Questions about KeyShot

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 ALIAS, CATIA, Creo, Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, Rhino, SketchUp, Obj, IGES and STEP.

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.

What file formats does KeyShot support?
KeyShot currently supports the following formats:

• ALIAS 2012 and prior
• AutoCAD (DWG/DXF)
• CATIA v5
• Creo
• Inventor 2012 and prior
• NX 8 and prior
• Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 2 – 5
• Rhinoceros 4 and prior
• SketchUp 8 and prior
• Solid Edge ST4 and prior
• SolidWorks 2012 and prior
• IGES
• JT
• Maya 2012 and 2011
• STEP AP203/214
• OBJ
• Parasolid
• FBX
• Collada
• 3DS

Plugins are available for Creo, Pro/ENGINEER, Rhino, SketchUp, and Solidworks. To learn more, please see the technical specs.

What system requirements does KeyShot have?
System requirements can be seen here.

What is new in KeyShot?
All new features can be seen on the What’s New page. This page is updated for each release of KeyShot. For updates in releases of KeyShot, please see the KeyShot updates page.

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

Does KeyShot run on Mac OS X?
KeyShot is always certified to run on the latest version of Mac OS X.

How can I buy KeyShot?
You can either buy directly in the KeyShot Store, or by contacting sales@luxion.com.

How are upgrades handled?
Luxion offers an 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.

Questions for Hypershot software users

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 and later versions feature many improvements over the HyperShot software in the area of usability, rendering, performance and data import. Learn more about How KeyShot is Different.

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.

Why should I upgrade to KeyShot?
KeyShot is the continuation of the now obsolete HyperShot software product. Upgrading to KeyShot 1.9 is free. The current version of KeyShot features many more improvements. A full list of what’s new in the current version can be found here.

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.

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.

Does KeyShot support my HyperShot content?
All of your HyperShot content including bip files and materials.

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.

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.

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.

How can I upgrade to the current version of KeyShot?
Any HyperShot software customer can upgrade to KeyShot once available directly through the online store or by contacting sales@luxion.com.

I was promised an upgrade to HyperShot – will this be honered for a KeyShot upgrade?
Unfortunately we can not honor any verbal agreements made with third party companies.

I have prepaid for an upgrade to HyperShot – will this be honored for a KeyShot upgrade?
We will work with you for an upgrade to KeyShot. Our goal is to provide ultimate customer satisfaction. Please make sure to contact a href=”mailto:sales@luxion.com”>sales@luxion.com to talk over the different options.