3.8 Quick Reference

This is a consolidation of the entire syntax for the POV-Ray's Scene Description Language. Note that the syntax conventions used here are slightly different than those used in the user documentation.

The following syntax conventions are used:

ITEM

An item not in brackets indicates that it is a required item.

[ITEM]

Brackets surround an optional item. If brackets are part of the item, that is noted where applicable.

ITEM...

An ellipsis indicates an item that may be used one or more times.

[ITEM...]

An ellipsis within brackets indicates an item that may be used zero or more times.

ITEM ITEM

Two or more juxtaposed items indicates that they should be used in the given order.

ITEM | ITEM

A pipe separates two or more alternatives from which only one item should be used.

ITEM & ITEM  

An ampersand separates two or more items that may be used in any order.

Juxtaposition has precedence over the pipe or ampersand. In the following example, you would select one of the keyword and vector pairs. For that last pair, the keyword itself is optional.

rgb 3D_VECTOR | rgbf 4D_VECTOR | rgbt 4D_VECTOR | [rgbft] 5D_VECTOR

Some item names are simply descriptive in nature. An indication of the item's type is given by a prefix on the item name, as follows:

F_

A FLOAT item

I_

An INT item

V_

A VECTOR item

V4_ 

A 4-D VECTOR item

Note: This document provides only the syntax of the Scene Description Language (SDL). The intent is to provide a single reference for all statements and keywords. It does not provide definitions for the numerous keywords nor explain their usage.

3.8.1 Quick Reference Contents

3.8.2 The Scene

Describe a POV-Ray scene:

SCENE:

SCENE_ITEM...

SCENE_ITEM:

LANGUAGE_DIRECTIVE | CAMERA | LIGHT | OBJECT | ATMOSPHERIC_EFFECT | GLOBAL_SETTINGS

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3.8.3 Language Basics

3.8.3.1 Floats

Float Expressions

FLOAT:

NUMERIC_TERM [SIGN NUMERIC_TERM]...

SIGN:

+ | -

NUMERIC_TERM:

NUMERIC_FACTOR [MULT NUMERIC_FACTOR]...

MULT:

* | /

NUMERIC_FACTOR:

FLOAT_LITERAL | FLOAT_IDENTIFIER | SIGN NUMERIC_FACTOR | FLOAT_FUNCTION | FLOAT_BUILT_IN_IDENT | ( FULL_EXPRESSION ) | ! NUMERIC_FACTOR | VECTOR_FACTOR DECIMAL_POINT DOT_ITEM | FLOAT_FUNCTION_INVOCATION

FLOAT_LITERAL:

MANTISSA [EXP [SIGN] DIGIT...]

MANTISSA:

DIGIT... [DECIMAL_POINT [DIGIT...]] | DECIMAL_POINT DIGIT...

DIGIT:

0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

DECIMAL_POINT:

.

EXP:

e | E

FLOAT_FUNCTION:

abs (FLOAT) | acos (FLOAT) | acosh (FLOAT) | asc (STRING) | asin (FLOAT) | asinh (FLOAT) | atan (FLOAT) | atanh (FLOAT) | atan2 (FLOAT,FLOAT) | ceil (FLOAT) | cos (FLOAT) | cosh (FLOAT) | defined (IDENTIFIER) | degrees (FLOAT) | dimensions (ARRAY_IDENTIFIER) | dimension_size (ARRAY_IDENTIFIER,INT) | div (FLOAT,FLOAT) | exp (FLOAT) | file_exists (STRING) | floor (FLOAT) | int (FLOAT) | inside (SOLID_OBJECT_IDENT, VECTOR) | ln (FLOAT) | log (FLOAT) | max (FLOAT,FLOAT[,FLOAT]...) | min (FLOAT,FLOAT[,FLOAT]...) | mod (FLOAT,FLOAT) | pow (FLOAT,FLOAT) | radians (FLOAT) | rand (FLOAT) | seed (FLOAT) | select (FLOAT,FLOAT,FLOAT,[FLOAT]) | sin (FLOAT) | sinh (FLOAT) | sqrt (FLOAT) | strcmp (STRING,STRING) | strlen (STRING) | tan (FLOAT) | tanh (FLOAT) | val (STRING) | vdot (VECTOR,VECTOR) | vlength (VECTOR)

FLOAT_BUILT_IN_IDENT:

BOOLEAN_KEYWORD | clock | clock_delta | clock_on | final_clock | final_frame | frame_number | image_height | image_width | initial_clock | initial_frame | pi | version

BOOLEAN_KEYWORD:

true | yes | on | false | no | off

FULL_EXPRESSION:

FLOAT | LOGICAL_EXPRESSION [? FULL_EXPRESSION : FULL_EXPRESSION]

LOGICAL_EXPRESSION:

REL_TERM [LOGICAL_OPERATOR REL_TERM]...

LOGICAL_OPERATOR:

& | |

REL_TERM:

FLOAT [REL_OPERATOR FLOAT]... | STRING REL_OPERATOR STRING

REL_OPERATOR:

< | <= | = | >= | > | !=

DOT_ITEM:

x | y | z | t | u | v | red | green | blue | filter | transmit | gray

INT:

FLOAT

Any fractional part is discarded.

BOOL:

BOOLEAN_KEYWORD | LOGICAL_EXPRESSION

 

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3.8.3.2 Vectors

Vector Expressions

VECTOR:

VECTOR_TERM [SIGN VECTOR_TERM]...

VECTOR_TERM:

VECTOR_FACTOR [MULT VECTOR_FACTOR]...

VECTOR_FACTOR:

VECTOR_LITERAL | VECTOR_IDENTIFIER | SIGN VECTOR_FACTOR | VECTOR_FUNCTION | VECTOR_BUILT_IN_IDENT | ( VECTOR_FULL_EXPRESSION ) | ! VECTOR_FACTOR | FLOAT_FACTOR | VECTOR_FUNCTION_INVOCATION | COLOR_FUNCTION_INVOCATION | SPLINE_INVOCATION

VECTOR_LITERAL:

< FLOAT, FLOAT [, FLOAT [, FLOAT [, FLOAT ]]] >

VECTOR_FUNCTION:

min_extent (OBJECT_IDENTIFIER) | max_extent (OBJECT_IDENTIFIER) | trace (OBJECT_IDENTIFIER,VECTOR,VECTOR[,VECTOR_IDENTIFIER]) | vaxis_rotate (VECTOR,VECTOR,FLOAT) | vcross (VECTOR,VECTOR) | vrotate (VECTOR,VECTOR) | vnormalize (VECTOR) | vturbulence (FLOAT,FLOAT,FLOAT,VECTOR)

VECTOR_BUILT_IN_IDENT:

x | y | z | t | u | v

VECTOR_FULL_EXPRESSION:

VECTOR | LOGICAL_EXPRESSION ? VECTOR_FULL_EXPRESSION : VECTOR_FULL_EXPRESSION

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3.8.3.3 Colors

Color Expressions

COLOR:

[color] COLOR_BODY | colour COLOR_BODY

COLOR_BODY:

COLOR_VECTOR | COLOR_KEYWORD_GROUP | COLOR_IDENTIFIER

COLOR_VECTOR:

rgb 3D_VECTOR | rgbf 4D_VECTOR | rgbt 4D_VECTOR | [rgbft] 5D_VECTOR | srgb 3D_VECTOR | srgbf 4D_VECTOR | srgbt 4D_VECTOR | srgbft 5D_VECTOR

COLOR_KEYWORD_GROUP:

[COLOR_IDENTIFIER] COLOR_KEYWORD_ITEMS

COLOR_KEYWORD_ITEMS:

[red FLOAT] & [green FLOAT] & [blue FLOAT] & [filter FLOAT] & [transmit FLOAT]

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3.8.3.4 User defined Functions

User-Defined Functions

USER_FUNCTION:

FLOAT_USER_FUNCTION | VECTOR_USER_FUNCTION | COLOR_USER_FUNCTION

FLOAT_USER_FUNCTION:

function { FN_FLOAT } | function (IDENT_LIST) { FN_FLOAT } | function { pattern { PATTERN [PATTERN_MODIFIERS]} }

IDENT_LIST:

IDENT_ITEM [, IDENT_LIST]

The maximum number of parameter identifiers is 56. An identifier may not be repeated in the list.

