The software behind every IMBA Atelier render — and why we choose these tools. We work exclusively with industry-standard software, so your files, your formats, and your deadlines are never held hostage by an exotic toolchain.
What software does IMBA Atelier use?
Our core stack is the same one used by architectural visualization studios worldwide: 3ds Max for modeling, V-Ray, Corona, and Chaos Vantage for rendering, and Photoshop for post-production, with After Effects for motion and animation — completed by AutoCAD for drawings, Sketchfab for interactive presentation, and AI-assisted tools for concept exploration.
3ds Max — modeling and animation
3ds Max is the backbone of our daily production. Every project is modeled or cleaned in 3ds Max: geometry, scene setup, cameras, and animation. It is the tool the archviz industry was built on, which means your project benefits from a massive ecosystem of proven techniques — and it is the format most architects and developers already know.
V-Ray, Corona, and Chaos Vantage — rendering engines
We render with V-Ray and Corona, the two industry-standard photorealistic engines. V-Ray is the classic choice for architectural visualization — powerful, flexible, and trusted for the highest-end work. Corona is known for physically accurate lighting and a faster, more intuitive workflow. We choose per project: V-Ray for complex scenes and animations, Corona when speed and simplicity matter most. Both produce the photorealistic quality you see in our portfolio.
Chaos Vantage is the real-time part of our rendering stack. It lets us walk through a fully lit, ray-traced scene in real time — exploring lighting, camera angles, and material options with the client before committing to final renders. It is the tool we use for interactive design review and for producing fast previews and animations.
AutoCAD — drawings and precision
AutoCAD is where accuracy starts. We read, clean, and interpret DWG and DXF drawings — floor plans, elevations, sections — so the 3D model matches your design exactly, down to the millimeter. It is also the format most clients send us first, which keeps the handoff simple.
Revit and SketchUp — working from your model
Many clients send us models in Revit (RVT) or SketchUp (SKP) — both are welcome. We work directly from your model, preserving the design intent, or rebuild it in 3ds Max when the source needs cleanup. IFC files work too. You do not need to match our tools: if you have a model in any standard format, send it — we will handle the conversion. Not sure what to send? Read our tutorial: what files do I need to provide.
Photoshop and After Effects — post-production and motion
Photoshop is where still renders become images. We use it for compositing, color grading, atmosphere, entourage (people, cars, vegetation), and the final polish that separates a good render from a great one. It is also where we prepare your deliverables — sized and formatted for web, print, or presentation.
After Effects is where images become motion. We use it to assemble animations, walkthroughs, and cinematic property videos — adding camera moves, transitions, titles, and sound-ready sequences on top of the 3ds Max animation pass. If your project needs a video (for a website, social media, or a launch event), After Effects is where the final cut comes together.
Sketchfab — interactive presentation
Sketchfab lets us share interactive 3D previews — models and 360° tours clients can explore in a browser, on any device, without installing anything. It is the presentation layer for projects that need more than a still image.
AI tools in our workflow
AI is a real part of modern archviz — and we use it where it genuinely helps: concept exploration, mood boards, early design iteration, and image enhancement. Every AI-assisted step is reviewed and finished by an artist. The honest picture of where AI wins and where it still fails is in our article: Archviz vs AI in 2026.
What does this mean for your project?
Three things. First, your files are safe — we accept DWG, DXF, PDF, RVT, SKP, IFC, and more. Second, the quality is proven — the same toolchain renders the images in our portfolio. Third, the process is transparent — you can see the exact stack in our About page, and ask about any detail before you commit.
Curious how these tools are used? The Techniques page explains the craft, and the Workflow page shows where each tool fits in a project. Want to see the toolchain in action? Browse the portfolio, or start a project — we will quote within one working day.