FAQ

1. Start the program and click on "cancel" as soon as the update is displayed. When the program has started, export your setting (such as individual spaces for example) via "File" -> "export user settings" and save them onto the hard drive.

2. Uninstall set.a.light 3D STUDIO

3. Click on the link below and download the most recent version of set.a.light. 3D and install it.

4. Import the previously saved settings again via "File" -> "Import user settings". Usually settings are not lost during a reinstallation, but for security purposes they should be backed up (as described in Step 1). In case the product licence is not recognized after a reinstallation, please enter it again.


Weiterführende Informationen:
Download

set.a.light 3D STUDIO primarily uses the capacity and memory of your graphics card in order to conduct the live-rendering process. For a smooth operation of the software, we recommend current graphics cards with a graphics memory of 1GB RAM or above.

No, this is not possible. You can however find some requisites below for animating your shooting. We are constantly expanding the contents and we make these available via free updates.

Yes you can change the System of units between Metric and Imperial (ft feet) .

Click "Settings" and then "Imperial (ft)".

From now on, you use the Imperial Measurement System.

 

You can copy a light Shaper and all other objects in the Studio where you click on the object ALT-click and move to the side.

Now you will get a 1:1 copy of the affected object. This way all objects can be easily duplicate (clone).

Via the link below, you will reach a video on YouTube that shows you how to duplicate objects.

Weiterführende Informationen:
Copy a Object

Yes, you can save your shooting via the menu item "File" -> "Save". All pictures and settings on the timeline are contained within the .set file.  You can open the .set file again at any time and continue working on it. The rendered pictures pertaining to it are deposited in a folder with the same name which you gave to your shooting.

Objects are now easy to move, because you don’t have to click on a specific point.

The whole surface of the object is clickable, so you can move the object the way you want it.

Light shapers are excluded and must be moved and operated as usual with the handless.  

Yes, you can use the rendered images, screenshots and the set plan commercially.

Yes, the software can be obtained in box form or as a download for the Mac and Windows operating systems.

Weiterführende Informationen:
Features
system requirements

The size of the file is determined by the lighting set complexity and the number of pictures found on the timeline. The file can be very small, but can also reach several MB. Since the size is dependent on the above mentioned factors, no precise information can be given.

In set.a.light 3D you can also use your own flash heads.

The graphic shows you how to create your own flash head (e.g. with the special control range of Elinchrom).

Now the new flash head is available in set.a.light 3D for your lighting setups.

 

Objects can be modified directly with a mouse click and the “H” key whilst moving the mouse pointer in height. For example, if the model should stand on a platform, it is now even easier to implement.

 

The body size can be changed by selecting the model with the mouse and typing the desired size in the left menu in “Body size”. Terminate the entry with the ENTER key.

 

If you want to recreate a setting in the real studio, you can export a PDF Setplan.

Choose a picture on the timeline by clicking on it. The Photo viewer opens.

Before you export the Setplan, you can add your own data and notes. These are automatically saved to the image in the timeline.

Then click on "Export Setplan", here you can now determine the zero point of the studio and automatically cut the range used.

Now click “Create PDF”. A file browser opens and you can enter and save the name of the Setplan.

As soon as the Setplan is created, it opens automatically (provided that you have a PDF viewer like Adobe Acrobat Reader).



 

Unfortunately, the latest version does not have an 3D Importer

The import (e.g. of ".obj" or ".blend" files) and the Use of 3D Content is sophisticated and defective.

We work on a solution, whiche enables the import of 3D content.

The 3D import will be included, but we cannot say when it will happen.

Objects can be locked in the setlist in the bottom right. Just click into the small box behind the object and it is locked. Unlock it by clicking one more time into the small box.  
Unintentional movement of objects is now impossible by locking objects.

 

Select the tab "Lights" at the bottom of the user interface in order to gain an overview of the available lighting technology. You can place the lighting technology into studio via drag & drop or add it by double clicking it.

