Autodesk 12812-051462-9011 User Guide 3 - Page 1220

Setting Up Directories During network rendering, common directories (directories that are shared across the network) allow access to files needed by all the rendering servers. You can organize, share, and (if necessary) mount these directories. There are two types of common directories: ■ Map directories One or more directories where maps and images are stored. These can be both project-specific and general locations. ■ Output directory A single directory where completed frames are sent from each rendering server, also called the target directory. You specify this directory for each job. This can also be a local directory on each machine. The network rendering system uses the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) to identify directories and files. UNC names begin with a double backslash and do not include a drive letter. This is the convention: \\machine_name\directory\subdirectory\filename IMPORTANT To simplify network rendering, use UNC names whenever possible within a 3ds Max scene, even if the directory 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 be mounted as drive letters and shared over the network. See Mounting a Directory on page 6478. Organizing Directories 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 machine in your network the same "picture" of where files are located. Follow these rules when organizing your directories: ■ Share directories on page 6477 to make them available to the network. ■ Use UNC file specification when assigning maps files and output directories, even when the directory is on a local machine. Setting Up Rendering Software | 6475