IDENT_ITEM:

x | y | z | u | v | PARAM_IDENTIFIER

PATTERN:

MAP_PATTERN | brick [BRICK_ITEM] | checker | hexagon | object { LIST_OBJECT }

VECTOR_USER_FUNCTION:

function { SPECIAL_VECTOR_FUNCTION }

SPECIAL_VECTOR_FUNCTION:

TRANSFORM | SPLINE

COLOR_USER_FUNCTION:

function { PIGMENT }

Specify a float expression in a user-defined function:

FN_FLOAT

LOGIC_AND [OR LOGIC_AND]

OR:

|

LOGIC_AND:

REL_TERM [AND REL_TERM]

AND:

&

REL_TERM:

TERM [REL_OPERATOR TERM]

REL_OPERATOR:

< | <= | = | >= | > | !=

TERM:

FACTOR [SIGN FACTOR]

SIGN:

+ | -

FACTOR:

EXPRESSION [MULT EXPRESSION]

MULT:

* | /

EXPRESSION:

FLOAT_LITERAL | FLOAT_IDENTIFIER | FN_FLOAT_FUNCTION | FLOAT_BUILT_IN_IDENT | ( FN_FLOAT ) | IDENT_ITEM | SIGN EXPRESSION | VECTOR_FUNCTION_INVOCATION.FN_DOT_ITEM | COLOR_FUNCTION_INVOCATION.FN_DOT_ITEM | FLOAT_FUNCTION_INVOCATION

FN_DOT_ITEM:

DOT_ITEM | hf

FN_FLOAT_FUNCTION:

abs (FN_FLOAT) | acos (FN_FLOAT) | acosh (FN_FLOAT) | asin (FN_FLOAT) | asinh (FN_FLOAT) | atan (FN_FLOAT) | atanh (FN_FLOAT) | atan2 (FN_FLOAT,FN_FLOAT) | ceil (FN_FLOAT) | cos (FN_FLOAT) | cosh (FN_FLOAT) | degrees (FN_FLOAT) | exp (FN_FLOAT) | floor (FN_FLOAT) | int (FN_FLOAT) | ln (FN_FLOAT) | log (FN_FLOAT) | max (FN_FLOAT,FN_FLOAT[,FN_FLOAT]...) | min (FN_FLOAT,FN_FLOAT[,FN_FLOAT]...) | mod (FN_FLOAT,FN_FLOAT) | pow (FN_FLOAT,FN_FLOAT) | prod (IDENTIFIER, FN_FLOAT, FN_FLOAT, FN_FLOAT) | radians (FN_FLOAT) | sin (FN_FLOAT) | sinh (FN_FLOAT) | sqrt (FN_FLOAT) | sum (IDENTIFIER, FN_FLOAT, FN_FLOAT, FN_FLOAT) |tan (FN_FLOAT) | tanh (FN_FLOAT) | select (FN_FLOAT,FN_FLOAT,FN_FLOAT [,FN_FLOAT])

Create an identifier for a user-defined function:

USER_FUNCTION_DECLARATION:

#declare FLOAT_FUNCTION_IDENTIFIER = FLOAT_USER_FUNCTION |
#local FLOAT_FUNCTION_IDENTIFIER = FLOAT_USER_FUNCTION |
#declare VECTOR_FUNCTION_IDENTIFIER = VECTOR_USER_FUNCTION |
#local VECTOR_FUNCTION_IDENTIFIER = VECTOR_USER_FUNCTION |
#declare COLOR_FUNCTION_IDENTIFIER = COLOR_USER_FUNCTION |
#local COLOR_FUNCTION_IDENTIFIER = COLOR_USER_FUNCTION

Reference a user-defined function:

FLOAT_FUNCTION_INVOCATION:

FLOAT_FUNCTION_IDENTIFIER (FN_PARAM_LIST)

VECTOR_FUNCTION_INVOCATION:

VECTOR_FUNCTION_IDENTIFIER (FN_PARAM_LIST)

COLOR_FUNCTION_INVOCATION:

COLOR_FUNCTION_IDENTIFIER (FN_PARAM_LIST)

FN_PARAM_LIST:

FN_PARAM_ITEM [, FN_PARAM_LIST]

FN_PARAM_ITEM:

x | y | z | u | v | FLOAT

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3.8.3.5 Strings

String Expressions

STRING:

STRING_FUNCTION | STRING_IDENTIFIER | STRING_LITERAL

STRING_FUNCTION:

chr (INT) | concat (STRING,STRING[,STRING]...) | str (FLOAT,INT,INT) | strlwr (STRING) | strupr (STRING) | substr (STRING,INT,INT) | vstr (INT,VECTOR,STRING,INT,INT)

STRING_LITERAL:

QUOTE [CHARACTER...] QUOTE

Limited to 256 characters.

QUOTE:

"

CHARACTER:

Any ASCII or Unicode character, depending on the charset setting in global_settings. The following escape sequences might be useful when writing to files or message streams:

\a - alarm
\b - backspace
\f - form feed
\n - new line
\r - carriage return
\t - horizontal tab
\uNNNN - unicode character four-digit code
\v - vertical tab
\\ - backslash
\' - single quote
\" - double quote

STRING_REL_TERM:

STRING_LITERAL [STRING_REL_OPERATOR STRING_LITERAL]...

STRING_REL_OPERATOR:

< | <= | = | >= | > | !=

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3.8.3.6 Arrays

Define an array:

ARRAY_DECLARATION:

#declare ARRAY_IDENTIFIER = array DIMENSION... [ARRAY_INITIALIZER] |
#local ARRAY_IDENTIFIER = array DIMENSION... [ARRAY_INITIALIZER]

Limited to five dimensions.

DIMENSION:

[ INT ]

The brackets here are part of the dimension specification. The integer must be greater than zero.

ARRAY_INITIALIZER:

{ ARRAY_INITIALIZER [, ARRAY_INITIALIZER]... } |
{ RVALUE [, RVALUE]... }

Place a value into an array:

ARRAY_ELEMENT_ASSIGNMENT:

#declare ARRAY_REFERENCE = RVALUE [;] |
#local ARRAY_REFERENCE = RVALUE [;]

The semicolon is required for a FLOAT, VECTOR or COLOR assignment.

Reference an array:

ARRAY_REFERENCE:

ARRAY_IDENTIFIER ELEMENT...

ELEMENT:

[ INT ]

The brackets here are part of the element specification.

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3.8.3.7 Splines

Define a spline:

SPLINE:

spline { SPLINE_ITEMS }

SPLINE_ITEMS

[SPLINE_TYPE] PATH_LIST | SPLINE_IDENTIFIER [SPLINE_TYPE][PATH_LIST]

SPLINE_TYPE:

linear_spline | quadratic_spline | cubic_spline | natural_spline

PATH_LIST:

FLOAT, VECTOR [[,] PATH_LIST]

Reference a spline:

SPLINE_INVOCATION:

SPLINE_IDENTIFIER ( FLOAT [, SPLINE_TYPE] )

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3.8.4 Language Directives

Control the parsing of sections of the scene file:

LANGUAGE_DIRECTIVE:

INCLUDE_DIRECTIVE | IDENTIFIER_DECLARATION | UNDEF_DIRECTIVE | FOPEN_DIRECTIVE | FCLOSE_DIRECTIVE | READ_DIRECTIVE | WRITE_DIRECTIVE | DEFAULT_DIRECTIVE | VERSION_DIRECTIVE | IF_DIRECTIVE | IFDEF_DIRECTIVE | IFNDEF_DIRECTIVE | SWITCH_DIRECTIVE | WHILE_DIRECTIVE | FOR_DIRECTIVE | TEXT_STREAM_DIRECTIVE | MACRO_DEFINITION

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3.8.4.1 File Inclusion

Insert content of another scene file:

INCLUDE_DIRECTIVE:

#include FILE_NAME

File inclusion may be nested at most 10 levels deep.

FILE_NAME:

STRING

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3.8.4.2 Identifier Declaration

Create an identifier for a value, object, etc.

IDENTIFIER_DECLARATION:

#declare [deprecated] IDENTIFIER = RVALUE [;] |
#local [deprecated] IDENTIFIER = RVALUE [;]

Up to 127 characters, starting with a letter, consisting of letters, digits and/or the underscore. The semicolon is required for a FLOAT, VECTOR or COLOR declaration.

