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Workflow: Setting Up a Scene

This workflow walks you through creating a new scene driven by the TrueSKY main panel, from initial setup to a basic sky configuration.

1. Open the TrueSKY Panel

  1. In the 3D Viewport, press N to open the sidebar.
  2. Switch to True-VFX → TrueSKY 3.
  3. Confirm the upper tabs (Luminous, Primary, Clouds, Celestial, Space) and lower tabs (Global Positioning, Effects, HDRI, Offset).

2. Run Setup Scene

  1. At the top of the main panel, locate the Setup Scene button.
  2. If no TrueSKY elements exist yet, click Setup Scene.
  3. The add-on creates the base objects, world, and node setups behind the scenes, including:
  4. A primary body object and supporting rig.
  5. A TrueSKY world shader.
  6. Initial luminous and cloud structures as needed.
  7. World lighting and effects ready for the full scene presets (with improved ring options).

After this step, your scene is ready to be driven entirely from the TrueSKY tabs.

3. Choose an Upper Tab and Do First Tweaks

Start with the upper tabs, which define the core of your environment:

  1. Luminous
  2. Open the Luminous tab to adjust your main sun and any secondary light sources.

  3. Set intensity and color to roughly match the time of day and mood you want.

  4. Primary

  5. Switch to the Primary tab.
  6. Set planet radius/scale and basic surface look.

  7. Ensure the atmosphere is enabled if you want a sky and horizon band.

  8. Clouds (optional at this stage)

  9. If you want clouds, open Clouds and enable or tweak at least one layer.

  10. Keep settings simple at first (moderate coverage and density).

  11. Celestial and Space (optional early passes)

  12. Use Celestial to add a moon or additional bodies if needed.
  13. Use Space to pick a starfield or simple background that supports your scene.

You do not need to perfect every tab right away—just establish a rough sky and lighting.

4. Try a Full Scene Preset (Optional)

  • In the main panel, use the preset carousel to load a Full Scene preset when you want a complete starting look.
  • These presets now include world lighting/effects, refreshed startup/world options, and better ring handling on the primary body.
  • Tweak clouds, lighting, or rings after loading to match your shot.

5. Check Misc Tabs: Global Positioning, Effects, HDRI, Offset

Once the core sky is in place, quickly review the lower tabs under the Miscellaneous dropdown:

  • Global Positioning

  • Set a scene-wide location, date, and time so lighting and skies stay aligned.

  • Effects

  • Add subtle haze or post-like adjustments if your scene feels too sharp or empty.

  • HDRI

  • If you plan to render HDRI maps from this scene, confirm the HDRI tab is configured (camera, resolution, output directory). The full HDRI workflow is covered in a separate guide.

  • Performance

  • In the Performance panel below, use Presets for global quality, then Volumes for per-layer sliders.

  • Offset

  • Shift the TrueSKY setup using Distance, Elevation, and Rotation if you need to reposition the sky rig.
  • Enable All Objects to move the rest of the scene along with the sky; leave it off to move only the sky system.
  • Use Offset Scene By Selected Objects to center the TrueSKY setup on your current selection automatically.

6. Save a Starting Point

  1. Once you are happy with the initial setup, save your .blend file.
  2. Keeping a clean "base" file is useful because:
  3. The HDRI workflow can reuse this file’s output path and configuration.
  4. You can duplicate or branch from this starting point for alternate lighting or atmosphere variations.

At this stage, you have a TrueSKY-driven scene ready for more detailed work, such as creating fully atmospheric worlds or rendering HDRI maps.