Rendering large images

Tool(s): Render + Record Movie

Allplan can calculate large bitmaps.

Use this option if you want to

• Create large-format bitmaps.
• Print on glossy paper.
• Send the bitmap files to a repro shop or photo laboratory.

You must save these images as files in a bitmap format. In order to save bitmaps to file, the program always uses a 24-bit color depth (16 million colors), regardless of the graphics card and settings.

Defining the render size

The size of the rendering area for large-format bitmaps is easy to work out:

If your printer prints at 600 dpi, then you need 600 pixels to print 1 inch/2.5 cm (240 pixels per centimeter). Calculate the width of the image in pixels according to the required size of the printout. The height of the image is calculated automatically based on the aspect ratio of the workspace.

The maximum size is 10,000 x 10,000 pixels.

Some examples:

DIN A3 (420x297mm): Width in pixels = approx. 10,000 pixels at 600dpi

Small-format 24x36 slide: a width of 5,000 pixels is usually sufficient to obtain a good resolution.

Printing

You can print bitmaps as follows:

• Use Edit Bitmap, File menu, Print tool
  

  Prints the open bitmap in full page mode on Windows printers. You can use any printer to print bitmaps.
  
  Note: Depending on the printer and its settings, printing large volumes of data can take some time.
  Note: You can only select the printers and printer drivers that you have installed and configured under Windows.

• You can use standard Windows software to edit bitmaps.

Some tips on memory and virtual memory

Large models and bitmaps require much memory; so you need to configure the Windows operating system for optimum usage:

• Physical memory (RAM): 4 GB or more
• Virtual memory: 4 GB
• Close any other applications that may be running (Explorer, Internet Explorer, Outlook).
• Defragment the hard disk at regular intervals.

Data volume

The maximum file size of the bitmap is easy to work out: with uncompressed file formats like BMP, you require about 3 bytes per pixel; the maximum file size is therefore 3 bytes x width (in pixels) x height (in pixels).

How long does it take?

Producing high-resolution bitmaps can be very time-intensive. Start by doing a test run using a small format. So you can check that the view, lighting, textures and so on are set correctly. You can then have your computer calculate the real, larger bitmap overnight or over a weekend.

Tip: You can also use Record Movie to calculate several views in succession. In the Settings area, set the Calculation type to Render. Using Timeline, calculate the scenes or cameras without intermediate steps. In the Avi movie area, select the Keep images option.