RVALUE:

FLOAT | VECTOR | COLOR | USER_FUNCTION | STRING | ARRAY_REFERENCE | SPLINE | TRANSFORM | CAMERA | LIGHT | OBJECT | MATERIAL | INTERIOR | TEXTURE | TEXTURE_MAP | PIGMENT | COLOR_MAP | PIGMENT_MAP | NORMAL | SLOPE_MAP | NORMAL_MAP | FINISH | MEDIA | DENSITY | DENSITY_MAP | FOG | RAINBOW | SKY_SPHERE

Destroy an identifier:

UNDEF_DIRECTIVE:

#undef IDENTIFIER

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3.8.4.3 File Input/Output

Open a text file:

FOPEN_DIRECTIVE:

#fopen FILE_HANDLE_IDENTIFIER FILE_NAME OPEN_TYPE

OPEN_TYPE:

read | write | append

Close a text file:

FCLOSE_DIRECTIVE:

#fclose FILE_HANDLE_IDENTIFIER

Read string, float and/or vector values from a text file:

READ_DIRECTIVE:

#read ( FILE_HANDLE_IDENTIFIER, DATA_IDENTIFIER [, DATA_IDENTIFIER]... )

Use defined (FILE_HANDLE_IDENTIFIER) to detect end-of-file after a read.

DATA_IDENTIFIER:

UNDECLARED_IDENTIFIER | FLOAT_IDENTIFIER | VECTOR_IDENTIFIER | STRING_IDENTIFIER | ARRAY_REFERENCE

May read a value into an array reference if the array element's type has already been established.

Write string, float and/or vector values to a file:

WRITE_DIRECTIVE:

#write ( FILE_HANDLE_IDENTIFIER, [BINARY_WORD_TYPE,] DATA_ITEM [, DATA_ITEM]... )

BINARY_WORD_TYPE:

uint8 | sint8 | uint16be | uint16le | sint16be | sint16le | sint32be | sint32le

DATA_ITEM:

FLOAT | VECTOR | STRING

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3.8.4.4 Default Texture

Specify a default texture, pigment, normal or finish:

DEFAULT_DIRECTIVE:

#default { DEFAULT_ITEM }

DEFAULT_ITEM:

PLAIN_TEXTURE | PIGMENT | NORMAL | FINISH

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3.8.4.5 Version Identifier

Specify the POV-Ray compatibility version number:

VERSION_DIRECTIVE:

#version FLOAT;

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3.8.4.6 Control Flow Directives

Conditionally parse a section of the scene file, depending on a boolean expression:

IF_DIRECTIVE:

#if ( BOOL ) TOKENS [#elseif ( BOOL ) TOKENS] [#else TOKENS] #end

TOKENS:

Any number of POV-Ray keywords, identifiers, values and/or punctuation.

Conditionally parse a section of the scene file, depending on the existence of an identifier:

IFDEF_DIRECTIVE:

#ifdef ( IDENTIFIER ) TOKENS [#elseif ( IDENTIFER ) TOKENS] [#else TOKENS] #end

IFNDEF_DIRECTIVE:

#ifndef ( IDENTIFIER ) TOKENS [#elseif ( IDENTIFER ) TOKENS] [#else TOKENS] #end

Conditionally parse a section of the scene file, depending on the value of a float expression:

SWITCH_DIRECTIVE:

#switch ( FLOAT ) SWITCH_CLAUSE... [#else TOKENS] #end

SWITCH_CLAUSE:

#case ( FLOAT ) TOKENS [#break] |
#range ( F_LOW, F_HIGH ) TOKENS [#break]

Repeat a section of the scene file while a boolean condition is true:

WHILE_DIRECTIVE:

#while ( LOGICAL_EXPRESSION ) TOKENS [#break] #end

Increment an Identifier from Start to End (inclusive) with the given Step size:

FOR_DIRECTIVE:

#for (Identifier, Start, End [, Step]) TOKENS [#break] #end

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3.8.4.7 Message Streams

Send a message to a text stream:

TEXT_STREAM_DIRECTIVE:

#debug STRING | #error STRING | #warning STRING

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3.8.4.8 Macro

Define a macro:

MACRO_DEFINITION:

#macro MACRO_IDENTIFIER ( [PARAM_IDENTIFIER [, PARAM_IDENTIFIER]...] ) TOKENS [#break] #end

A parameter identifier may not be repeated in the list.

Invoke a macro:

MACRO_INVOCATION:

MACRO_IDENTIFIER ( [ACTUAL_PARAM [, ACTUAL_PARAM]...] )

ACTUAL_PARAM:

IDENTIFIER | RVALUE

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3.8.4.9 Embedded Directives

Some directives may be embedded in CAMERA, LIGHT, OBJECT and ATMOSPHERIC_EFFECT statements. However, the directives should only include items (if any) that are valid for a given statement. Also, they should not disrupt the required order of items, where applicable.

EMBEDDED_DIRECTIVE:

IDENTIFIER_DECLARATION | UNDEF_DIRECTIVE | READ_DIRECTIVE | WRITE_DIRECTIVE | IF_DIRECTIVE | IFDEF_DIRECTIVE | IFNDEF_DIRECTIVE | SWITCH_DIRECTIVE | WHILE_DIRECTIVE | TEXT_STREAM_DIRECTIVE

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3.8.5 Transformations

Rotate, resize, move, or otherwise manipulate the coordinates of an object or texture

TRANSFORMATION:

rotate VECTOR | scale VECTOR | translate VECTOR | TRANSFORM | MATRIX

TRANSFORM:

transform TRANSFORM_IDENTIFIER | transform { [TRANSFORM_ITEM...] }

TRANSFORM_ITEM:

TRANSFORM_IDENTIFIER | TRANSFORMATION | inverse

MATRIX:

matrix < F_VAL00, F_VAL01, F_VAL02, F_VAL10, F_VAL11, F_VAL12, F_VAL20, F_VAL21, F_VAL22, F_VAL30, F_VAL31, F_VAL32 >

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3.8.6 Camera

Describe the position, projection type and properties of the camera viewing the scene

CAMERA:

Jump to SDL

camera { [CAMERA_TYPE] [CAMERA_ITEMS] [CAMERA_MODIFIERS] } |

camera { CAMERA_IDENTIFIER [TANSFORMATIONS ...] }

CAMERA_TYPE:

perspective | orthographic | mesh_camera {MESHCAM_MODIFIERS} location direction smooth | fisheye | ultra_wide_angle | omnimax | panoramic | spherical | cylinder CYLINDER_TYPE

CYLINDER_TYPE:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

CAMERA_ITEMS:

[location VECTOR] & [right VECTOR] & [up VECTOR] & [direction VECTOR] & [sky VECTOR]

CAMERA_MODIFIERS:

[angle [angle F_HORIZONTAL] [,F_VERTICAL]] & [look_at VECTOR] & [FOCAL_BLUR] & [NORMAL] & [TRANSFORMATION...]

FOCAL_BLUR:

aperture FLOAT & blur_samples [MIN_SAMPLES,] MAX_SAMPLES & [focal_point VECTOR] & [confidence FLOAT] & [variance FLOAT] & [bokeh {pigment {BOKEH}}]

MESHCAM_MODIFIERS:

RAYS_PER_PIXEL & DISTRIBUTION_TYPE & [MAX_DISTANCE] & MESH_OBJECT & [MESH_OBJECT...]

RAYS_PER_PIXEL:

FLOAT > 1

DISTRIBUTION_TYPE:

0 | 1 | 2 | 3

MAX_DISTANCE:

FLOAT > EPSILON

MIN_SAMPLES:

INT

MAX_SAMPLES:

INT

BOKEH:

COLOR_VECTOR in the range of <0,0,0> ... <1,1,0>

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3.8.7 Lights

Specify light sources for the scene or for specific objects

LIGHT:

LIGHT_SOURCE | LIGHT_GROUP

Describe the position, type and properties of a light source for the scene:

LIGHT_SOURCE:

Jump to SDL

light_source { V_LOCATION, COLOR [LIGHT_SOURCE_ITEMS] }

LIGHT_SOURCE_ITEMS:

[LIGHT_TYPE] & [AREA_LIGHT_ITEMS] & [LIGHT_MODIFIERS]

LIGHT_TYPE:

spotlight [SPOTLIGHT_ITEMS] | cylinder [SPOTLIGHT_ITEMS]

SPOTLIGHT_ITEMS:

[radius FLOAT] & [falloff FLOAT] & [tightness FLOAT] & [point_at VECTOR]

AREA_LIGHT_ITEMS:

area_light V_AXIS1, V_AXIS2, I_SIZE1, I_SIZE2 [AREA_LIGHT_MODIFIERS]

AREA_LIGHT_MODIFIERS:

[adaptive INT] & [jitter] & [circular] & [orient] & [area_illumination [BOOL]]

LIGHT_MODIFIERS:

[LIGHT_PHOTONS] & [looks_like { OBJECT }] & [TRANSFORMATION...] & [fade_distance FLOAT] &[fade_power FLOAT] & [media_attenuation [BOOL]] & [media_interaction [BOOL]] &[shadowless] & [projected_through { OBJECT_IDENTIFIER }] & [parallel [point_at VECTOR]]

Specify how a light source should interact with photons:

LIGHT_PHOTONS:

photons { LIGHT_PHOTON_ITEMS }

LIGHT_PHOTON_ITEMS:

[refraction BOOL] & [reflection BOOL] & [area_light]

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3.8.7.1 Lightgroup

Assign objects to specific light sources:

LIGHT_GROUP:

Jump to SDL

light_group { LIGHT_GROUP_ITEM... [LIGHT_GROUP_MODIFIERS] }

LIGHT_GROUP_ITEM:

LIGHT_SOURCE | OBJECT | LIGHT_GROUP

LIGHT_GROUP_MODIFIERS:

[global_lights BOOL] & [TRANSFORMATION...]

