Using Render's Differential Uploading from Octane Standalone

A guide to using the Render Network's Differential Uploading, enabling you to sync changes to scenes in Octane Standalone without re-uploading entire ORBX Files

Spenser Dickerson walks you through leveraging Differential Uploading from Octane Standalone on the Render Network

With differential uploading, you can drastically reduce the time spent on Render Network uploads by sending only the data that has changed - eliminating the need for full scene re-uploads.

This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

---

1. Exporting an ORBX from Your DCC

To utilize differential uploading, the first step is to export your scene as an ORBX file from your Digital Content Creation (DCC) software, such as Cinema 4D, Blender, or Houdini.

Steps:

1. Open Render Settings in your DCC and ensure OctaneRender is selected as the render engine.

2. Scroll down to OctaneRender settings and find the ORBX Export options.

3. Enable all settings to ensure your ORBX file retains all necessary data (caches, plugins, etc.).

4. Select a directory and filename for your ORBX export.

5. Click Export ORBX.

   1. The system will now bake all frames, appearing as if it renders to black—this is expected.

6. Once completed, Octane Standalone will launch.

---

2. Loading Your ORBX in Octane Standalone

Upon successful export, the ORBX file will open in Octane Standalone. This step ensures that your file is properly loaded for rendering and uploading.

Steps:

1. Open Octane Standalone 2024.1.2 (or your corresponding version).

2. Click on Render Target to begin previewing your scene.

3. If working with an animation, scrub through the timeline to check your file.

---

3. Uploading Changes to Render Network

Differential uploading allows Octane to analyze your scene and only send updated data, rather than the entire project.

Steps:

1. Click on the Cloud Menu in Octane Standalone.

2. Select Upload Scene Snapshot.

   1. This initiates an analysis and uploads only the new or modified data.

3. Once the upload is complete, click Render.

4. Your Render Network account will open, displaying your new job under 'Scenes'.

---

4. Benefits of Differential Uploading

• Faster Uploads: Only changed files are sent, saving time and bandwidth.

• Optimized Workflow: Iterate quicker without full re-uploads.

• Seamless Integration: Works effortlessly with Render Network.

---

5. Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My ORBX isn't exporting correctly. What should I do?

✔️ Ensure you have enabled all ORBX Export settings in your render settings. ✔️ Verify that Octane is set as the active render engine. ✔️ Confirm that your DCC and Octane Standalone versions match.

Q: My scene isn’t updating properly in Render Network.

✔️ Make sure you’re using Upload Scene Snapshot instead of re-uploading everything. ✔️ Check if your changes were saved in your DCC before exporting the ORBX. ✔️ Try restarting Octane Standalone to refresh the scene.

---

Final Thoughts

With this powerful differential uploading feature, you can cut down hours of redundant uploads and focus on what truly matters - creating stunning 3D visuals.

Happy Rendering!