Effects

The Effects tab is a compositor-based layer system that adds lens artifacts, camera imperfections, and image adjustments on top of your rendered TrueSKY scene. Stack multiple layers and control global settings to achieve polished, cinematic looks directly in the viewport.

Quick Start

Add a single Sun Bloom layer first to confirm compositor setup, then layer in more complex effects (Sun Glint, Ghosts) gradually.

Where to Find It

Open the 3D Viewport N-panel.
Go to True-VFX -> TrueSKY 3.
In the main panel, open Miscellaneous and choose Effects.

The first time you add a layer or enable a global effect, the compositor system is set up automatically. You can preview effects in real time in the viewport; final renders use full-precision compositing.

System Overview

Effects are organized in two tiers:

Layer Stack: Stackable lens effects (Sun Bloom, Sun Glint, Ghosts, Rainbows, Lens Dirt). Layers process in order from top to bottom and can be toggled, reordered, and preset-managed individually.
Global Effects: Image-wide adjustments (Exposure, Vignette, Grain) that apply to the entire composited result.

Non-Destructive Workflow

Effects operate post-render (compositor pass) without altering underlying materials or sky data. You can experiment freely and revert instantly.

Managing Layers

+ button: Add a new layer (choose from the layer types below).
- button: Remove the selected layer.
Eye icon: Quick enable/disable toggle.
Selection: Click a layer to edit its settings below the list.

Layers process top-to-bottom; reorder by dragging if needed (exact UI may vary per Blender version).

Layer Types

Sun Bloom Sun Glint Ghosts Rainbows Lens Dirt

Global Effects

Exposure Vignette Grain

Presets System

Full Stack Presets: Save/load the entire layer stack and global settings at once.
Per-Layer Presets: Each layer type has its own preset row when selected.
Global Effect Presets: Each global effect has a preset picker in its panel header.

Viewport vs Render

Viewport: Faster, lower-precision compositing for interactive edits.
Final Render: Full-precision compositing for maximum quality and HDR accuracy.

Small visual differences are normal. Use the viewport for look-dev and verify final shots with a test render.

Performance & Quality Tips

Troubleshooting

Quick Checklist Before Rendering

Final Pass Checklist

Layer order and Enable states reviewed.
Opacity / Strength tuned per layer.
Exposure mode confirmed (Manual vs Auto).
Test frame rendered (compare viewport vs final).
Heavy Iterations / Quality restored for finals.
Full Stack preset saved for reuse.