Render Layers
Separate scene elements into render passes for flexible compositing and post-processing.
Rendering
No shortcutIntermediate11 min readQuick Reference
Render Layers
BlenderKeyboard Shortcut
N/A
Toolbar Location
Blender 3D Viewport toolbar
Best Used For
- ▸Refer to the tutorial content for specific use cases
- ▸Practice with sample projects to build experience
- ▸Combine with other tools for advanced workflows
Intermediate⏱ 30–60 minutes to master
Key Settings
View Layer:Passes:Compositing:
Render Layers (View Layers) let you separate different scene elements into individual render passes — useful for compositing characters over backgrounds or adjusting specific elements.
Where to Find It
In the View Layer Properties panel (two overlapping rectangles icon).
How to Use
- View Layer: Each view layer contains a subset of your scene's collections.
- Passes: Enable specific render passes in the Passes section (Diffuse, Glossy, Shadow, etc.).
- Compositing: Each view layer appears as a separate Render Layers node in the Compositor.
Pro Tips
- Use separate view layers for characters and backgrounds for flexible compositing.
- Enable Mist, Normal, and Vector passes for advanced post-processing effects.