Render Preview Versions

A Preview version is a new version of Render that comes out early. Only a few projects get it first. Later, after testing, the same version goes to all projects. That is the Global version.

  • Preview = new, early, for a few projects only.
  • Global = ready for everyone.

 

Why does Render have Preview versions?

Preview versions help us find problems early. Real projects use the new version before everyone gets it. If something is wrong, we fix it before the Global release.

There is a risk. A Preview version is still being tested. It may have more bugs than a Global version. Render may crash more often. Some things may not work as expected.

A new Render version goes out in steps:

  1. Round 1 Preview. A small group of projects gets the new version. They use it for about 1 week.
  2. Round 2 Preview. More projects get it. They use it for about 3 weeks.
  3. Global. If there are no big problems, the version goes to all projects.

If your project is in a Preview round, you help make Render better for every team. Thank you!

 

How do I know if I have a Preview version?

You have a Preview version if:

  • Someone asked you to install it. Before a Preview, your support contact tells your project to install it. If nobody told you, you do not need it.
  • You downloaded it from the Preview page in Launch Pad. On the Download Render page, there is a “Preview Version” button. That button opens a separate page with the Preview versions.

Not sure which version you have? Ask your support contact or submit a ticket (see below).

 

What should I do?

Before you install

  • Install a Preview only if someone asked you to. Launch Pad says this too: “Please download the preview version of Render only if specifically requested.”
  • Not asked? Use the Global version. It is the first version on the Download Render page.

While you use a Preview version

  • Use Render in the normal way. Do your translation work as usual.
  • Log in while you are online. When you are online, Render can tell you about a new version.
  • Say yes to updates. If Render shows a “Download new Render” message, click it. Do not wait.
  • Tell us about problems quickly. This is the most important thing you can do. See the next section.
  • Do not give the Preview to other projects. Each project waits for its own turn.
  • Do not go back to an older version yourself. First, ask your support contact for help.

When the Global version comes out

Your Preview version does not stay “preview” forever:

  • A new Preview comes out. Render shows you a message. Click “Download new Render” to update.
  • The Global version comes out. To move to the Global version, you must install the full installer (about 200 MB). See Important Notes for Preview Users below.
  • After you move to Global, you are like every other project. Render does not tell you about new Preview versions. If your project is chosen for another Preview, your support contact will tell you.

 

Important Notes for Preview Users

From Render 3.14, most updates are small. They are called delta updates. A delta update is usually only tens of MB.

But a delta update works only inside the same type:

  • A Preview version can update only to the next Preview version.
  • A Global version can update only to the next Global version.

To move from Preview to Global, or from Global to Preview, you must install the full installer. The full installer is about 200 MB. After that, the next updates are small again.

You have You want What you download
Preview A newer Preview Small delta update
Global A newer Global Small delta update
Preview Global Full installer (about 200 MB)
Global Preview Full installer (about 200 MB)

Tip: 200 MB is a big download. If your internet is slow or costs a lot, plan for it. Download the full installer where the internet is good.

 

For OBT Trainers: Project Launch Workshops

Do not use a Preview version in a Project Launch Workshop (PLW) unless:

  • you have studied all the new features in that Preview version, and
  • you feel comfortable using it and teaching it.

If you are not sure, use the current Global version.

If you do use a Preview version in a PLW, tell the new team this:

  1. Later, you will move to the Global version.
  2. To do this, you must download the full installer (about 200 MB).
  3. After that, your updates will be small (tens of MB).

If you start the new team on the Global version, they never need the big download. All their updates will be the small delta updates.

 

How do I report a problem?

When you find a problem in a Preview version, please tell us. Even a small problem is important.

  1. Go to Submit a Ticket on the Render Helpdesk.
  2. Write Preview and the version number at the start of your message. Example: Preview 3.15.0.
  3. Say what you did, what happened, and what you expected.
  4. If you can, add a screenshot.

You can also tell your support contact.

 

Remember

  1. Preview = early version for a few projects. Global = version for everyone.
  2. Install a Preview only if someone asked you to.
  3. Log in online and accept updates.
  4. Report every problem.
  5. Later, you move to the Global version with the full installer (about 200 MB).
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