AutoCAD Rendering

[Anonymous]

Do I need additional software to get the most out of rendering in CAD? Realistic Landscape and People?

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> Do I need additional software to get the most out of rendering

>> in CAD? Realistic Landscape and People?

First at all: it depends what you see as "realistic"" (I know people speaking about realistic rendering, but don't want to use lights ;)))) )

AutoCAD can create good render results, but it's a CAD system and not primary build for visualization or animation.

If plants, people, animals, ... and maybe they should move (plants in the wind, people going along a path) then you'll need other products like 3DS-Max, just to name one of them.

- alfred -

[Anonymous]

Ok. Thanks. I will look into 3D Max. Not looking for any animation, just a better way to have presentation drawings beyond the lighting.

Carlos R. Castro

[gotphish001]

We just use sketch up for presentation drawings. It's easy to use and is much cheaper than some other rendering software. The models are a little more basic, but they are easier for clients to understand. Plus there are a bizillion objects in the sketch up warehouse from all kinds of people to textures for everything. You can actually get a plug in for autocad to put stuff from the sketch up warehouse into your drawings too. 

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I see that you are visiting as a new member. Welcome to the Autodesk Community!,

Yes, AutoCAD can do a good render. I have seen some very impressive customer projects done solely in AutoCAD. However, if you want even more features I agree with Alfred that 3DS Max might be the next choice.

Why don't you get a Trial of both to explore the possibilities?

@gotphish001 mentions SketchUp as an alternative and you can get good output there too but in my experience you will need to purchase add-ins for the render to look "realistic" and the processing time can be extensive.

There is a ton of content for SketchUp which can be very helpful.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[dgorsman]

Throwing out another mid-range solution out there - Navisworks Simulate.  Doesn't provide any content, strictly consolidation, review, and rendering tool.  But it can do some impressive things without a lot of work.  Plus its included in most of the Suite and Collection licenses.

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,

I am checking back to see if my post or others helped you with your problem. You might want to check out the Autodesk App Store for an Entourage collection. Please add a post with how you decide to proceed and your results so other Community members may benefit.

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if a post or posts solves your issue or answers your question.