> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://renders360.gitbook.io/ftc-rendering-in-fusion-360/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://renders360.gitbook.io/ftc-rendering-in-fusion-360/tips-and-tricks.md).

# Tips and Tricks

## General Tips

When assigning appearances to a robot with colors that are hard to distinguish from each other, it is best to separate each appearance by setting it to a vibrant color and changing it afterwards. For example, Team 9's robot in the CCC was mostly dark; as such the appearances were first set like below and then converted to shades of black and gray.

![Appearances are set correctly, but colors need to be adjusted.](https://3851494055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MXdjswC1LObZYU1tMYC%2F-MXeDLhiesdfxMKapQ3X%2F-MXeEdBUBjaDgQZdTICX%2FWeb%20capture_6-4-2021_225056_media.discordapp.net.jpeg?alt=media\&token=735c5783-8876-4c32-a891-38cdf6473623)

## Keyboard Shortcuts

* Instead of navigating to the *Appearances* tab, you can press the *A* key on your keyboard. This is one of the most useful keyboard shortcuts to know when rendering.

## Tables

Creating a table and placing your models on it in your renders can add another level of depth and realism to your renders. A simple extruded sketch with a wood appearance is all that is needed for this. You can refer to [Commonly Used Appearances](https://renders360.gitbook.io/ftc-rendering-in-fusion-360/assigning-appearances/commonly-used-appearances) for some of the wood appearances that we like to use.

![A simple rectangular prism with the "3D Maple - Glossy" appearance](https://3851494055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MXdjswC1LObZYU1tMYC%2F-MXkUi8v4_X1BHYtm3a5%2F-MXkVQo2_63BQHISLhOb%2Ftabul.png?alt=media\&token=f4349feb-1bd9-4b27-96ce-400897813800)

![FTC 10497 Ultimate Goal robot rendered by FTC 15887, which includes a table](https://3851494055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MXdjswC1LObZYU1tMYC%2F-MXjwN8N4b8FUOv_hyow%2F-MXjyDMjCGwvHWaN1M5A%2FNicRobit8.png?alt=media\&token=bdede1da-b940-48b1-95e1-959f8c426a7a)

## "Custom" Lighting

Sometimes, the [**HDRI**](/ftc-rendering-in-fusion-360/scene-settings/hdris.md#hdris) or environment you are using just doesn't focus enough light on a certain area, no matter how much you rotate it. If this is the case, you can try creating "custom" lighting*.* This is done by creating three-dimensional bodies in an area that will not be visible in the render (usually above the camera's position) and applying an emissive appearance to them. 

![Extruding a 2-dimensional sketch to create "custom" lighting](https://3851494055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MXdjswC1LObZYU1tMYC%2F-MXp4zMIE0241JkgDYkl%2F-MXp6Uuve3mxJpr1d3hm%2Fdf58e39d07b395ae4d3ec0c3e3ea20a7.gif?alt=media\&token=b93ea862-0330-4769-8cd6-c26e32a92b17)

![Result of adding "custom" lighting with a yellowish emissive appearance](https://3851494055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MXdjswC1LObZYU1tMYC%2F-MXp4zMIE0241JkgDYkl%2F-MXp5Bl1d1eIkQNgntls%2FExample%20Gobilda%20Strafer%20Integration%20v13.png?alt=media\&token=1e4aa0c2-c453-4456-96e3-b4f4aa943759)