Better Renders in Keyshot with simple HDRI trick

Lighting is one of the most crucial factors in creating high-quality renders, yet many beginners make the same mistake—they stick with the default “Startup HDRI” in Keyshot. While this HDRI provides a soft, uniform light, it lacks contrast and often results in flat, unappealing renders.

But don’t worry! Follow these steps to dramatically improve your product visualizations:

Step 1: Adjust Perspective & Lighting Presets

1. Set the perspective distance to 200 for a more natural camera look.
2. Change the lighting preset to Product/Interior to optimize reflections and shadows.

Step 2: Create a Clay Render for Lighting Evaluation

3. Apply a basic grey plastic material to the entire model.
4. This neutral material helps visualize the scene’s lighting without material distractions.

Step 3: Set Up a Custom HDRI Environment

5. Add a new HDRI in the HDRI Editor.
6. Set the HDRI background color to black for better contrast.

Step 4: Add the Key Light (Main Light Source)

7. This is the strongest light in your setup.
8. Adjust its position in the HDRI Editor or use the "Set Highlight" tool to click directly on the 3D model, ensuring perfect placement.

Step 5: Add a Fill Light for Subtle Softness

9. Now add another pin to simulate the fill light, this light is subtle and helps recover lost details around the darker areas.

Step 6: Add a Rim Light for Depth & Volume

10. Place a rim light behind the model to highlight edges and add depth. This step enhances separation between the object and background, creating a professional studio look.

Step 7: Adjust Background Color & Apply Materials

11. Set the scene background to white (this is different from the HDRI background).
12. Apply materials from the Keyshot Material Library or create custom materials for a polished, professional finish.

Thank you for reading ❤️