Documentation – Using HDRIs in Blender

These HDRIs are provided in .hdr and .exr formats and work in both Cycles and Eevee. Adding them to your scene is quick and straightforward:

How to add an HDRI in Blender

1. Open your scene in Blender.

2. Switch to the Shading workspace.

3. In the top bar, change the shader type from Object to World.

4. In the Shader Editor, you’ll see a Background node connected to the World Output.

5. Add an Environment Texture node (Shift + A → Texture → Environment Texture).

6. Connect Color → Color (Environment Texture → Background).

7. Click Open on the Environment Texture node and load your chosen .hdr or .exr file.

8. Switch to Rendered View (Z → Rendered) to preview the HDRI in your scene.

Tips for Best Results

• Optimized for wide lenses (promo images were shot at 24mm).

• Add a Glare node in the Compositor for some extra glow (promo images include this effect).

• Slightly raise the black level (darkest point) for a cinematic look — an RGB Curves node works well for this.

• Rotate the HDRI easily by adding a Mapping node and Texture Coordinate node, giving you full control over lighting direction.

• For faster previews, use the 3k or 4k versions while working, and switch to 8k or 16k for final renders.

Compatibility

• Works in Cycles and Eevee.

• Compatible with Blender 2.61 and newer.