SOLIDWORKS Visualize is a hybrid rendering environment. The software constantly updates the scene using optimized renderers for all available CPUs, CUDA based GPUs, or both using Hybrid mode.
Raytracing is a technique for rendering 3D scenes. Raytracing traces the path of every ray of light from its source until it either leaves the scene or becomes too weak to have an effect. The term also applies to the reverse method: tracing the path of every ray of light from the camera back to the light source.
Rendering is the process of converting 3D data stored in a software package into the 2D image "seen" by the camera in the scene. Rendering brings together the scene geometry, Z-depth, surface properties, lighting setup, and rendering method to create a finished frame.
Unlike traditional 3D applications, you do not need to guess and check before generating final results. In SOLIDWORKS Visualize, you interact with the final result at all times, even while animating.
A SOLIDWORKS Visualize project consists of an environment sphere that includes a transparent floor plane for accurate shadowing, and an HDR environment image that maps to the spherical environment. No further lighting setup is required, although additional light sources are available.