9

Setting Up Directories 187
Refer to the Installation Guide for details about
installing 3ds Max.
Note: A system using the scanline renderer, that is
intended to act a dedicated rendering server, does
not require authorization for 3ds Max.
Setting Up Directories
During network rendering, common directories
(directories that are shared across the network)
allow access to files needed by a l l the rendering
servers. You c an organize, share, and (if necessary)
mount these directories.
There are two types of common directories:
•
Ma p dir ectori es—One or more directories
where maps and images are stored. These can
be both project-specific and general loc ations.
•
Outpu t dir ectory —Asingledirectorywhere
completed frames are sent from each rendering
server, also called the target directory. You
specify this directory for each job. This can a lso
be a local directory on each machine.
The network rendering system uses the Universal
Naming Convention (UNC) to ident ify directories
and files. UNC names begin with a double
backslash and do not includeadriveletter. This
is the convention:
\\machine_name\director y\subdirector y\
filename
Impor tant: To simplify network rendering, use UNC
names whenever possible within a 3ds Max scene, even
if the direc tory is on the local machine.
Tip:
When 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
bemountedasdrivelettersandsharedoverthe
network. See Mounting a Directory (page 3–188).
Or gani zi ng D ir ector i es
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
machineinyournetworkthesame"picture"of
wherefilesarelocated.Followtheseruleswhen
organizing your directories:
• Share directories (page 3–188) to mak e them
available to the network.
• Use UNC file specification w hen assig ning
maps files and output directories, even when
the directory is on a local machine.
Creating M ap Dir ector ies
As you assign materials in a scene, the software
stores the complete path to each map you use. The
program searches for that particular location. I f
necessary, the program continues to look through
thedirectorycontainingthescenefileandits
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 direc tory needs to
be shared using Windows Explorer.
Maps for general use , such as texture libraries,
canbeorganizedasyouchoose.Thecomputers
containing such libraries need to be on the
network, and the directories need to be shared.
Creating a Common Output Director y
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: