LDD to POV-Ray speed

[Dark_Stranger]

The other day, I downloaded the LDD to POV-Ray converter for an Ideas project I'm working on. I decided to test-run the program by rendering a modestly sized constraction model. That was over sixty-five hours ago, and that roughly Toa-sized MOC is still less than 50% rendered. I contacted their customer service, but haven't received a response yet, and I'm reaching the end of my rope. Is this sort of ridiculously slow rendering speed normal? Is there anything at all I can do to get the blasted thing to speed up?

[Aanchir]

The speed of rendering depends in part on the render settings. The more realistic the render, the longer it will take. But I don't know which specific settings to change to make it render more quickly.

[believe victims]

The speed depends on the settings, the pieces, and possibly the computer. If you're using primarily constraction pieces and you ask it to bevel, it will take ages. Similarly, if your System model is enormous, and you ask to write LEGO on all the little studs, it will similarly throw a fit. Like other 3D renders, you must sacrifice either time or quality.

 

The easiest setting (and the one most likely to matter) is the sliding scale on the first tab. By default, it bevels everything visible, and writes LEGO on studs. Also, there's an unchecked box that says something like "Don't bevel transparent parts"; chances are, you'll want to check that 99% of the time. Beveling transparent parts is not worth the time it takes. If your model has a lot of transparent parts, that could well be part of it.

 

Of course, if you change any of these settings, you need to begin the rendering process all over again. Try and judge if it's worth it.

Edited April 11, 2015 by Dina Saruyama

[Dark_Stranger]

Aaand that fixed it. Thanks, guys.