Converting HDRIs using HDRShop

Currently, Bryce only supports Radiance Image Maps. If you try to import an HDR file that Bryce doesn't support, it will give you an error message. Some HDR files will give an infinite error loop (like those generated from Artizen) and the only way to get out of the loop is to close Bryce using the File Manager.

Fortunately, HDRShop provides a quick way to convert between different HDR file types. HDRShop is available in a free version (v1) which can only be used for personal use and a commercial version which allows you to create HDR files and use/sell them.

To get you started, we'll show you how to convert a cross probe into a mirrored ball probe. The same basic procedure is used to convert other types as well.

First, download the free version of HDRShop if you haven't already. The executable file runs the program so there is no need to install it.

Second, download the HDR file that you want to convert. The one used for this tutorial is the Grace cross downloaded from the Debevec website.

1. Open HDRShop and choose File > Open from the menu. Locate and load the HDR file you want to convert.
   
   
2. Choose Image > Panorama > Panoramic Transformations from the menu.
   
   
3. In the Panoramic Transform dialog, select the type of HDR file you loaded from the first Format field, in this case, a Cubic Environment (Vertical Cross).
   
   The default Destination Image is New Image while the default Format is Mirrored Ball. Do not change these options. Click on OK.
   
   
4. Once the image is converted, check it for seams. The red arrows point to the seams in this version.
   
   
5. To get rid of the seams, HDRShop provides a Gaussian Blur filter. Choose Image > Filter > Gaussian Blur from the menu.
   
   
6. Enter a Blur Width (default is 4) and click on OK.
   
   
   
   If the blur is too much, you'll need to start over as there is no working undo for many of the functions.
   
   
7. If you would rather correct the seams in your favorite paint program, you can save the image in a format the program can open and make the changes there.
   
   To do this, choose File > Save As from the menu and click on the Low Dynamic Range button corresponding to the format you want to work with. Name and save the file to your computer.
   
   
8. Open the image in your paint program and use the Smudge Tool to clean up the seams. Save the file.
   
   
9. Reopen the image in HDRShop and choose File > Save As from the menu. Click on the Radiance format button.
   
   
10. Enter the file name, making sure to add the extension of .hdr.
    
    
11. In Bryce, load the new HDR file in the IBL tab of the Sky Lab. Adjust the Quality, Intensity, and HDRI Effect as needed.
    
    
12. Render your scene.
    
    

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