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3.8.8 Objects

Describe an object in the scene

OBJECT:

FINITE_SOLID_OBJECT | FINITE_PATCH_OBJECT | INFINITE_SOLID_OBJECT | ISOSURFACE | PARAMETRIC | CSG_OBJECT | OBJECT_STATEMENT

OBJECT_STATEMENT:

object { OBJECT_IDENTIFIER [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

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3.8.8.1 Finite Solid Objects

Describe a solid finite shape:

FINITE_SOLID_OBJECT:

BLOB | BOX | CONE | CYLINDER | HEIGHT_FIELD | ISOSURFACE | JULIA_FRACTAL | LATHE | OVUS | PARAMETRIC | PRISM | SPHERE | SPHERE_SWEEP | SUPERELLIPSOID | SOR | TEXT | TORUS

The blob object:

BLOB:

Jump to SDL

blob { [threshold FLOAT] BLOB_ITEM... [BLOB_MODIFIERS] }

BLOB_ITEM:

sphere { V_CENTER, F_RADIUS, [strength] F_STRENGTH [COMPONENT_MODIFIERS] } |
cylinder { V_END1, V_END2, F_RADIUS, [strength] F_STRENGTH [COMPONENT_MODIFIERS] }

COMPONENT_MODIFIERS:

[TEXTURE] & [PIGMENT] & [NORMAL] & [FINISH] & [TRANSFORMATION...]

BLOB_MODIFIERS:

[hierarchy [BOOL]] & [sturm [BOOL]] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

The box object:

BOX:

Jump to SDL

box { V_CORNER1, V_CORNER2 [BOX_MODIFIERS] }

BOX_MODIFIERS:

[UV_MAPPING] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

The cone object:

CONE:

Jump to SDL

cone { V_BASE_CENTER, F_BASE_RADIUS, V_CAP_CENTER, F_CAP_RADIUS [open] [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

The cylinder object:

CYLINDER:

Jump to SDL

cylinder { V_BASE_CENTER, V_CAP_CENTER, F_RADIUS [open] [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

The height field object:

HEIGHT_FIELD:

Jump to SDL

height_field { HF_IMAGE [HF_MODIFIERS] }

HF_IMAGE:

FUNCTION_IMAGE | [HF_TYPE] FILE_NAME [gamma HF_GAMMA] [premultiplied BOOL]

HF_TYPE:

exr | gif | hdr | iff | jpeg | pgm | png | ppm | sys | tga | tiff

HF_GAMMA:

FLOAT | srgb

HF_MODIFIERS:

[hierarchy [BOOL]] & [smooth] & [water_level FLOAT] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

The isosurface object:

ISOSURFACE:

Jump to SDL

isosurface { FLOAT_USER_FUNCTION [ISOSURFACE_ITEMS] [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

ISOSURFACE_ITEMS:

[contained_by { CONTAINER }] & [threshold FLOAT] & [accuracy FLOAT] & [max_gradient FLOAT [evaluate F_MIN_ESTIMATE, F_MAX_ESTIMATE, F_ATTENUATION]] & [open] & [INTERSECTION_LIMIT]

CONTAINER:

sphere { V_CENTER, F_RADIUS } | box { V_CORNER1, V_CORNER2 }

INTERSECTION_LIMIT:

max_trace INT | all_intersections

The Julia fractal object:

JULIA_FRACTAL:

Jump to SDL

julia_fractal { 4D_VECTOR [JF_ITEMS] [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

JF_ITEMS:

[ALGEBRA_ITEM] & [max_iteration INT] & [precision FLOAT] & [slice V4_NORMAL, F_DISTANCE]

ALGEBRA_ITEM:

quaternion [QUATER_FUNCTION] | hypercomplex [HYPER_FUNCTION]

QUATER_FUNCTION:

sqr | cube

HYPER_FUNCTION:

sqr | cube | exp | reciprocal | sin | asin | sinh | asinh | cos | acos | cosh | acosh | tan | atan | tanh | atanh | ln | pwr (FLOAT,FLOAT)

The lathe object:

LATHE:

Jump to SDL

lathe { [LATHE_SPLINE_TYPE] I_NUM_POINTS, POINT_LIST [LATHE_MODIFIERS] }

LATHE_SPLINE_TYPE:

linear_spline | quadratic_spline | cubic_spline | bezier_spline

POINT_LIST:

2D_VECTOR [, 2D_VECTOR]...

The quantity of 2D_VECTORs is specified by the I_NUM_POINTS value.

LATHE_MODIFIERS:

[sturm [BOOL]] & [UV_MAPPING] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

The ovus object:

OVUS:

Jump to SDL

ovus { BOTTOM_RADIUS, TOP_RADIUS [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

The parametric object:

PARAMETRIC:

Jump to SDL

parametric { FLOAT_USER_FUNCTION, FLOAT_USER_FUNCTION, FLOAT_USER_FUNCTION 2D_VECTOR, 2D_VECTOR [PARAMETRIC_ITEMS] [UV_MAPPING] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

PARAMETRIC_ITEMS:

[contained_by { CONTAINER }] & [max_gradient FLOAT] & [accuracy FLOAT] & [precompute I_DEPTH, x, y, z]

CONTAINER:

sphere { V_CENTER, F_RADIUS } | box { V_CORNER1, V_CORNER2 }

The prism object:

PRISM:

Jump to SDL

prism { [PRISM_ITEMS] F_HEIGHT1, F_HEIGHT2, I_NUM_POINTS, POINT_LIST [open] [PRISM_MODIFIERS] }

PRISM_ITEMS:

[PRISM_SPLINE_TYPE] & [PRISM_SWEEP_TYPE]

PRISM_SPLINE_TYPE:

linear_spline | quadratic_spline | cubic_spline | bezier_spline

PRISM_SWEEP_TYPE:

linear_sweep | conic_sweep

PRISM_MODIFIERS:

[sturm [BOOL]] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

The sphere object:

SPHERE:

Jump to SDL

sphere { V_CENTER, F_RADIUS [SPHERE_MODIFIERS] }

SPHERE_MODIFIERS:

[UV_MAPPING] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

The sphere sweep object:

SPHERE_SWEEP:

Jump to SDL

sphere_sweep { SWEEP_SPLINE_TYPE I_NUM_SPHERES, SPHERE_LIST [tolerance F_DEPTH_TOLERANCE] [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

SWEEP_SPLINE_TYPE:

linear_spline | b_spline | cubic_spline

SPHERE_LIST:

V_CENTER, F_RADIUS [, SPHERE_LIST]

The quantity of V_CENTER, F_RADIUS pairs is specified by the I_NUM_SPHERES value.