 

To have a good overview of many objects, it is good to give the object a specific name. This is possible with a double-click on the object in the set list. Now you can edit the chosen name. 

Confirm with the Enter key and the changed name is shown in the setlist.



 

Timeline entries can be dragged or re-sorted by pressing the left mouse button to a new position.
The yellow line indicates the future position.
Upon releasing the mouse button, the entry will be stored at this position.

 

Yes, black / white images can be easily simulated in set.a.light 3D.

In the camera settings you can activate the black/white (BW Button) mode. Now you see the image in black/white (B/W) in the preview camera.

Also the rendered image is then output in B&W (black and white).

 

Via the button "Add space" you can either overwrite the existing space or add an individual one. You also have the choice to set the size and colour of the space.

 

Lenses with different focal lengths provide different design options.

For portrait photography are for example telephoto lenses with a focal length of 70mm - 200mm suitable.

A wide range of lenses for a variety of design options is in the menu bar above in the camera setting in the program provided. 

So you can adjust your setting to the lenses you own, then the final image will look the same as the image you produce in the software.

Another benefit is that you can try out different lenses.
Even if you don’t own them, you can see how they will look like.

By using the drop-down menu you can select the desired look. The focal length of the camera can be set (with fixed focal lengths is not possible).

 

You can delete an object by selecting it and clicking on the “delete” button.

Alternatively, you can click the button “Remove from Set” which you find in the left menu at the bottom of the list.

 

set.a.light 3D constantly checks whether or not it is up-to-date when there is an internet connection, and alerts you to any potential updates via a pop-up window. You can also start a manual search for an update via the menu item "Help".

Please follow the instructions of the operating manual or the Quick Start Guide.
Here (LINK) you can download the Quick Start Guide.

In the top menu bar under the menu item "Help" you can find "Set License", here you can enter the purchased license.

Click on “Set License” a window with an input field will open.

Now enter into the input field “Enter license key” your license key.

Confirm it by clicking on the “Add License” button.

Done! Now the added license key appears. 

 

Select the tab "Models" at the bottom of the user interface and place a model via drag & drop into the studio area. Alternatively you can also add the model by double-clicking it.

 

There is no limit to the number of pictures you can store here.

Pay attention that all rendered pictures are saved in the project folder only AFTER the whole shooting has been saved via the save function.  If you close the software before saving, rendered pictures are also potentially lost.

The timeline is a representation of your shooting, and also contains the studio setting for each picture shown on it. In this manner you can restore the correct studio setting for each picture via it.

To switch between portrait and landscape format, click the button right here. 

The camera will be rotated ninety degree. 
You can fine tune the section by directly turning the camera right here.

The video shows you how to do it.

 

Weiterführende Informationen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW4kEWIxeSI

There is a driver compilation problem, which means that control via the tray is momentarily restricted. Please use the mouse for control.

An Upgrade from set set.a.light 3D BASIC to set.a.light 3D STUDIO is available on our homepage.

By purchasing the upgrade you get the full flexibility and all functionalities of set.a.light 3D.

You find more information about the activation and the upgrade itself under the following link.

Weiterführende Informationen:
set.a.light 3D UPGRADE

We have decided to not simulate a Boom Stand in set.a.light 3D

There are many different Boom Stands (and ceiling rail systems), so it is difficult to find a universal shape that is useful to everybody.

Solution:
Simply hide the existing tripod. You can see how to do this in the picture below.

 

Yes set.a.light 3D features an Auto Save function in the case of a program error.

If set.a.light 3D fails, a backup of the current file will be created immediately. set.a.light 3D stores this file under "Documents/elixxier /".

The titling always begins with the term "Crash_" followed by the time indication, in which the file was created (example: "Crash_2014-07-15_18-30.set").

After restarting set.a.light 3D, the backup file can be open and stored fresh under a new name.

Was that a backup created, you realize directly on the project name in the Timeline.

