POV-Ray Files
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POV-Ray File Output [File menu]

POV-Ray is a program which draws a 3D image pixel-by-pixel, calculating all possible light-ray paths. It allows for much more elaborate lighting effects than the OpenGL or Direct3D software used in the 3D Drawing Modes in SHAPE. Some obvious effects are refraction and internal reflection but there are many possibilities. Backgrounds and other objects may be added as well. The files are text (ASCII) and may be edited.

Since the calculation is much more elaborate than that done by OpenGL, this is not a method that can be used for real-time display on the screen - POV-Ray images may take many minutes to complete.

The POV-Ray package, with instructions, samples, etc., may be obtained from www.povray.org.

Since the primary purpose of the option is try to produce truly realistic drawings of crystals, symmetry elements are not presently included.

See Frames for details of the frame and frame units.