Arnold Startup Fixes

Many users email with just one line: "Arnold doesn't work." Often the issue is one of two simple things. This guide walks you through both, so you can stop worrying and start rendering.

🔧 Step 1 – Load the Arnold Plugin

Check

Is Arnold in your renderer list?

Go to Render Settings → drop-down. If you don't see Arnold as an option, it's likely not loaded.

Fix

Enable via Plugin Manager

Go to Windows → Settings/Preferences → Plug-in Manager. Scroll down to mtoa (Maya to Arnold). Check Loaded and Auto load. This ensures Arnold starts every time you open Maya.

💡 Remember

Many users panic thinking their Maya version doesn't support Arnold — it does. It just might not be pre‑loaded.

💡 Step 2 – Turn Up Exposure (Arnold's Lighting)

Symptom

Black render, but alpha channel is white

You set up lights, intensity = 1, but the IPR window shows nothing. This usually means light exists but isn't visible.

Root cause

Arnold is physically based — light falls off

Unlike some other renderers, Arnold's default exposure is very low. Even if Maya's light intensity is 1, Arnold treats it with realistic falloff. You need to boost the Exposure value.

Fix

Increase exposure in Arnold's global settings

In the render settings, go to the Arnold tab. Scroll down to Exposure. Start with a large jump (e.g., from 0 to 5 or 10) — don't be shy. Once you see something, dial it down to taste.

🎯 Pro Tip

Arnold's exposure is independent of Maya's light intensity. Always check Arnold's own exposure first if you get a black frame.

✅ Two‑Step Recovery Plan

Make sure mtoa plugin is loaded and set to auto‑load.
If render is black but alpha is white, raise Arnold's Exposure significantly.
Adjust down after you see the scene — this gets you going fast.

Generated by CuteNote.app Visual Notes

Arnold Not Rendering?Two Quick Fixes

Arnold Not Rendering?
Two Quick Fixes