Note:
After an error, set.a.light 3D must be restarted always to ensure that it will not be consequential faults.

Licensing

The software may be installed and activated on one main computer. You are also permitted to install a second copy on another computer (e.g. notebook), provided that the software won't be used at the same time.

Problem Description:
After Apple Mavericks update of OS X 10.9.3 to OS X 10.9.4, set.a.light 3D does not start and stops with a white window.

Solution:
There good news. We released a new version of set.a.light 3D for Mac OS X.
If you have the problem with the white screen:

1. uninstall set.a.light 3D
2. download the new installer from here
3. Install set.a.light 3D

After reinstalling, set.a.light 3D should start as usual.

Downloadlink:
www.elixxier.com/downloader.php?mac=1 

### Problem Solved (06. July 2016) ###

>> Since the NVIDIA driver version 368.69 set.a.light 3D is working as usual.

Problem Description:
set.a.light 3D starts with the error message "Oops! The game crashed"
(see screenshot below).

The trigger for this error is the NVIDIA driver version 368.22 that was released on May 25th, 2016.

The error only occurs in connection with Windows and a NVIDIA graphics card.
Apple computers are not affected.

Solution:
Please update the NVIDIA graphics card drivers!


Scenario 2 – After an set.a.light 3D Update:
In the event that set.a.light 3D starts with an error message after an update, it is probably caused by a bug that occurred during the update process. If aforesaid is the case, please download the latest installer and run a completely fresh reinstallation of set.a.light 3D!

 

Weiterführende Informationen:
youtu.be/Jp3UokhKd3E

The real light representation is only presented in camera view (as a preview). There you can view a realistic representation of the created light settings as a preview. 

ATTENTION: A realistic picture is created (rendered) only upon clicking on the camera symbol (left camera symbol). The studio area only shows a kind of preview, which does not correspond to the end result. It only serves to illustrate the direction of the light. Objects, such as the shader, do not have an effect on the light in the studio area. You only notice an effect in camera view.

This phenomenon can occur on older Apple devices. The existing graphics card meets most of the requirements, but unfortunately the inbuilt operating system drivers do not possess all the technical capacity.

As of version 1.0.44, this problem no longer existent. Install the latest version of set.a.light 3D on your system

Weiterführende Informationen:
Download

Minimum system requirements - set.a.light 3D STUDIO

set.a.light 3D STUDIO is to ensure a 3D-lastiges to a realistic representation of the light program, which draws many of the latest technical possibilities. For this reason, the smooth operation of the computer must have a good and modern graphics card.


WINDOWS

    Microsoft® Windows® 10 / 8 / 7 / VistaTM from SP2 (32/64 Bit)
    Intel® CoreTM 2 Duo, or equivalent AMD processor
    Graphics card with 512 MB VRAM and DirectX 10.1 (1 GB VRAM Ideally)
    1280x768 screen resolution or higher
    4 GB RAM or more
    2 GB free hard-drive space
    Internet connection (for updates and add-ons)
    Mouse or Tablet
    Please keep your system up to date.



MAC OS

    Mac OS X (32/64 Bit), Version 10.7 
    Intel® CoreTM 2 Duo
    Graphics card with 512 MB VRAM and OpenGL 3.3 or better (1 GB VRAM Ideally)
    1280x768 screen resolution or higher
    4 GB RAM or more
    2 GB free hard-drive space
    Internet connection (for updates and add-ons)
    Mouse or Tablet
    Please keep your system up to date.

 

IMPORTANT: Integrated graphics chipsets such as Intel ® HD graphics or ATI Radeon ® HD 3200 is not supported.

For best performance, the system should have a modern and high-performance graphics card with DirectX11, or OpenGL 4.x and min. 1 GB VRAM.

Recommended graphics chipsets: NVIDIA ® GeForce ® GTX 480, ATI Radeon ® HD 5000

In case your hardware does not meet the requirements, you may experience long waiting times for the light calculation and that only one model can be placed.