The superquadric ellipsoid object:

SUPERELLIPSOID:

Jump to SDL

superellipsoid { < FLOAT, FLOAT > [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

The surface of revolution object:

SOR:

Jump to SDL

sor { I_NUM_POINTS, POINT_LIST [open] [SOR_MODIFIERS] }

SOR_MODIFIERS:

[sturm [BOOL]] & [UV_MAPPING] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

The text object:

TEXT:

Jump to SDL

text { ttf FILE_NAME STRING F_THICKNESS, V_OFFSET [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

The torus object:

TORUS:

Jump to SDL

torus { F_MAJOR_RADIUS, F_MINOR_RADIUS [TORUS_MODIFIERS] }

TORUS_MODIFIERS:

[sturm [BOOL]] & [UV_MAPPING] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.8.2 Finite Patch Objects

Describe a totally thin, finite shape:

FINITE_PATCH_OBJECT:

Jump to SDL

BICUBIC_PATCH | DISC | MESH | MESH2 | POLYGON | TRIANGLE | SMOOTH_TRIANGLE

The bicubic patch object:

BICUBIC_PATCH:

Jump to SDL

bicubic_patch { PATCH_ITEMS [PATCH_UV_VECTORS] CONTROL_POINTS [BICUBIC_PATCH_MODIFIERS] }

PATCH_ITEMS:

type PATCH_TYPE & [u_steps INT] & [v_steps INT] & [flatness FLOAT]

PATCH_TYPE:

0 | 1

PATCH_UV_VECTORS:

uv_vectors V2_CORNER1, V2_CORNER2, V2_CORNER3, V2_CORNER4

CONTROL_POINTS:

16 VECTORs, optionally separated by commas.

BICUBIC_PATCH_MODIFIERS:

[UV_MAPPING] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

The disc object:

DISC:

Jump to SDL

disc { V_CENTER, V_NORMAL, F_RADIUS [, F_HOLE_RADIUS] [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

The mesh object:

MESH:

Jump to SDL

mesh { MESH_TRIANGLE... [MESH_MODIFIERS] }

MESH_TRIANGLE:

triangle { V_CORNER1, V_CORNER2, V_CORNER3 [MESH_UV_VECTORS] [MESH_TEXTURE] } |
smooth_triangle { V_CORNER1, V_NORMAL1, V_CORNER2, V_NORMAL2, V_CORNER3, V_NORMAL3 [MESH_UV_VECTORS] [MESH_TEXTURE] }

MESH_UV_VECTORS:

uv_vectors V2_CORNER1, V2_CORNER2, V2_CORNER3

MESH_TEXTURE:

texture { TEXTURE_IDENTIFIER } |
texture_list { TEXTURE_IDENTIFIER TEXTURE_IDENTIFIER TEXTURE_IDENTIFIER }

MESH_MODIFIERS:

[inside_vector V_DIRECTION] & [hierarchy [BOOL]] & [UV_MAPPING] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

The mesh2 object:

MESH2:

Jump to SDL

mesh2 { MESH2_VECTORS [TEXTURE_LIST] MESH2_INDICES [MESH2_MODIFIERS] }

MESH2_VECTORS:

VERTEX_VECTORS [NORMAL_VECTORS] [UV_VECTORS]

VERTEX_VECTORS:

vertex_vectors { I_NUM_VERTICES, VECTOR [, VECTOR]... }

NORMAL_VECTORS:

normal_vectors { I_NUM_NORMALS, VECTOR [, VECTOR]... }

UV_VECTORS:

uv_vectors { I_NUM_UV_VECTORS, 2D_VECTOR [, 2D_VECTOR]... }

TEXTURE_LIST:

texture_list { I_NUM_TEXTURES, TEXTURE [, TEXTURE]... }

MESH2_INDICES:

FACE_INDICES [NORMAL_INDICES] [UV_INDICES]

FACE_INDICES:

face_indices { I_NUM_FACES, FACE_INDICES_ITEM [, FACE_INDICES_ITEM]... }

FACE_INDICES_ITEM:

VECTOR [, I_TEXTURE_INDEX [, I_TEXTURE_INDEX, I_TEXTURE_INDEX ]]

NORMAL_INDICES:

normal_indices { I_NUM_FACES, VECTOR [, VECTOR]... }

UV_INDICES:

uv_indices { I_NUM_FACES, VECTOR [, VECTOR]... }

MESH2_MODIFIERS:

[inside_vector V_DIRECTION] & [UV_MAPPING] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

The polygon object:

POLYGON:

Jump to SDL

polygon { I_NUM_POINTS, V_POINT [, V_POINT]... [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

The quantity of V_POINTs is specified by the I_NUM_POINTS value.

The triangle object:

TRIANGLE:

Jump to SDL

triangle { V_CORNER1, V_CORNER2, V_CORNER3 [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

The smooth triangle object:

SMOOTH_TRIANGLE:

Jump to SDL

smooth_triangle { V_CORNER1, V_NORMAL1, V_CORNER2, V_NORMAL2, V_CORNER3, V_NORMAL3 [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.8.3 Infinite Solid Objects

Describe a solid, possibly infinite, shape:

INFINITE_SOLID_OBJECT:

PLANE | POLY | CUBIC | QUARTIC | QUADRIC

The plane object:

PLANE:

Jump to SDL

plane { V_NORMAL, F_DISTANCE [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

The poly object:

POLY:

Jump to SDL

poly { ORDER, < POLY_COEFFICIENTS > [POLY_MODIFIERS] }

ORDER:

An integer value between 2 and 35 inclusive.

POLY_COEFFICIENTS:

A quantity n of FLOATs separated by commas, where n is ((ORDER+1)*(ORDER+2)*(ORDER+3))/6.

POLY_MODIFIERS:

[sturm [BOOL]] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

The polynomial object:

POLYNOMIAL:

Jump to SDL

polynomial { ORDER, [POLYNOMIAL_COEFFICIENTS]... [POLY_MODIFIERS] }

ORDER:

An integer value between 2 and 35 inclusive. The sum of X_POWER, Y_POWER and Z_POWER of any xyz(): coefficient must never be greater than this integer.

POLYNOMIAL_COEFFICIENTS:

xyz( X_POWER , Y_POWER , Z_POWER):VALUE [,]

X_POWER

The power of x for that coefficient. It's a positive or null integer.

Y_POWER

The power of y for that coefficient. It's a positive or null integer.

Z_POWER

The power of z for that coefficient. It's a positive or null integer.

VALUE

The value as a FLOAT of the coefficient of the polynomial equation for that powers of x,y and z. If a coefficient is not specified, its value defaults to 0.

POLY_MODIFIERS:

[sturm [BOOL]] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

The cubic object:

CUBIC:

cubic { < CUBIC_COEFFICIENTS > [POLY_MODIFIERS] }

CUBIC_COEFFICIENTS:

20 FLOATs separated by commas.

The quartic object:

QUARTIC:

quartic { < QUARTIC_COEFFICIENTS > [POLY_MODIFIERS] }

QUARTIC_COEFFICIENTS:

35 FLOATs separated by commas.

The quadric object:

QUADRIC:

Jump to SDL

quadric { < FLOAT, FLOAT, FLOAT >, < FLOAT, FLOAT, FLOAT >, < FLOAT, FLOAT, FLOAT >, FLOAT [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.8.4 CSG

Describe one complex shape from multiple shapes:

CSG_OBJECT:

Jump to SDL

UNION | INTERSECTION | DIFFERENCE | MERGE

Combine multiple shapes into one:

UNION:

union { UNION_OBJECT UNION_OBJECT... [UNION_MODIFIERS] }

UNION_OBJECT:

OBJECT | LIGHT

UNION_MODIFIERS:

[split_union BOOL] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

Create a new shape from the overlapping portions of multiple shapes:

INTERSECTION:

intersection { SOLID_OBJECT SOLID_OBJECT... [INTERSECTION_MODIFIERS] }

SOLID_OBJECT:

FINITE_SOLID_OBJECT | INFINITE_SOLID_OBJECT | ISOSURFACE | CSG_OBJECT

INTERSECTION_MODIFIERS:

[cutaway_textures] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

Subtract one or more shapes from another:

DIFFERENCE:

difference { SOLID_OBJECT SOLID_OBJECT... [DIFFERENCE_MODIFIERS] }

DIFFERENCE_MODIFIERS:

[cutaway_textures] & [OBJECT_MODIFIERS]

Combine multiple shapes into one, removing internal surfaces:

MERGE:

merge { SOLID_OBJECT SOLID_OBJECT... [OBJECT_MODIFIERS] }

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.9 Object Modifiers

Manipulate the appearance of an object

OBJECT_MODIFIERS:

[OBJECT_PHOTONS] & [CLIPPED_BY] & [BOUNDED_BY] & [MATERIAL] & [INTERIOR] & [INTERIOR_TEXTURE] &[TEXTURE] & [PIGMENT] & [NORMAL] & [FINISH] & [TRANSFORMATION...] & [no_shadow] & [no_image[BOOL]] & [no_radiosity[BOOL]] & [no_reflection[BOOL]] & [inverse] & [double_illuminate[BOOL]] & [hollow [BOOL]] & [radiosity { importance IMPORTANCE }]

Specify how an object should interact with photons:

OBJECT_PHOTONS:

Jump to SDL

photons { OBJECT_PHOTON_ITEMS }

OBJECT_PHOTON_ITEMS:

[target [F_SPACING_MULT]] & [refraction BOOL] & [reflection BOOL] & [collect BOOL] & [pass_through [BOOL]]

Slice a portion of a shape:

CLIPPED_BY:

clipped_by { UNTEXTURED_SOLID_OBJECT... } |
clipped_by { bounded_by }

UNTEXTURED_SOLID_OBJECT:

FINITE_SOLID_OBJECT | INFINITE_SOLID_OBJECT

Use neither with a texture applied.

