How to use Ray Tracing in Order to Create Mirror-like Reflections
By Pat McDonough
What is ray tracing?
Ray tracing is an option that allows for a scene to have accurate shadows, reflections and refractions. A ray traced scene looks more life-like compared to a scene that has not been ray traced. In most instances, the goal of a 3D modeled scene is realism. You would use Ray tracing to make a scene look more realistic. Scenes with things like glass tables or chessboards should be ray traced.
Is there a noticeable difference between scenes that have been ray traced and scenes that haven’t?
Yes.
Scene that has been rendered without ray tracing enabled |
Same scene rendered with ray tracing enabled |
As you can see, there is an obvious difference between the scenes. The second scene looks more realistic because it shows a reflection. The chess piece appears to be on a surface that is almost like a mirror.
How do I enable
ray tracing for my scene?
Once a scene has been completed, decide if it should be ray traced. Remember that the Shader Attributes you selected when painting objects in your scene will affect how acute the shadows, reflections and refractions will appear once it has been ray traced and rendered.
When you paint objects in a scene, keep in mind the shininess, which determines the reflectivity. The higher the shininess is set at, the more intense reflections will appear on the objects surface. |
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When painting the chessboard, make sure the shininess is set high enough to show the chess pieces reflection.
1.) To enable Ray Tracing, right click on the Render Scene option. This will open the Render Options window |
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2.) From the Render Options window, click the Raytrace box and the AntiAlias box. Note: AntiAlias is an option that gives a scene more detail. |
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Now the scene should be ray trayced.