Choisir entre les moteurs de rendu de SOLIDWORKS Visualize

The final part of the SOLIDWORKS Visualize workflow is rendering out images or an animation. During the final export, you are given the choice to select a render engine, which could greatly change how your renders come out.

In this article, we are going to take a look at the SOLIDWORKS Visualize render engine options, how they have changed since 2022, and how we can change which option we are currently using.

Why Does the Render Engine Matter?

Selecting the correct engine can be the difference between a smooth, beautiful render and a less-than-optimal approach with no final output. If you select a render engine that is not compatible with your graphics card, you might be left with an empty viewport or have a never-ending render.tw

If shopping for a new computer or graphics card for SOLIDWORKS Visualize, be sure to check that your graphics card is certified for SOLIDWORKS compatibility and the Visualize requirements section of our hardware recommendations.

What Are the SOLIDWORKS Visualize Render Engines?

Depending on the year of SOLIDWORKS Visualize you are running, you may have access to different render engines. Navigate to the major release below to find what rendering options you have at your disposal.

SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2022

Starting with Visualize 2022, we have two engine options: NVIDIA IRAY or AMD Radeon ProRender. These two options correspond with the two common graphics card brands that are supported by SOLIDWORKS 2022 and have been around since 2020. The engine you choose should match your computer’s graphics card.

SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2022 render engine options

SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2023

Starting in 2023, a third option came into play: the 3DS Stellar Physically Correct. Especially for those who had 2022 or older versions installed previously, when initially launched, SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2023 had a pop-up announcing the new engine and asking the user if they would like to make 3DS Stellar the default engine. In some cases, if IT has installed the software for you, this option may have been enabled and made the default without your notice or knowledge.

Pop up message introducing 3DS Stellar

SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2024

SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2024 has the same rendering options as 2023 and is the last version to support the NVIDIA IRAY technology.

SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2025

As of 2025, SOLIDWORKS has discontinued support of the NVIDIA IRAY engine. Only the 3DS Stellar Physically Correct and AMD Radeon ProRender are available for render engines.

How to Change the SOLIDWORKS Visualize Render Engine

1. With SOLIDWORKS Visualize open, go to Tools>Options.
2. Ouvrez le 3D Viewport section and select the render engine you want to use.
   

   Selecting the 3D Viewport settings

3. Click OK to confirm the changes.
4. Create a new project or open an existing project with the new settings.

Additional Render Engine Information

For SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2023 and 2024 users with an NVIDIA graphics card, you may be using the IRAY engine by default. As you upgrade beyond those versions into SOLIDWORKS 2025, keep in mind that you are unable to use that anymore, and you may need to adjust your projects to use a newer engine.

It may be a good idea to test out the 3D Stellar engine before upgrading, so you know how to use it ahead of time. Doing so might allow you to render the same image at the same quality faster than you can with the NVIDIA IRAY engine. Regardless of your SOLIDWORKS Visualize version, choosing the right render engine can streamline your photorealistic renders and greatly improve your overall user experience.

Want to learn how to get the most out of SOLIDWORKS Visualize? Register for an upcoming training class here.