Specify a bounding shape for an object:

BOUNDED_BY:

bounded_by { UNTEXTURED_SOLID_OBJECT... } |
bounded_by { clipped_by }

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.9.1 UV Mapping

Map a texture to an object using surface coordinates:

UV_MAPPING:

Jump to SDL

uv_mapping PIGMENT | pigment { uv_mapping PIGMENT_BODY } |
uv_mapping NORMAL | normal { uv_mapping NORMAL_BODY } |
uv_mapping TEXTURE | texture { uv_mapping TEXTURE_BODY }

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3.8.9.2 Material

Group together surface textures and interior properties:

MATERIAL:

material { [MATERIAL_IDENTIFIER] [MATERIAL_ITEM ...] }

MATERIAL_ITEMS:

TEXTURE | INTERIOR_TEXTURE | INTERIOR | TRANSFORMATION

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.9.3 Interior

Describe the interior of an object:

INTERIOR:

Jump to SDL

interior { [INTERIOR_IDENTIFIER] [INTERIOR_ITEMS] }

INTERIOR_ITEMS:

[ior FLOAT] & [dispersion FLOAT] & [dispersion_samples INT] & [caustics FLOAT] & [fade_distance FLOAT] & [fade_power FLOAT] & [fade_color COLOR] & [MEDIA...]

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.9.4 Interior Texture

Describe the interior surface of an object:

INTERIOR_TEXTURE:

interior_texture { TEXTURE_BODY }

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.10 Texture

Describe the surface of an object

TEXTURE:

PLAIN_TEXTURE | LAYERED_TEXTURE | PATTERNED_TEXTURE

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.10.1 Plain Texture

Describe a texture consisting of a single pigment, normal and finish:

PLAIN_TEXTURE:

texture { PLAIN_TEXTURE_BODY }

PLAIN_TEXTURE_BODY:

[PLAIN_TEXTURE_IDENT] [PNF_IDENTIFIERS] [PNF_ITEMS]

PNF_IDENTIFIERS:

[PIGMENT_IDENTIFIER] & [NORMAL_IDENTIFIER] & [FINISH_IDENTIFIER]

PNF_ITEMS:

[PIGMENT] & [NORMAL] & [FINISH] & [TRANSFORMATION...]

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.10.2 Layered Texture

Describe a texture consisting of two or more semi-transparent layers:

LAYERED_TEXTURE:

Jump to SDL

texture { LAYERED_TEXTURE_IDENT } |
PLAIN_TEXTURE PLAIN_TEXTURE...

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.10.3 Patterned Texture

Describe a texture using a pattern or blending function:

PATTERNED_TEXTURE:

Jump to SDL

texture { PATTERNED_TEXTURE_BODY }

PATTERNED_TEXTURE_BODY:

PATTERNED_TEXTURE_IDENT [TRANSFORMATION...] | TEXTURE_PATTERN [PATTERN_MODIFIERS] | MATERIAL_MAP [TRANSFORMATION...]

TEXTURE_PATTERN:

TEXTURE_LIST_PATTERN | MAP_PATTERN TEXTURE_MAP

TEXTURE_LIST_PATTERN:

brick TEXTURE, TEXTURE [BRICK_ITEMS] |
checker TEXTURE, TEXTURE |
hexagon TEXTURE, TEXTURE, TEXTURE |
object { LIST_OBJECT TEXTURE, TEXTURE }
square TEXTURE, TEXTURE, TEXTURE, TEXTURE |
tiling [PATTERN_NUMBER] [TEXTURE_MAP] |
triangular TEXTURE, TEXTURE, TEXTURE, TEXTURE, TEXTURE, TEXTURE


BRICK_ITEMS:

[brick_size VECTOR] & [mortar FLOAT]

LIST_OBJECT:

UNTEXTURED_SOLID_OBJECT | UNTEXTURED_SOLID_OBJECT_IDENT

TEXTURE_MAP:

texture_map { TEXTURE_MAP_BODY } [BLEND_MAP_MODIFIERS]

TEXTURE_MAP_BODY:

TEXTURE_MAP_IDENTIFIER | TEXTURE_MAP_ENTRY...

There may be from 2 to 256 map entries.

TEXTURE_MAP_ENTRY:

[ FLOAT TEXTURE_BODY ]

The brackets here are part of the map entry.

TEXTURE_BODY:

PLAIN_TEXTURE_BODY | LAYERED_TEXTURE_IDENT | PATTERNED_TEXTURE_BODY

MATERIAL_MAP:

material_map { BITMAP_IMAGE [BITMAP_MODIFIERS] TEXTURE... }

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.10.4 Pigment

Describe a color or pattern of colors for a texture:

PIGMENT:

Jump to SDL

pigment { PIGMENT_BODY }

PIGMENT_BODY:

[PIGMENT_IDENTIFIER] [PIGMENT_TYPE] [PIGMENT_MODIFIERS] [PAVEMENT_MODIFIERS]

PIGMENT_TYPE:

COLOR | COLOR_LIST_PATTERN | PIGMENT_LIST_PATTERN | IMAGE_MAP | MAP_PATTERN [COLOR_MAP] | MAP_PATTERN PIGMENT_MAP

COLOR_LIST_PATTERN:

brick [COLOR [, COLOR]] [BRICK_ITEMS] |
checker [COLOR [, COLOR]] |
hexagon [COLOR [, COLOR [, COLOR]]] |
object { LIST_OBJECT]] [COLOR [, COLOR } |
square [COLOR_1 [, COLOR_2 [, COLOR_3 [, COLOR_4]]]] |
tiling [PATTERN_NUMBER] [COLOR_MAP] |
triangular [COLOR_1 [, COLOR_2 [, COLOR_3 [, COLOR_4 [, COLOR_5 [, COLOR_6]]]]]]

PIGMENT_LIST_PATTERN:

brick PIGMENT, PIGMENT [BRICK_ITEMS] |
checker PIGMENT, PIGMENT |
hexagon PIGMENT, PIGMENT, PIGMENT |
object { LIST_OBJECT PIGMENT, PIGMENT } |
square [COLOR_1 [, COLOR_2 [, COLOR_3 [, COLOR_4]]]] |
tiling [PATTERN_NUMBER] [PIGMENT_MAP] |
triangular [COLOR_1 [, COLOR_2 [, COLOR_3 [, COLOR_4 [, COLOR_5 [, COLOR_6]]]]]]

IMAGE_MAP:

image_map {BITMAP_IMAGE [IMAGE_MAP_MODIFIER...] [BITMAP_MODIFIERS] }

IMAGE_MAP_MODIFIER:

filter I_PALETTE, F_AMOUNT | filter all F_AMOUNT | transmit I_PALETTE, F_AMOUNT | transmit all F_AMOUNT

COLOR_MAP:

color_map { COLOR_MAP_BODY } [BLEND_MAP_MODIFIERS] |
colour_map { COLOR_MAP_BODY } [BLEND_MAP_MODIFIERS]

COLOR_MAP_BODY:

COLOR_MAP_IDENTIFIER | COLOR_MAP_ENTRY...

There may be from 2 to 256 map entries.

COLOR_MAP_ENTRY:

[ FLOAT COLOR ]

The brackets here are part of the map entry.

PATTERN_NUMBER:

[ INT ]

1 of 24 different patterns.

PIGMENT_MAP:

pigment_map { PIGMENT_MAP_BODY } [BLEND_MAP_MODIFIERS]

PIGMENT_MAP_BODY:

PIGMENT_MAP_IDENTIFIER | PIGMENT_MAP_ENTRY...

There may be from 2 to 256 map entries.

