In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to create custom HDRI images using Blender, and then use them to light your scenes. By the end, you’ll have a high-quality HDRI image that can illuminate any 3D project.
Step 1: Set Up Your 3D Scene
1.1 Add the Basic Objects
- Start by adding a plane (Shift + A > Mesh > Plane) and scaling it up using the S-key.
- Place some basic objects on the plane (e.g., cubes, spheres) to create interest for your HDRI. These objects will allow you to see how the lighting interacts with your scene.
- To better visualize the lighting, apply a UV Grid Texture to the objects. This will show how the light affects different parts of your model.
- Open the Shading Workspace and with the Plane selected, open the Material.
- Use SHIFT + A to add an Image Texture node.
- Create a new Image and change the Width and Height to 4K (4096 x 4096).
- Change the Generated Type to either Color Grid or UV Grid.
- Apply this Material to all of your meshes.
1.2 Lighting the Scene
For your HDRI to be effective, good lighting is essential. We’ll use a Sky Texture and a Sun Lamp to create a nice, natural daylight setting.
- Make sure you are in Render mode.
- In the World Properties, change the Color option to ‘Sky Texture’.
- Add a Sun Lamp for stronger directional lighting (Shift + A > Light > Sun). Adjust its strength and position to simulate sunlight.
1.3 Camera Setup
Now, let’s set up the camera for the HDRI render.
- Add a Camera (Shift + A > Camera).
- Position the camera at the center of the scene so it can capture the full 360-degree view.
1.4 Camera Settings
To ensure the camera captures the full 360-degree image needed for an HDRI, we’ll adjust some key camera settings.
- Under the Render Properties, change the Render Engine to ‘Cycles’.
- In the Camera Settings, change the Lens Type from Perspective to Panoramic.
- For the Panorama Type, select ‘Equirectangular’. This will allow you to capture the full 360-degree environment.
Step 2: Adjusting the Output Resolution
2.1 Set the Resolution
The next step is to adjust the resolution of the render. HDRI images need to be large enough to avoid stretching and maintain detail across the 360-degree image.
- In the Properties Panel, change the Resolution:
- Set the Resolution X to 2048.
- Set the Resolution Y to 1024.
This ensures your HDRI has the correct aspect ratio, and it will be rendered in a high resolution suitable for 3D rendering.
Step 3: Rendering the HDRI
3.1 Render the Image
Once everything is set up and you’re satisfied with your scene:
- In the Render Setting, change the Max Samples to ‘250’.
- Before you render, make sure to save your project.
- Press F12 or go to Render > Render Image.
- Blender will now render the 360-degree HDRI image based on your camera’s perspective.
Step 4: Saving the HDRI
4.1 Save the Rendered Image
After the render is complete:
- In the Render Window, click Image > Save As.
- Name the file (e.g., “CustomHDRI”).
- Choose the file format as Radiance HDR (*.hdr).
- Save the image in your preferred location.
Step 5: Adding the HDRI to Your Scene
5.1 Setting Up the World Shader
Now that your HDRI is rendered, let’s use it to light your scene.
- Make a simple scene or open up a scene that you have prepared.
- Go to the World Properties and change the Color field to ‘Environment Texture’.
- Open the new HDRI that you just made.
5.2 Adjust the World Lighting
- Make sure you are in Rendered Mode.
- After adding the HDRI, you’ll see that it automatically begins lighting your scene.
- Adjust the Strength of the Environment Texture to control the intensity of the lighting.
Conclusion You’ve now learned how to create your own HDRI image in Blender! Custom HDRIs give you total control over your lighting, and with practice, you can create stunning environments that will enhance the realism or stylized look of your renders. You can now use this HDRI in any of your Blender projects or even share it with others!