Setting Up Directories

During network rendering, common directories (directories that are shared across the network) allow access to files needed by all the rendering servers. You can organize, share, and (if necessary) mount these directories.

There are two types of common directories:

Map directoriesOne or more directories where maps and images are stored. These can be both project-specific and general locations.
Output directoryA single directory where completed frames are sent from each rendering server, also called the target directory. You specify this directory for each job. This can also be a local directory on each machine.

The network rendering system uses the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) to identify directories and files. UNC names begin with a double backslash and do not include a drive letter. This is the convention:

\\machine_name\directory\subdirectory\filename

ImportantTo simplify network rendering, use UNC names whenever possible within a 3ds Max scene, even if the directory is on the local machine.

TipWhen entering UNC names, omit the \\ before the computer name until you've entered the entire path and file name. This eliminates search delays when entering UNC path names into file selection dialogs.

Some networks require drive letters instead of UNC names. Directories on such networks can be mounted as drive letters and shared over the network. See Mounting a Directory.

Organizing Directories

Correctly organizing directories is critical to the success of your rendering farm. Every element in a scene needs to be available to each server for a complete rendering. The goal is to give every machine in your network the same "picture" of where files are located. Follow these rules when organizing your directories:

Share directories to make them available to the network.
Use UNC file specification when assigning maps files and output directories, even when the directory is on a local machine.

Creating Map Directories

As you assign materials in a scene, 3ds Max stores the complete path to each map you use. 3ds Max searches for that particular location. If necessary, 3ds Max continues to look through the directory containing the scene file and its subdirectories.

Maps, specific to a project, should be kept in a dedicated directory that has been set up for that project. You can create subdirectories below this directory to organize files. This directory needs to be shared using Windows Explorer.

Maps for general use, such as texture libraries, can be organized as you choose. The computers containing such libraries need to be on the network, and the directories need to be shared.

Creating a Common Output Directory

A common output directory is a single directory on one hard disk where rendered frames accumulate during network rendering. When creating a common output directory, follow these guidelines:

Decide on a machine to accept final output. It should have enough disk space to store the largest completed animation file you're likely to render.
Create or choose a directory for final output.
Share that directory as a resource available to the network.

Creating a Local Output Directory

A local output directory lets you use available storage on each rendering server. Rendered frame files are sequentially numbered when assigned by the network manager. When you collect the finished frames, they automatically sort in the proper order. When creating a local output directory, follow these guidelines:

Use the same path and name for all local directories. For example, use \3dsmax_files\images\.
Use the same path and name for all local directories. For example, use \Program Files\Autodesk VIZ 2008\images.
Specify this path for the output directory when you start network rendering. All rendering servers will then send their output to this local directory.

On any one rendering job, use either a common or local output directory. They cannot be mixed.

Next Step

Sharing a Directory