How to set up a basic render farm using Backburner for 3ds Max and Maya

Autodesk Support

Jul 25, 2024

Products and versions covered

How to set up a basic render farm using Backburner for 3ds Max and Maya.

To set up a basic render farm for 3ds Max or Maya, perform the following:

Install Backburner and 3ds Max or Maya on all machines that will be part of the render farm.
- Activation and licensing is not needed for 3ds Max or Maya on the render nodes as they will be run as a non-GUI version; they can be installed as a trial version.
- Other licenses may be needed depending on the renderer used (ex: Arnold, V-Ray, Redshift). For example, an Arnold license is needed for every render node in the render farm assuming all nodes are to be rendering concurrently.
- Ensure that each version of 3ds Max, Maya, and all associated plug-ins are identical across the network (the render node versions must be the same as the Manager/submitting machine versions).
Assign one machine as the Backburner Manager:
- It is recommended to not use this computer for rendering to reduce the chances of a crash or freeze.
- It is not necessary to install 3ds Max or Maya if this computer is not used for rendering.
Start Backburner Server on all render nodes.
Go to Edit > General Settings within the Backburner Server.
Put the name or IP Address of the machine running Backburner Manager in the Manager field.

In the Server field, enter localhost or the name of the current machine where you have launched Backburner Server.
Start the Backburner Monitor on one machine and verify that the render nodes are ready to take a job.
Submit a Backburner render from your 3D program. Verify the process by looking in the program Help and searching for "Backburner."

3ds Max; 3ds Max Design; 3ds Max Entertainment Creation Suite; Maya; Maya Entertainment Creation Suite;

Was this information helpful?

Need help? Ask the Autodesk Assistant!

The Assistant can help you find answers or contact an agent.

What level of support do you have?

Different subscription plans provide distinct categories of support. Find out the level of support for your plan.