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What is KeyShot?

KeyShot™ is an interactive raytracing and global illumination program developed by Luxion for both PC and Mac that breaks down the complexity of creating photographic images from 3D models. KeyShot is the replacement for the HyperShot software, the first interactive raytracing and global illumination program, also developed by Luxion. Featuring the same 6 button user interface, KeyShot also has a number of significant improvements over the HyperShot software.

KeyShot uses a physically correct and CIE verified rendering engine featuring many innovations developed by 2004 Academy Award© Winner Dr. Henrik Wann Jensen. Some of the core features of KeyShot are: CPU driven, runs on any modern PC or Mac, Unbiased Sampling Techniques that compute mathematically correct results, Scientifically Accurate Materials, Multi-Core Photon Mapping, Adaptive Material Sampling, and a Dynamic Light Core that allow users to see results at the same time as changes are being made. Combined with its ease of use KeyShot gives anybody involved with 3D data the ability to create photographic images in a matter of minutes, independent of the size of the digital model. KeyShot supports many native file formats, including Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, Rhino, SketchUp, Obj, IGES and STEP.

 
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Who is Luxion?

Luxion was founded in 2003. Luxion is the developer of the HyperShot software, the first interactive raytracing and global illumination program of its kind.

Luxion specializes in technology advancing state of the art in computer based lighting simulations. We have expert knowledge in areas related to daylighting (atmospheric scattering), light scattering by materials (BRDF and BSSRDF models), light transport algorithms such as photon mapping, and realtime rendering technology. We offer consulting and develop proprietary applications and libraries for customers in need for software capable of precisely calculating the scattering of light in complex 3D environments.

 
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What file formats does KeyShot 2 support?

KeyShot 2 currently supports Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5 and prior, SolidWorks (PC only) 2010 and prior, Rhinoceros, SketchUp 7 and prior, IGES, STEP, OBJ, FBX, 3DS, and COLLADA.

Plugins for Pro/ENGINEER, Rhino, and Solidworks are also availalbe. To learn more, please go here.

 
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What are the system requirements?

 
 
PC requirements
Mac requirements
  • Intel-based Mac
  • Mac OS X 10.5 or later
  • 3 button mouse, incl. Magic Mouse plus MagicPrefs
General system requirements
  • Minimum 1 GB of RAM
  • Minimum 500MB hard disk space
  • 3 button mouse
  • Monitor resolution of 1024 X 768 or greater
  • Any graphics card (nothing special required)
  • Internet connection for product activation
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What is new in KeyShot 2?

KeyShot 2 features an all new user interface, many new rendering features, and significant performance improvements. It also delivers import of native Pro/ENGINEER data with associative linking on both PC and Mac.

KeyShot also provides lighting environments courtesy of www.hdri-locations.com and www.hdrlightstudio.com.

A full list of new features and improvements can be found here.

 
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Does KeyShot run on Windows 7?

Yes, KeyShot runs on Windows 7 32/64bit, as well as Windows XP 32/64bit and Vista 32/64bit.

 
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What file formats does KeyShot 2 support?

KeyShot 2 currently supports Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5 and prior, SolidWorks (PC only) 2010 and prior, Rhinoceros, SketchUp 7 and prior, IGES, STEP, OBJ, FBX, 3DS, and COLLADA.

Plugins for Pro/ENGINEER, Rhino, and Solidworks are also availalbe. To learn more, please go here.

 
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Does KeyShot 2 run on Mac OS X SnowLeopard Version 10.6?

KeyShot is certified on Mac OS X SnowLeopard as well as Leopard.

 
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How can I buy KeyShot?

You can buy either directly in the KeyShot e-store, or by contacting sales@luxion.com.

 
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How are upgrades being handled?

Luxion is offering annual subscription for all versions of KeyShot at 20% of the list price. The subscription will cover all upgrades as well as priority e-mail support. Please contact sales@luxion.com for more information.

 
 
 

What is the difference between the HyperShot software and KeyShot?

KeyShot 1.9 is identical to the software formerly known as HyperShot. Both applications have been developed by Luxion and are utilizing the same rendering engine. KeyShot can open all of your .bip files, use all HyperShot materials, as well as textures and HDRIs.

KeyShot 1.9 features the same user interface as the HyperShot software, except for a change in name, splash screen, and icons.

KeyShot 2 features many improvements over the HyperShot software in the area of usability, rendering, performance and data import. To learn more click here.

 
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Can I upgrade to KeyShot and how much does it cost?

Every HyperShot software user can upgrade to the equivalent KeyShot 1.9 version free of charge. This is a permanent upgrade of any version that you may have: Web, HD, SolidWorks Edition, Pro, Pro Floating, Education.

HyperShot customers can upgrade to KeyShot 2 for an upgrade fee. Learn more about upgrade pricing here.

 
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Why should I upgrade to KeyShot?

KeyShot is the continuation of the now obsolete HyperShot software product. Upgrading to KeyShot 1.9 is free. KeyShot 2 features many improvements. A full list of improvements can be found here.

 
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How do I upgrade my HyperShot software to KeyShot 1.9?

KeyShot 1.9 comes with a migration tool that is built into the installer. This migration tool will automatically copy your HyperShot license file and all HyperShot content to the appropriate places in the KeyShot installation. None of the KeyShot content will be overwritten. NOTE: To migrate from HyperShot Pro Floating to KeyShot please contact license@luxion.com. The content will migrate, but not your license.

 
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Will my HyperShot software be affected when I upgrade to KeyShot?

Your HyperShot software will not be affected. KeyShot and the HyperShot software can live side by side.

 
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Does KeyShot support my HyperShot content?

All of your HyperShot content including bip files and materials.

 
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Can I use my HyperShot serial code to activate KeyShot

The migration tool should copy the HyperShot license file into the appropriate KeyShot location. If this is not the case you will need to enter your HyperShot serial code, save the license request file and send to license@luxion.com for activation.

 
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  After entering my HyperShot serial code I am only running the demo version of KeyShot?

You can't activate KeyShot with a HyperShot code directly. If you do so, you will end up with a demo license for KeyShot. In order to get your full license, please enter your HyperShot serial code, save the license request file and send to license@luxion.com for activation.

 
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  I have a maintenance contract - will this be honored?

We will provide a free upgrade from the HyperShot software to KeyShot. We are also offering subscription with all of our products. If you have a current maintenance contract for HyperShot software through a third party company, please contact sales@luxion.com.

 
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  How can I upgrade to KeyShot v2 when it is available?

Any HyperShot software customer can upgrade to KeyShot v2 once available directly through the e-store or by contacting sales@luxion.com.

 
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  I was promised an upgrade to HyperShot '10 - will this be honered when KeyShot v2 comes out?

Unfortunately we can’t honor any verbal agreements that you have made with third party companies.

 
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  I have prepaid for an upgrade to HyperShot '10 - will this be honored when KeyShot v2 comes out?

We will work with you when KeyShot v2 becomes available. Our goal is to provide ultimate customer satisfaction. Please make sure to contact sales@luxion.com once KeyShot v2 has been released.

 
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  Still have questions? Contact us at info@luxion.com  
  *Please note that Luxion has no affiliation or relationship with Altair Engineering, and no Luxion product, including any Luxion KeyShot or HyperShot software product has any connection or relationship to any product produced, designed, or distributed by Altair Engineering.  
 
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