FAQ for Autodesk® Rendering in AutoCAD

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Why does validation fail when uploading my drawing?

• Make sure that you are using an AutoCAD drawing file (DWG) or an eTransmit ZIP file saved directly from AutoCAD 2010 or later.
• Make sure that your file contains 3D solids or surfaces. The service cannot render 2D geometry or paper space views.
• Autodesk recommends that your file contains at least one camera view.

How can I improve the appearance of rendered images?

• Try increasing the Render Quality value.
• Try adjusting the lighting in AutoCAD.
• Make sure that you include any xrefs or custom materials by creating an eTransmit archive.

Why doesn't the rendering update or respond?

• The source file may be too complex. Try using a lower Render Quality or smaller Image Size value.

Why does my image fail to render?

• Check your lighting settings in AutoCAD. For example, a spot light could be pointing in the wrong direction.
• Try saving and uploading the drawing again.

Why aren't some settings and RPC (Rich Photorealistic Content) objects in the rendering?

• Fog is not supported.
• Text and MText are not supported. Convert them to a mesh object before rendering.
• Standard lights (lightingunits=0) and distant lights are not supported; they are converted to Photometric lights.
• Default lights are not exported. If no explicit lights are in the scene, the rendering shows only the nonilluminated diffuse color of the objects.
• Shadow settings are ignored. Shadows are always ray traced.
• Background overrides (solid/gradient/image, sun/sky) are not supported.

What are the differences between renderings using Autodesk® Rendering and AutoCAD renderings?

• Generally, these renderings should be similar. Differences might be apparent when using an older AutoCAD file that was automatically updated in a newer version of AutoCAD.
• In some cases, the scale of your texture might be different from the AutoCAD renderings. Ensure that the Conversion unit in the Units dialog box is not set to Unitless.