PolyStudio Pro Documentation

Overview

PolyStudio Pro is a Blender addon designed to simplify the creation and management of HDRIs and dynamic lighting setups. Whether you’re working on product renderings, cinematic scenes, or large environments, PolyStudio Pro gives you intuitive tools to build and save custom HDRIs, optimize lighting, and enhance your 3D workflow.

Features:

• Quick HDRI setup with camera and render adjustments.

• Resolution options from 1K to 8K (or custom).

• Add and control dynamic area lights (intensity, size, spread, shape, color).

• Custom softbox textures (includes 20+ textures).

• Split-screen feature for fine-tuning lighting setups.

• Save HDRIs as OpenEXR and load them into new projects with real-time rotation and strength controls.

• Dynamic lighting system for any object in the scene with constraints for easy tracking.

Installation Guide

1. Download the Addon:

• Obtain the PolyStudio Pro .zip file from the source where you purchased or downloaded it.

2. Install the Addon in Blender:

• Open Blender.

• Go to Edit > Preferences.

• In the Preferences window, click on Add-ons on the left side.

• At the top of the window, click Install.

• Browse to where you saved the .zip file of PolyStudio Pro and select it.

• After installation, enable the addon by checking the box next to PolyStudio Pro.

3. Save Preferences (Optional):

• Click on the Save Preferences button at the bottom left of the Preferences window if you want Blender to automatically enable PolyStudio Pro every time you start it.

How to Use PolyStudio Pro

1. Enable HDRI Setup

• Go to the PolyStudio Pro side menu in the 3D Viewport (under the N panel).

• Click on Enable HDRI Setup. This will:

• Set your camera to panoramic mode.

• Adjust the output and render settings to be ready for 360-degree HDRI images.

• Set the world background strength to 0, so you can build your HDRI environment.

• Select your desired resolution (1K, 2K, 4K, or 8K). You can also manually enter a custom resolution (for example, 10000 x 5000 for a 10K HDRI).

2. Add Area Lights

• Click Add Area Light to create an area light in the scene.

• Use the gizmos to move the light around your scene and adjust key settings:

• Intensity: Control how bright the light is.

• Size: Adjust the size of the light source.

• Spread: Control how wide the light spreads.

• Shape: Change the light shape (square or rectangle).

• Color: Adjust the color of the light to match your scene.

• Softbox Texture: Choose from over 20 included softbox textures, or upload your own. Click Upload Softbox Texture and load an image from your files.

3. Split-Screen Mode

• Enable the Split-Screen feature to gain better control over your lighting setup. This will split your viewport in two, with one side showing the scene from your main camera and the other allowing you to move a secondary camera.

• This is particularly useful when fine-tuning lights around an object in your scene, giving you real-time feedback from different angles.

4. Saving and Rendering Your HDRI

• Once you’ve set up your lights, click Render to generate your HDRI.

• The addon automatically saves your HDRI as an OpenEXR file, which you can reuse in future projects.

5. Load an HDRI into a New Scene

• To reuse your saved HDRI, go to the PolyStudio Pro menu and click Load Environment Texture.

• Select your previously saved HDRI file. PolyStudio Pro will:

• Apply the HDRI to the world environment texture.

• Give you real-time controls to rotate the texture (X, Y, Z).

• Adjust the strength of the HDRI to suit your scene.

6. Using PolyStudio Pro for Dynamic Lighting

• You can use the area light system without creating an HDRI.

• Simply add an area light and position it in your scene.

• To track the light to an object, go to Constraints and add a Track To constraint, linking it to any object in your scene. Now, the light will dynamically follow the selected object.

Tips and Best Practices

1. Lighting Balance: When working with area lights, we recommend using 1 to 3 lights to avoid overlapping or unrealistic studio setups. Keep in mind how lights interact with each other for a natural effect.

2. Resolution: When creating custom HDRIs, consider the output resolution based on your project needs. Higher resolutions (like 8K) will provide more detail but will also take more time to render.

3. Custom Textures: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the included softbox textures or upload your own. Softbox textures can add a unique touch to your lighting setups, enhancing realism and mood.

4. Split-Screen Precision: Use the split-screen mode for fine adjustments in complex scenes. This feature gives you a second perspective, helping you dial in lights more accurately.

Support

If you encounter any issues or have questions about PolyStudio Pro, please reach out to our support team or check our FAQ section on the product’s webpage. We’re here to help you get the most out of your addon experience!