The handles are now more handy and easier to turn. Thus, the objects can be rotated more accurately, shifted and adjusted in height.
Try it out, you quickly get used to the operation.

 

You can get this information from your camera documents or the respective manufacturer website.

If the program displays an error message, please enter a short description of the problem in the text field and then click on send. In this way you help us detect existing faults much quicker. We will work hard to find a solution to the problem, so that the fault can be fixed in one of the coming updates

On our support website you can find an email form through which you can directly contact our support team.

The ISO number is the light sensitivity of the image sensor. The higher the ISO number, the higher the sensitivity of the image sensor, resulting in a brighter picture.

 

All settings that are made within the program (such as individual spaces for example) can be exported together via the export function. Through the import function previously exported settings can be restored.

 

In target lock mode the camera will always stay on the point of focus, regardless of where in space you move the it. This allows you to quickly test different viewing angles on the model, without constantly needing to realign the camera. In normal mode the camera is not fixed to the object.

 

The histogram visualizes the brightness distribution (as well as the individual colour channels) in the picture.

 

When shadow preview is active, you can view a very simplified shadow representation of the objects. This should prove helpful to you for the light placement. This feature is only recommended if you have an up-to-date and powerful graphics card.

By focal ratio we refer to the variable opening in the lens. The size of this aperture is shown as a numerical value.

Every increase in the size of the opening (i.e. decrease in the focal ratio) by one, allows twice the amount of light onto the image sensor.

That is to say, setting the focal ratio controls lighting. With an closet aperture you also have more depth of focus than with a closed aperture (bigger focal ratio number), creating sharpness over a larger area.

 

The shutter speed is an important parameter to control the image brightness.

The shorter it is, the less light strikes the image sensor of the camera and the picture gets darker.

It is recommended to use a tripod when using a slow shutter speed, so you avoid a blurred image. You can find now the most common shutter speed for studio photography in the drop-down menu in the top menu list.

Since the flash burning time is extremely short, the shutter speed has no effect in the studio. Only a very bright studio lighting can be balanced.

In the simulation, changing the shutter speed has no effect, since the background lighting is not included.

 

You can find the Picturewall under props. In the menu to the left you can find some pre-made images. Just click on one of them and add it.

You can upload your own images on the Picturewall and use it in the software. Click on the "+"button and the file browser will open and you can add your image. You will find now the new imported image in the image presets. Possible file formats are JPG and PNG (PNG only STUDIO Edition).

By using PNG files with transparency you can use isolated images (e.g. a tree, pattern, person, clothing, object, etc.). Images with transparencies appear similar to 3D objects in the software and also cast a shadow.

You can easily create settings with outdoor feeling, or your own unique scenes. With this new feature vast possibilities are given for the setup. In the Picturewall menu you can adjust the size of the picture wall to your needs.

 

Weiterführende Informationen:
Video Picturewall

In the timeline you can see the photos you've taken. All studio settings are also automatically applied to every picture in the timeline. From here you can gain access to every photo and the setting applied to it.

 

Upon clicking on the photo release, a picture is taken, rendered immediately and dropped into the timeline.

 

set.a.light 3D BASIC was adjusted so that the revolutionary lighting calculation software is now available perfectly suited for amateur photographers.

It’s available for a reasonable price.

Limitations of set.a.light 3D BASIC

• 3 room templates: large, medium, small
• 5 flash heads can be simultaneously used in the studio
• On the picture wall JPG files can be loaded.
• 5 own picture wall possible
• Setplan with watermark
• Rendering with watermark, max. 1200 px size

Weiterführende Informationen:
Find out more about set.a.light 3D BASIC

During startup, set.a.light 3D STUDIO checks whether or not an update is available and displays them. It is possible that your virus scanner is interfering with the updater and causing it to terminate. Problems can arise particularly when using Kaspersky Antivirus or ESET Smart Security.

