folder as a transparent .png file. When the image is applied as a Frontplate, your scene will be visible behind any area that is transparent.
2. Apply the Frontplate
To apply the Frontplate to the scene, go to the Project, Image tab and select the Photographic option for Image Styles. Expand the Layers option, then drag-and-drop your image into the Use Frontplate input. Be aware that images used as Frontplates will stretch to fit the current aspect ratio within KeyShot that may be adjusted at the top of the Image tab under Resolution.
3. Adjust Your Camera View
Now, adjust the camera view to fit the model in the area it needs to be located to ensure the final output will work perfectly with your layout.
4. Render Your Scene
You can render your scene with the Frontplate active if you like, or uncheck Use Frontplate if you prefer to work in a different program to finalize your graphics.
Of course, there are many uses for Frontplates – you can add a watermark or some elements to enhance your scene and give context, but overall this simple workflow hack for your graphic layouts and templates is definitely our favorite.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Image settings and Frontplates in KeyShot visit the Photographic Image Styles, Layers section in the KeyShot manual.
What Can You Create?
We would love to see what you create with this tip. Visit the KeyShot Amazing Shots forum to see what others are creating and share your own work. And if you have a suggestion for another tip share it in the comments below.
