Cast Shadows skylight in Max 2009

CJE

Hey guys,

I'm trying to bake a AO map in Max 2009, but I'm having an odd issue. I place my skylight, but in the settings for the skylight, I'm unable to check the "cast shadows" box.

Any reason why this would be? I feel like I must have some setting turned off or something...

Mark Dygert

You're probably using a standard skylight with the render engine set to Mental Ray.

Either switch back to scanline or use the MR sky system.

r_fletch_r

The MR Ambient occlusion option in the render to texture dialog is also another great option. You get far far more control (spread and ray distance). just add it like a normal or diffuse pass.

is there a reason you use cast shadows in the skylight over using the advanced lighting light tracer? (speaking scanline renderer) I've allways found light tracer far faster and smoother

rasmus

With Light Tracer active under the Advanced Lighting panel, this setting will grey out. (Which is a good thing - using Light Tracer for shadows for the Skylight renders faster and looks better).