Best Cloud Rendering for 3ds Max Plugins: Forest Pack & RailClone on Cloud
Forest Pack and RailClone by iToo Software are essential for 3ds Max arch-viz — and they work on cloud farms, but setup differs between IaaS and SaaS. On IaaS farms like iRender, you install both plugins directly on the server (just like locally) — they stay installed between sessions. On SaaS farms like GarageFarm and RebusFarm, both plugins are pre-installed on render nodes and included in the farm’s license. The critical difference: if your scene uses Forest Pack trees and the plugin isn’t present on the cloud server, all vegetation disappears from the render. Always verify plugin support before your first submission.
| Farm | Forest Pack | RailClone | Install Method | License |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GarageFarm ⭐ | ✅ Pre-installed | ✅ Pre-installed | Automatic | Farm provides |
| RebusFarm | ✅ Pre-installed | ✅ Pre-installed | Automatic | Farm provides |
| Fox Renderfarm | ✅ Supported | ✅ Supported | Automatic | Farm provides |
| iRender | ✅ Manual install | ✅ Manual install | You install | Your license |
| Xesktop | ✅ Manual install | ✅ Manual install | You install | Your license |
What Happens If Forest Pack Isn’t Installed on the Cloud Server?
Your scene renders — but without the plugin objects. Forest Pack trees and shrubs vanish. RailClone fences and railings disappear. The render completes with empty spaces where those objects should be. We’ve seen users get back a “bald” exterior because they forgot to install plugins on iRender. Easy to fix, but frustrating on a deadline.
On SaaS farms like GarageFarm, this doesn’t happen — both plugins are pre-installed on render nodes. A genuine SaaS advantage for 3ds Max workflows.
How Do You Install Forest Pack and RailClone on iRender?
Connect to your iRender server, download both plugins from the iToo Software website, and install them inside 3ds Max. Takes about 10–15 minutes total. The installations persist between sessions — you only do this once. You’ll need your own license keys: Forest Pack Pro costs around $395 (perpetual) or $190/year, RailClone Pro about $325 (perpetual) or $160/year. iToo’s licenses allow installation on up to 3 machines — the cloud server counts as one.
Standard reminder: billing runs while you’re installing. Do it during your first session alongside other setup tasks. And disconnect when done — overnight idle costs ~$65.
See more: Run 3ds Max + Forest Pack + RailClone on a cloud RTX 4090 → Run 3ds Max + Forest Pack + RailClone on a cloud RTX 4090 → View 3ds Max servers & pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do cloud render farms support Forest Pack and RailClone?
Yes. SaaS farms like GarageFarm and RebusFarm have both pre-installed with farm-provided licenses — no setup needed. IaaS farms like iRender require you to install the plugins yourself and use your own license. Both paths work; SaaS is simpler for plugin-heavy scenes.
2. What happens if I render without Forest Pack installed on the server?
All Forest Pack objects (trees, grass, shrubs) disappear from the render — the scene renders with empty spaces where vegetation should be. The same applies to RailClone objects (fences, railings). Always verify plugin installation before your first render on a new cloud server.
3. Do I need separate licenses for Forest Pack on a cloud server?
On IaaS (iRender), yes — you use your own license. iToo allows installation on 3 machines; the cloud server counts as one. On SaaS (GarageFarm, RebusFarm), no — the farm provides its own licenses for both Forest Pack and RailClone. SaaS is license-hassle-free for these plugins.
Related post: Best Cloud Rendering for SketchUp Free Users: Zero-Cost Pipeline on Cloud
