How to Reduce Noise in ART Renders within 3ds Max
This guide explains how to minimize noise in rendered images when using the Autodesk Raytracer (ART) render engine in 3ds Max.
Understanding the Problem
Poor image quality, often resulting in noise or render artifacts, can be caused by incorrect or low ART settings.
The Solution: Adjust Render Settings
To effectively reduce noise and enhance the quality of your renders, make the following adjustments within the 3ds Max Render Setup window (Render Setup (F10) > ART Renderer tab).
Set the Right Render Quality
When generating images with ART, the Render Quality setting is crucial. It should align with your production quality goals. For quick previews, use the Min. (Minimum), Draft, or Medium settings. These settings deliver lower-quality images faster, perfect for assessing scene lighting and composition.
To reduce noise and elevate render quality, apply one or more of these Render Quality settings:
- High
- X-High
- Max. (Maximum)
Manage Render Time
The processing time of an image can be longer than expected, especially with high-quality settings. The ART Rendering Parameters allow you to set a time limit for the render, regardless of the final quality achieved.
To prevent excessively long render times with High Render Quality settings, consider setting a fixed Render Time duration and reviewing the result. For example, setting the Render Time to 15 minutes per frame ensures the ART renderer produces the highest-quality image within that specific timeframe.
If, using High or Extremely High-quality settings, the final render quality is acceptable after a certain period, you can adjust the Time settings up or down based on the total time required for the image or an entire animation sequence.
Select a Rendering Method
ART offers two Rendering Methods: Fast Path Tracing and Advanced Path Tracing.
While Fast Path Tracing efficiently reduces noise and is ideal for production rendering, Advanced Path Tracing provides high-fidelity renders with intricate light interactions and lower noise levels.
Fine-Tune Noise Filtering Strength
Noise filtering is essential for reducing noise in ART renders. The Filter Strength setting determines the amount of noise allowed in the rendered image. For optimal results, choose one of the following:
- 75%
- 100% (Fully filtered)
Adjust Anti-Aliasing
While the Filter Diameter option might not significantly reduce noise, it helps to minimize harsh (aliased) edges within the rendered image.
Enable Noise Pattern for a Natural Look (Optional)
You can leave this option unchecked. However, enabling it is desirable for high-quality animation renders as it produces a more natural look, similar to film grain.
Source: Autodesk