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Helio Client App: Manual Project Workflow Guide

This guide walks you through the manual process of preparing and submitting a 3ds Max project for rendering on Helio Cloud.

Jean-Claude Conradie avatar
Written by Jean-Claude Conradie
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Prerequisites

  • A 3ds Max scene file ready for rendering.

  • The Helio Client App installed on your system.

  • All assets (textures, proxies, etc.) properly linked.

Step-by-Step Workflow

Step 1: Save Your 3ds Max File

  • Save your .max file to a new, clean folder on your PC.

Step 2: Download & Install the Collect Asset Script

Step 3: Run the Collect Asset Script

  • Open your scene in 3ds Max and run the script.

  • Collect all assets and relink them to the same folder as your .max file.

  • Ensure assets are saved in the root folder of your project.

Step 4: Search for Missing Assets (If Needed)

  • Use the script’s search function to locate missing assets on:

    • Network drives

    • Google Shared Folders

    • Other external locations

Step 5: Verify Asset Links

  • Open Asset Tracking in 3ds Max (Shift + T).

  • Confirm all assets are linked correctly and marked as "OK".


Step 6: Add a New Project in Helio Client

  • Open the Helio Client App.

  • Go to File > Add Project.


Step 7: Set Up the Rendering Catalogue

  • Select:

    • 3ds Max version

    • Render engine & version (e.g., V-Ray, Corona)

  • Step 8: Name Your Project

  • Assign a descriptive name for easy identification.

Step 9: Sync Project Files

  • Click "FileSync" and navigate to your project folder (where .max and assets are stored).

  • Select the folder to sync.

Step 10: Confirm Project Settings & Add

  • Review all settings.

  • Click "Add Project" to finalize.

Step 11: Add a New Rendering Job

  • Inside your newly created project, click "Add Rendering".

Step 12: Configure Render Settings

  • Select the scene file to render.

  • Adjust:

    • Noise limit

    • Camera name - very important as it is case sensitive

    • Resolution

    • Frame range

  • Click "Continue" when done.

Step 13: Set Output Destination & Format

  • Choose where renders will be saved (local/cloud).

  • Select output format (e.g., .jpg, .tiff, .exr).

Step 14: Start Rendering

  • Review all settings one last time.

  • Click "Start Rendering" to submit the job to Helio Cloud.

Troubleshooting Tips

❌ Missing Assets?

  • Re-run the Collect Asset Script and ensure all paths are correct.

❌ Render Failing?

  • Check 3ds Max version compatibility with Helio.

  • Verify render engine settings (e.g., V-Ray license).

For further assistance, contact Helio Support.

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