PIGMENT_MAP_ENTRY:

[ FLOAT PIGMENT_BODY ]

The brackets here are part of the map entry.

PAVEMENT_MODIFIERS:

Jump to SDL

pavement number_of_sides SIDES_VALUE | number_of_tiles TILES_VALUE | pattern PATTERN_VALUE | exterior EXTERIOR_VALUE | interior INTERIOR_VALUE | form FORM_VALUE | PATTERN_MODIFIERS

PIGMENT_MODIFIERS:

[QUICK_COLOR] & [PATTERN_MODIFIERS]

QUICK_COLOR:

quick_color COLOR | quick_colour COLOR

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.10.5 Normal

Simulate the visual or tactile surface characteristics of a texture:

NORMAL:

Jump to SDL

normal { NORMAL_BODY }

NORMAL_BODY:

[NORMAL_IDENTIFIER] [NORMAL_TYPE] [NORMAL_MODIFIERS]

NORMAL_TYPE:

NORMAL_PATTERN | BUMP_MAP

NORMAL_PATTERN:

NORMAL_LIST_PATTERN |
MAP_PATTERN [F_DEPTH] [SLOPE_MAP] |
MAP_PATTERN NORMAL_MAP

NORMAL_LIST_PATTERN:

brick NORMAL, NORMAL [BRICK_ITEMS] | brick [F_DEPTH] [BRICK_ITEMS] |
checker NORMAL, NORMAL | checker [F_DEPTH] |
hexagon NORMAL, NORMAL, NORMAL | hexagon [F_DEPTH] |
object { LIST_OBJECT NORMAL, NORMAL } | object { LIST_OBJECT } [F_DEPTH]

NORMAL_MAP:

normal_map { NORMAL_MAP_BODY } [BLEND_MAP_MODIFIERS]

NORMAL_MAP_BODY:

NORMAL_MAP_IDENTIFIER | NORMAL_MAP_ENTRY...

There may be from 2 to 256 map entries.

NORMAL_MAP_ENTRY:

[ FLOAT NORMAL_BODY ]

The brackets here are part of the map entry.

SLOPE_MAP:

slope_map { SLOPE_MAP_BODY } [BLEND_MAP_MODIFIERS]

SLOPE_MAP_BODY:

SLOPE_MAP_IDENTIFIER | SLOPE_MAP_ENTRY...

There may be from 2 to 256 map entries.

SLOPE_MAP_ENTRY:

[ FLOAT, < F_HEIGHT, F_SLOPE > ]

The brackets here are part of the map entry.

BUMP_MAP:

bump_map { BITMAP_IMAGE [BUMP_MAP_MODIFIERS] }

BUMP_MAP_MODIFIERS:

[BITMAP_MODIFIERS] & [BUMP_METHOD] & [bump_size FLOAT]

BUMP_METHOD:

use_index | use_color | use_colour

NORMAL_MODIFIERS:

[PATTERN_MODIFIERS] & [bump_size FLOAT] & [no_bump_scale [BOOL]] & [accuracy FLOAT]

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.10.6 Finish

Describe the reflective properties of a surface:

FINISH:

Jump to SDL

finish { [FINISH_IDENTIFIER] [FINISH_ITEMS] }

FINISH_ITEMS:

[ambient COLOR] & [diffuse [albedo] FLOAT [, FLOAT]] & [brilliance FLOAT] & [PHONG] & [SPECULAR] & [REFLECTION] & [IRID] & [crand FLOAT] & [SUBSURFACE] & [conserve_energy [BOOL]]

PHONG:

phong [albedo] FLOAT & [phong_size FLOAT] & [metallic [FLOAT]]

SPECULAR:

specular [albedo] FLOAT & [roughness FLOAT] & [metallic [FLOAT]]

REFLECTION:

reflection COLOR [reflection_exponent FLOAT] |
reflection { [COLOR,] COLOR [REFLECTION_ITEMS] }

REFLECTION_ITEMS:

[fresnel BOOL] & [falloff FLOAT] & [exponent FLOAT] & [metallic [FLOAT]]

Must also use interior {ior FLOAT} in the object when fresnel is used.

IRID:

irid { F_AMOUNT [IRID_ITEMS] }

IRID_ITEMS:

[thickness FLOAT] & [turbulence FLOAT]

SUBSURFACE:

subsurface { translucency COLOR }

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.10.7 Pattern

Specify a pattern function for a texture, pigment, normal or density:

MAP_PATTERN:

Jump to SDL

AGATE | aoi | average | boxed | bozo | bumps | cells | CRACKLE | cubic | cylindrical | DENSITY_FILE | dents | FACETS | FRACTAL | function { FN_FLOAT } | gradient VECTOR | granite | IMAGE_PATTERN | leopard | marble | onion | pigment_pattern { PIGMENT_BODY } | planar | QUILTED | radial | ripples | SLOPE [SLOPE_EXTENSION] | spherical | spiral1 I_NUM_ARMS | spiral2 I_NUM_ARMS | spotted | waves | wood | wrinkles

AGATE:

agate [agate_turb FLOAT]

CRACKLE:

crackle [CRACKLE_TYPES]

CRACKLE_TYPES:

[form VECTOR] & [metric FLOAT] & [offset FLOAT] & [solid]

DENSITY_FILE:

density_file df3 FILE_NAME [interpolate DENSITY_INTERPOLATE]

DENSITY_INTERPOLATE:

0 | 1 | 2

FACETS:

facets FACETS_TYPE

Note, facets can only be used as a normal pattern.

FACETS_TYPE:

coords F_SCALE | size F_SIZE_FACTOR

FRACTAL:

MANDELBROT_FRACTAL | JULIA_FRACTAL | MAGNET_MANDEL_FRACTAL | MAGNET_JULIA_FRACTAL

MANDELBROT_FRACTAL:

mandel I_ITERATIONS [exponent INT] [exterior EXTERIOR_TYPE, F_FACTOR] [interior INTERIOR_TYPE, F_FACTOR]

JULIA_FRACTAL:

julia V2_COMPLEX, I_ITERATIONS [exponent INT] [exterior EXTERIOR_TYPE, F_FACTOR] [interior INTERIOR_TYPE, F_FACTOR]

MAGNET_MANDEL_FRACTAL:

magnet MAGNET_TYPE mandel I_ITERATIONS [exterior EXTERIOR_TYPE, F_FACTOR] [interior INTERIOR_TYPE, F_FACTOR]

MAGNET_TYPE:

1 | 2

MAGNET_JULIA_FRACTAL:

magnet MAGNET_TYPE julia V2_COMPLEX, I_ITERATIONS [exterior EXTERIOR_TYPE, F_FACTOR] [interior INTERIOR_TYPE, F_FACTOR]

EXTERIOR_TYPE:

0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

INTERIOR_TYPE:

0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

IMAGE_PATTERN:

image_pattern {BITMAP_IMAGE [IMAGE_PATTERN_MODIFIERS] }

IMAGE_PATTERN_MODIFIERS:

[BITMAP_MODIFIERS] & [use_alpha]

QUILTED:

quilted [control0 FLOAT] [control1 FLOAT]

SLOPE:

slope { V_DIRECTION [, F_LOW_SLOPE, F_HIGH_SLOPE ] [altitude VECTOR [, F_LOW_ALT, F_HIGH_ALT ]] }

The slope pattern does not work in media densities.

SLOPE_EXTENSION:

slope { point_at REFERENCE_POINT [, F_LOW_SLOPE, F_HIGH_SLOPE ] }

This variant currently does not allow for the altitude keyword to be used.