Solution: Deactivate your virus scanner when you start set.a.light 3D STUDIO, and keep it deactivated until the update has been completed. The updater will take some time, please don't cancel it. Please don't forget to reactivate your virus scanner straight after the update.

You have the option of buying the software online at www.elixxier.com
or from one of our chosen distributors in box form.

Weiterführende Informationen:
Shop - set.a.light 3D STUDIO

set.a.light 3D STUDIO checks whether or not it is up-to-date by itself via the internet and displays any potential updates.

You can find the installer for V1.0 in the customer account.

Please log into your customer account from the top right corner of the website.
There you will find the installer for Mac and Win.

The installer for V1.0 is only available for our customers.

Keywords: Download - V1.0 - Download Installer - Installer V1.0 Windows Mac

Yes, in set.a.light 3D you can also use the popular Speedlights (compact flash / speedlite).

There are also additional light shaper that can be used in conjunction with the Speedlite.

His own Speedlights, you can also add and use in the software.

You can download a 15 day trial version at www.elixxier.com/

The trial version is not limited and can be tested fully.

Weiterführende Informationen:
Download

set.a.light 3D STUDIO checks whether or not it is up-to-date by itself when starting, and displays new updates.

On our website, in the Download section, you can find the Release Notes and the next planned.



Weiterführende Informationen:
Download

We describe new features on elixxier.com. Further information, exciting special promotions and announcements regarding updates are also included in our newsletter. We recommend you register to receive the newsletter.

You can either subscribe to our newsletter or you can receive news via email.
Alternatively you can access information on our website or on Facebook.

You can get through to our friendly customer service by phone or email at any time. Within the software you can click on "Help", from where you will be able to access a special contact form through which you can send us suggestions.

In most cases, set.a.light 3D does not run fluidly if the hardware is not powerful enough or will not be fully  utilized.

First of all compare the hardware of your notebook to our our system requirements. You find them here:

www.elixxier.com/en/shop/details.php?artikelid=3#1

If you use a Windows 8 Notebook which has a a dedicated (additional) graphics card, it is possible, that set.a.light 3D will not run fluidly though.

The reason is, that your operating system tries to save power, by uses the internal graphics chip on the main board (e.g. i7 or i5) instead of the dedicated graphics card.

The problem mostly occurs when the power is not plugged in.
But depending on the system configuration it could also occur when it is plugged in.



Troubleshooting
To solve the problem, be sure that the latest graphics card driver is installed. You get it on the manufacturer page

www.nvidia.com/content/global/global.php
www.amd.com/de/pages/amdhomepage.aspx


In case you didn’t quit set.a.light 3D, please do it now.
The following steps show you how you connect the dedicated graphics card and set.a.light 3D in the driver settings.

Zu den NVIDIA Treibereinstellungen gelangst du über einen Rechtsklick auf den Desktop und dann auf „NVIDIA Systemsteuerung“. 


Note:The following information are translated from the german version of the driversoftware. It may be possible, that some disclosures may named differently in the english version.

You open the NVIDIA driver settings via a right click on the desktop and then under „NVIDIA Control Panel. A New window opens where you should find the tab „3D settings“ on the left side. 

Click on it and choose the tab „Program settings“
By clicking on “add” you can search „set.a.light 3D STUDIO.exe“ or „set.a.light 3D BASIC.exe“ on your computer. 

Usually it should be under: „C:\Program Files (x86)\set.a.light 3D STUDIO\“.

Confirm it by clicking on “add” and choose “NVIDIA high-performance processor” in the second tab.

At the end, safe all your settings by clicking on “Apply”. You find this button in the right bottom corner of the window.

Congratulations, you connected set.a.light 3D with the dedicated graphics card.

Unfortunally sometimes these settings will not be accepted.
If this event occurs you have two possibilities.


Possibility 1
The first one is, that you connect all programs on your computer with the dedicated graphics card.

