Raymarching & 3D Textures with T3D

October 30th, 6 – 9 PM, Berlin Time
In English Language / Online via Zoom or as Recording
Recordings are available and accessible for one year after purchase.

Embark on a transformative journey into the world of 3D textures, volumetric effects, and advanced rendering techniques—all without writing a single line of GLSL code. This online course is designed for visual artists, creative technologists, and TouchDesigner enthusiasts who want to master raymarching and elevate their projects with cutting-edge visual effects. Using Josef Pelz’s T3D library in conjunction with Tommy Etkins’ RayTK library, you’ll discover a whole new dimension of creative possibilities in real-time 3D rendering.

Get the T3D operator family

Please note, that T3D is not included with TouchDesigner, but is an add-on that can be accessed by joining Josef Pelz’s Patreon.
To have access to T3D it is sufficient to join the “tools” tier: https://www.patreon.com/checkout/JosefPelz?rid=23106383

T3D + RayTK Bundle Offer

This module has been designed to highlight the combination of RayTK with T3D.

Buy the bundle at a discounted rate for only 120 / 180 / 360 EUR here.

What is Raymarching?

Raymarching is a rendering technique used in computer graphics to generate images. It is particularly useful for creating realistic lighting effects, volumetric rendering, and complex scenes that cannot easily be represented with traditional geometric methods. Unlike rasterization, which converts 3D geometries to pixels on a screen, raymarching does not rely on predefined geometries or meshes.

Raymarching utilizes SDFs (Signed Distance Fields) to determine the shortest distances between the points reached while marching alongside rays and the surfaces of objects in the scene. This allows for defining the entire scene with simple mathematical formulas. Raymarching is widely used for rendering clouds, 3D medical scans, and creating visually stunning landscapes and environments. It can produce infinite-looking scenes with minimal code by combining lots of SDFs.

What are 3D Textures?

3D textures, also known as volume textures, are a type of texture that extends the concept of traditional 2D textures to three dimensions. While 2D textures are applied to the surface of 3D models to give them a detailed appearance, 3D textures are used to represent and manipulate 3D data structures, such as volumetric data.

3D textures are essentially volumes of data that can be sampled in three dimensions. This makes them ideal for representing and rendering complex shapes, such as clouds, smoke, fire, or any other volumetric effect where the internal structure of the object plays a significant role in its appearance

Why is it so powerful to combine Raymarching and 3D Textures?

Combining raymarching with 3D textures offers several advantages, particularly in the realm of voxel-based rendering and volumetric effects. This combination leverages the strengths of both techniques to enhance the realism and efficiency of rendering complex 3D scenes.

Raymarching, when combined with 3D textures, can efficiently render volumetric data. Raymarching’s ability to trace rays through volumetric data and calculate precise intersections with surfaces defined by 3D textures results in more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections.

How do T3D and RayTK complement each other?

T3D allos users to re-create the workflows they are used from 2D Texture Operators (TOPs) in three dimensions. Popular examples are 3D Reaction -Diffusion as featured in the T3D logo, or 3D feedback effects. T3D further allows to render these 3D data arrays through the build in renderer, making it easy to integrate the resulting images with other, mesh based scenes.

RayTK is a node based toolkit for Raymarching in TouchDesigner and can be used to generate volumetric input for the T3D operators.

What You’ll Learn:

Foundations of Raymarching:

• Dive into the core concepts of raymarching.
• Explore the power of 3D textures and how they can be manipulated in real time.
• Get acquainted with the T3D library for TouchDesigner, a game-changer in 3D rendering.

Shader Programming without GLSL:

• Understand shader principles and techniques without the need for GLSL coding.
• Leverage T3D’s user-friendly interface to create complex shaders with ease.

Volumetric Effects and Atmospheric Rendering:

• Master the creation of volumetric effects like fog, smoke, and light shafts using T3D.
• Techniques for integrating volumetric effects seamlessly into your projects.

Integrating T3D with Tommy Etkins’ RayTK Library:

• Short Introduction to RayTK and its powerful node-based approach to raymarching.
• Discover the synergy between T3D and RayTK, unlocking new creative potentials.
• Step-by-step guidance on combining these tools for 3D geometries and effects.

What You’ll Get:

• Exclusive downloadable resources, including example files and project templates.
• Access to a private community forum for peer interaction and instructor support.
• A certificate of completion to showcase your new skills.

Why Enroll:

This course offers a rare opportunity to learn raymarching and advanced rendering techniques in TouchDesigner without needing to code in GLSL. By the end of this course, you’ll be empowered to create visually stunning 3D textures, volumetric effects, and dynamic shaders that set your work apart. Whether you’re looking to enhance your professional portfolio or explore new creative territories, this course will equip you with the tools and knowledge to transform your artistic vision into reality.

Requirements

This module is made for participants, who have a basic understanding of TouchDesigner, but do not need any experience with shader languages. If you just getting started, please visit our Beginners Course first.

• A recent PC or MAC Computer (discrete GPU recommended) with stable internet connection.
• The latest build of TouchDesigner installed
• 3-Button Mouse recommended

About the Instructor

josefpelz.com

Josef Pelz is a generative and media artist with a background in mathematical visualization and computer science. Inspired by physics, emerging behavior and algorithms, he links his passion for problems solving and aesthetics. He pursues real-time implementations to develop intuition through interaction. Josef is a well known contributor to the TouchDesigner community, which he spoils with beautiful components like the serum system, the constraint simulation tool and most recently a whole new operator family – the T3D 3D texture operators.

These prices include German VAT (19% ).
Depending on your country of residence you may have to pay a different or no VAT.
You will see your individual price on check out.