Quick Reference Contents

3.8.10.8 Pattern Modifiers

Modify the evaluation of a pattern function:

PATTERN_MODIFIERS:

Jump to SDL

[TURBULENCE] & [WARP...] & [TRANSFORMATION...] & [noise_generator NG_TYPE]

NG_TYPE:

1 | 2 | 3

TURBULENCE:

turbulence VECTOR & [octaves INT] & [omega FLOAT] & [lambda FLOAT]

WARP:

warp { WARP_ITEM }

WARP_ITEM:

REPEAT_WARP | BLACK_HOLE_WARP | TURBULENCE | CYLINDRICAL_WARP | SPHERICAL_WARP | TOROIDAL_WARP | PLANAR_WARP | cubic

REPEAT_WARP:

repeat VECTOR [offset VECTOR] [flip VECTOR]

BLACK_HOLE_WARP:

black_hole V_LOCATION, F_RADIUS [BLACK_HOLE_ITEMS]

BLACK_HOLE_ITEMS:

[strength FLOAT] & [falloff FLOAT] & [inverse] & [repeat VECTOR [turbulence VECTOR]]

CYLINDRICAL_WARP:

cylindrical [orientation VECTOR] [dist_exp FLOAT]

SPHERICAL_WARP:

spherical [orientation VECTOR] [dist_exp FLOAT]

TOROIDAL_WARP:

toroidal [orientation VECTOR] [dist_exp FLOAT] [major_radius FLOAT]

PLANAR_WARP:

planar [V_NORMAL, F_DISTANCE]

Modify the usage of a blend map:

BLEND_MAP_MODIFIERS:

Jump to SDL

[frequency FLOAT] & [phase FLOAT] & [WAVEFORM]

WAVEFORM:

Jump to SDL

ramp_wave | triangle_wave | sine_wave | scallop_wave | cubic_wave | poly_wave [F_EXPONENT]

Specify a two-dimensional bitmap image for a pattern:

BITMAP_IMAGE:

FUNCTION_IMAGE | BITMAP_TYPE FILE_NAME [gamma BITMAP_GAMMA] [premultiplied CAVEAT]

FUNCTION_IMAGE:

Jump to SDL

function I_WIDTH, I_HEIGHT { FUNCTION_IMAGE_BODY }

FUNCTION_IMAGE_BODY:

PIGMENT | FN_FLOAT | pattern { PATTERN [PATTERN_MODIFIERS] }

PATTERN:

MAP_PATTERN | brick [BRICK_ITEMS] | checker | hexagon | object { LIST_OBJECT }

BITMAP_TYPE:

Jump to SDL

exr | gif | hdr | iff | jpeg | pgm | png | ppm | sys | tga | tiff

BITMAP_GAMMA:

FLOAT | srgb

CAVEAT:

Accepts a BOOL argument. This option does NOT apply when using material_map.

Modify how a 2-D bitmap is to be applied to a 3-D surface:

BITMAP_MODIFIERS:

Jump to SDL

[once] & [map_type MAP_TYPE] & [interpolate INTERPOLATE_TYPE]

MAP_TYPE:

0 | 1 | 2 | 5

INTERPOLATE_TYPE:

2 | 3 | 4

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3.8.11 Media

Describe particulate matter

MEDIA:

Jump to SDL

media { [MEDIA_IDENTIFIER] [MEDIA_ITEMS] }

MEDIA_ITEMS:

[method METHOD_TYPE] & [intervals INT] & [samples I_MIN, I_MAX] & [confidence FLOAT] & [variance FLOAT] & [ratio FLOAT] & [absorption COLOR] & [emission COLOR] & [aa_threshold FLOAT] & [aa_level INT] & [SCATTERING] & [DENSITY...] & [TRANSFORMATION...] & [collect BOOL]

METHOD_TYPE:

1 | 2 | 3

SCATTERING:

scattering { SCATTERING_TYPE, COLOR [eccentricity FLOAT] [extinction FLOAT] }

SCATTERING_TYPE:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

DENSITY:

density { DENSITY_BODY }

DENSITY_BODY:

[DENSITY_IDENTIFIER] [DENSITY_TYPE] [PATTERN_MODIFIERS]

DENSITY_TYPE:

COLOR | COLOR_LIST_PATTERN | DENSITY_LIST_PATTERN | MAP_PATTERN [COLOR_MAP] | MAP_PATTERN DENSITY_MAP

DENSITY_LIST_PATTERN:

brick DENSITY, DENSITY [BRICK_ITEMS] |
checker DENSITY, DENSITY |
hexagon DENSITY, DENSITY, DENSITY |
object { LIST_OBJECT DENSITY, DENSITY }

DENSITY_MAP:

density_map { DENSITY_MAP_BODY } [BLEND_MAP_MODIFIERS]

DENSITY_MAP_BODY:

DENSITY_MAP_IDENTIFIER | DENSITY_MAP_ENTRY...

There may be from 2 to 256 map entries.

DENSITY_MAP_ENTRY:

[ FLOAT DENSITY_BODY ]

The brackets here are part of the map entry.

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3.8.12 Atmospheric Effects

Describe various background and atmospheric features

ATMOSPHERIC_EFFECT:

MEDIA | BACKGROUND | FOG | SKY_SPHERE | RAINBOW

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3.8.12.1 Background

Specify a background color for the scene:

BACKGROUND:

Jump to SDL

background { COLOR }

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3.8.12.2 Fog

Simulate a hazy or foggy atmosphere:

FOG:

Jump to SDL

CONSTANT_FOG | GROUND_FOG

CONSTANT_FOG:

fog { [FOG_IDENTIFIER] [fog_type 1] FOG_ITEMS }

FOG_ITEMS:

distance FLOAT & COLOR & [TURBULENCE]] [turb_depth FLOAT

GROUND_FOG:

fog { [FOG_IDENTIFIER] fog_type 2 GROUND_FOG_ITEMS }

GROUND_FOG_ITEMS:

FOG_ITEMS & fog_offset FLOAT & fog_alt FLOAT & [up VECTOR [TRANSFORMATION...]]

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3.8.12.3 Sky Sphere

Specify a sky pigment:

SKY_SPHERE:

Jump to SDL

sky_sphere { [SKY_SPHERE_IDENTIFIER] [SKY_SPHERE_ITEM...] }

SKY_SPHERE_ITEM:

PIGMENT | TRANSFORMATION

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3.8.12.4 Rainbow

Specify a rainbow arc:

RAINBOW:

Jump to SDL

rainbow { [RAINBOW_IDENTIFIER] [RAINBOW_ITEMS] }

RAINBOW_ITEMS:

direction VECTOR & angle FLOAT & width FLOAT & distance FLOAT & COLOR_MAP & [jitter FLOAT] & [up VECTOR] & [arc_angle FLOAT] & [falloff_angle FLOAT]

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3.8.13 Global Settings

Specify various settings that apply to the entire scene

GLOBAL_SETTINGS:

Jump to SDL

global_settings { GLOBAL_SETTING_ITEMS }

GLOBAL_SETTING_ITEMS:

[adc_bailout FLOAT] & [ambient_light COLOR] & [assumed_gamma GAMMA_VALUE] & [hf_gray_16 [BOOL]] & [irid_wavelength COLOR] & [charset GLOBAL_CHARSET] & [max_intersections INT] & [max_trace_level INT] & [mm_per_unit INT] & [number_of_waves INT] & [noise_generator NG_TYPE] & [RADIOSITY] & [PHOTONS] & [SUBSURFACE]

GAMMA_VALUE:

FLOAT | srgb

GLOBAL_CHARSET:

ascii | utf8 | sys

NG_TYPE:

1 | 2 | 3

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3.8.13.1 Radiosity

Enable radiosity to compute diffuse inter-reflection of light:

RADIOSITY:

Jump to SDL

radiosity { [RADIOSITY_ITEMS] }

RADIOSITY_ITEMS:

[adc_bailout FLOAT] & [always_sample BOOL] & [brightness FLOAT] & [count INT[,INT]] & [error_bound FLOAT] & [gray_threshold FLOAT] & [low_error_factor FLOAT] & [max_sample FLOAT] & [maximum_reuse FLOAT] & [media BOOL] & [minimum_reuse FLOAT] & [nearest_count INT[,INT]] & [normal BOOL] & [pretrace_end FLOAT] & [pretrace_start FLOAT] & [recursion_limit INT] & [subsurface BOOL]

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3.8.13.2 Photons

Enable photon mapping to render reflective and refractive caustics:

PHOTONS:

Jump to SDL

photons { PHOTON_QUANTITY [PHOTON_ITEMS] }

PHOTON_QUANTITY:

spacing FLOAT | count INT

PHOTON_ITEMS:

[gather I_MIN, I_MAX] & [media I_MAX_STEPS [, F_FACTOR]] & [jitter FLOAT] & [max_trace_level INT] & [adc_bailout FLOAT] & [save_file FILE_NAME] & [load_file FILE_NAME] & [autostop FLOAT] & [expand_thresholds F_INCREASE, F_MIN] & [radius [FLOAT, FLOAT, FLOAT, FLOAT]]

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3.8.13.3 Subsurface

Enable and configure subsurface scattering:

SUBSURFACE:

Jump to SDL

subsurface { [SUBSURFACE_ITEMS] }

SUBSURFACE_ITEMS:

[radiosity BOOL] & [samples  INT, INT]

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