RenderMan 26 review: improved XPU and AI features continue to impress

Pixar's render software will make your life easier.

RenderMan 26 review; a 3D model of a lizard
(Image: © Nidhi Vazzhala)

Our Verdict

An interactive denoiser and XPU improvements further cement this impressive renderer’s position as one of the greats. That these changes largely improve render quality while reducing render times will be pleasant news to users.

For

  • Next-level denoising
  • Powerful interactive rendering
  • Better non-photorealistic results

Against

  • Still viewed as a niche renderer
  • Documentation could be better

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RenderMan 26 details

Price $595 / £480 per year
Company Pixar
Website Pixar.com
New features Denoiser enhancements, improved XPU features, production quality lighting, easier stylisation, new XPU camera tools, faster textures, USD improvements

Knowing that the journey for Pixar’s RenderMan software began 37 years ago feels mind-boggling – but it’s still at the top of its game and remains one of the best software for rendering available today.

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The Verdict
9

out of 10

RenderMan 26 review: improved XPU and AI features continue to impress

An interactive denoiser and XPU improvements further cement this impressive renderer’s position as one of the greats. That these changes largely improve render quality while reducing render times will be pleasant news to users.

Paul Hatton
Writer

Paul is a digital expert. In the 20 years since he graduated with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science, Paul has been actively involved in a variety of different tech and creative industries that make him the go-to guy for reviews, opinion pieces, and featured articles. With a particular love of all things visual, including photography, videography, and 3D visualisation Paul is never far from a camera or other piece of tech that gets his creative juices going. You'll also find his writing in other places, including Creative Bloq, Digital Camera World, and 3D World Magazine. 

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