First released in 2009, HDR Light Studio is a multi-platform tool for real-time lighting design. Although initially used for creating synthetic HDRI, its toolkit has since expanded significantly, including the ability to generate and control HDR-textured lighting areas in many applications. Noteworthy is the LightPaint feature, which allows users to place highlights on the surface of a 3D model by clicking on it during rendering.
Integration plugins are available for most major DCC applications, including 3ds Max, Blender, Cinema 4D, and Maya, as well as several key CAD tools, providing live connections with 3D programs. The software is used in industries such as motion design and VFX, but its primary application is product visualization.
The key changes in HDR Light Studio 8.2 include an update to the proprietary LightPaint system. The Shadow and Shade modes function similarly to the standard Illumination mode, but in Shadow mode, the area marked in the render is placed in the shadow of the light. The Shade mode positions the light on the HDRI from the opposite side of the model. Other changes include a new Reflection Filter for mirror-like reflection of light on the generated HDRI with adjustable intensity, alpha channel, and reflection blending. The Scrim Light, introduced in HDR Light Studio 8, has received an adjustment called Infinite Plane for smoother falloff.
The changes also affected lighting presets, including a new Audition mode where users can hover over the thumbnail in the Library panel and see the preset applied in the rendering mode. Additionally, the software now comes with 405 free HDRI presets sized at 2048x1024px from HDRMAPS.
HDR Light Studio 8.2 is available for Windows 10 and above, CentOS 7.9 and above Linux, and macOS 11.4 and above. Connection plugins are available for a range of popular DCC and CAD tools. The software is available for rental only.
The Indie subscription, intended for users with an income of less than $100,000 per year, costs $220 per year. The Professional subscription costs $445 per year for a node-locked license and $975 per year for a floating license. Both include 12 connection plugins, including all plugins for DCC applications. Automotive subscriptions cost $1495 per year for a node-locked license, $2245 per year for a floating license, and add connections for DeltaGen, Patchwork3D, VRED, and a new connection for Unreal Engine.