Using the Render Network Cloud Storage Integration for AWS S3

A Guide to using the AWS S3 cloud storage integration on the Render Network

Tutorial by legendary 3D artist, Brilly, walking you through using the AWS S3 cloud storage integration on the Render Network

Introduction

Downloading your renders from The Render Network is now seamless with the new cloud storage integration through Amazon Web Service. Now rendered frames can automatically be added to your S3 Cloud Storage straight from the Render Network, simplifying collaborative workflows from the network.

First we need to create an AWS Account account if you do not currently have one

AWS offers a free tier for you to try their services with. We’re going to use Amazon S3, which comes with 5GB of storage. The following instructions should be considered the simplest way to configure your account, which may deviate from the recommended configuration as well as the production ready configuration. Adhering to AWS recommendations and documentation is strongly encouraged.

We will need to start by creating a Bucket

1. First go to the AWS page and select the button in the top right that reads “Create AWS Account”

2. Follow the onscreen steps to set up your account starting with entering your email address to begin the process.

3. You will need to verify your email address and then log in

4. One of the final steps for creating your account is selecting your AWS Support Plan. We are going to select “Basic Support” which is free.

5. Now we will go to the AWS Management Console so we can create a bucket. From here you will need to expand the navigation menu down from the top corner, go to all services, storage and click S3.

6. On this page you will then click on the “Create Bucket” button

7. Name your bucket by following AWS’ Bucket naming rules

8. Scroll down to the bottom of the Create Bucket page and click on the “Create Bucket” button.

Now that you have a bucket set up, you will need to create an Access Key so that you can share access to it.

To Create an Access Key

1. To Create an access key, select the “My services” button at the top of the page followed by IAM which will allow access to AWS resources.

2. You should now be in the IAM Dashboard. Now scroll over to the “Quick Links” section and click on “My Security Credentials”.

3. Now Scroll down to the “Access Keys” section and click on “Create Access Key”

   1. Please note that you may get a warning that says this is not recommended. This is expected if you’re following the steps in this document. Make sure to check out the AWS security credentials and Managing access keys for IAM users documents when you set up your account for commercial use.

   2. Once you confirm this step you will then click “Create Access Key”.

4. Now you can download or copy your Secret access key. You will not be able to access it again and will have to create another Access Key if not saved.

With that you’re done. The next step is to link your account to the Render Network.

To link your account we need to Connect Your Cloud Storage

• Log into your Artist Portal at RNDR.X.IO

• Enter into your Account through the navigation followed by the Cloud Storage Tab

• Here you will see Amazon S3 and you will click the “Connect to RNDR” button to bring up the submission form.

• Enter a name for your record, your Access Key, Secret Access Key, and the name of your bucket and then click Submit.

• Wait for our system to confirm your credentials and access to the given bucket. You will see a green notification appear on the page after a short wait, your connection is now confirmed.

And with that you’ve finished linking your account to Render.

Setting Up a Job on the Render Network to the Amazon S3 Cloud Storage can be completed with a simple click:

• Upload your scene and create New Job just as you would normally and proceed to Step 3

• Now in the Network Settings the Frame Approval Method must be set to Pre-Approved Frames to unlock the ability to access Cloud Storage. Then go to Cloud Storage and select your Amazon S3 account.

And now you have successfully rendered your scene through Amazon S3 Cloud Storage on the Render Network.