You do this in the NVIDIA “3D settings” as well. There should be the tab “Global settings”. 
Under “Preferred graphics processor”, choose “NVIDIA high-performance processor”.

Again safe the settings by clicking on the “Apply”-button.

The advantage of this method is, that all your programs get maximum graphics performance.

But on the other hand, this method needs more power which discharges your battery faster.


Possibility 2:
The second possibility ist that you do not start set.a.light 3D by double clicking.

Instead press the right mouse button on the icon and choose „Run with graphics processor“ in the Popup.

Now you can choose your dedicated graphics card.
In our example it is “NVIDIA high-performance processor“.

Now set.a.light 3D is temporarily connected to the dedicated graphics card.

The advantage of this method is, that all other programs can use the internal graphics chip as well while set.a.light 3D uses the dedicated one.

The downside is, that you have to start the software like this every time you open it.

       

In combination with one of the latest Windows 8 Notebooks, it is possible, that the studio area and the preview camera remain black.

The reason is, that the operating system uses the internal graphics chip, which is situated on the processor (e.g. i7/i5 or i3) instead of the dedicated (additional) graphics card.

The problem mostly occurs when the power is not plugged in.
But depending on the system configuration it could also occur when it is plugged in.

Basically, the internal graphics chip of the i7 Intel Processor with the latest Hassewall CPU design (CPU = central processing unit) should be sufficient enough.
However the latest drivers oft the manufacturer not mature yet. The result is, the black screen which may occur under Windows 7 and 8.


Troubleshooting
Below we explain you, how you can adjust Windows, that it will use the dedicated (additional), more powerful graphics card

To solve the problem, be sure that the latest graphics card driver is installed.
You get it on the manufacturer page

www.nvidia.com/content/global/global.php
www.amd.com/de/pages/amdhomepage.aspx


In case you didn’t quit set.a.light 3D, please do it now.
The following steps show you how you connect the dedicated graphics card and set.a.light 3D in the driver settings.

Zu den NVIDIA Treibereinstellungen gelangst du über einen Rechtsklick auf den Desktop und dann auf „NVIDIA Systemsteuerung“. 
(The following information are translated from the german version of the driversoftware. It may be possible, that some disclosures may named differently in the english version)

You open the NVIDIA driver settings via a right click on the desktop and then under „NVIDIA Control Panel". A New window opens where you should find the tab „3D settings“ on the left side. 

Click on it and choose the tab „Program settings“
By clicking on “add” you can search „set.a.light 3D STUDIO.exe“ on your computer. 

Usually it should be under: „C:\Program Files (x86)\set.a.light 3D STUDIO\“.

Confirm it by clicking on “add” and choose “NVIDIA high-performance processor” in the second tab.

At the end, safe all your settings by clicking on “Apply”. You find this button in the right bottom corner of the window.

Congratulations, you connected set.a.light 3D with the dedicated graphics card.

Unfortunally sometimes these settings will not be accepted.
If this event occurs you have two possibilities.


Possibility 1:
The first one is, that you connect all programs on your computer with the dedicated graphics card.

You do this in the NVIDIA “3D settings” as well. There should be the tab “Global settings”. 
Under “Preferred graphics processor”, choose “NVIDIA high-performance processor”.

Again safe the settings by clicking on the “Apply”-button.

The advantage of this method is, that all your programs get maximum graphics performance.

But on the other hand, this method needs more power which discharges your battery faster.


Possibility 2:
The second possibility ist that you do not start set.a.light 3D by double clicking.

Instead press the right mouse button on the icon and choose „Run with graphics processor“ in the Popup.

Now you can choose your dedicated graphics card.
In our example it is “NVIDIA high-performance processor“.

Now set.a.light 3D is temporarily connected to the dedicated graphics card.

The advantage of this method is, that all other programs can use the internal graphics chip as well while set.a.light 3D uses the dedicated one.

The downside is, that you have to start the software like this every time you open it.