To try out all possibilities with the Cloud Layer v3 parameters, I used a neutral scene and tried to find an interesting cloud shape first.This is what I got as a starter...
Cloud Layer v3 1.0 starter scene out of the box (no parameters set)
The same Cloud Layer v3 2.0 with smoother edges and much better shadowingTo receive such pleasant results, it is necessary to use the Layer Manager and combine the most important cloud layers in Photoshop for a proper fine-tuning.There are three: ,,tgCloudDirect", ,,tgCloudInDirect" and ,,tgCloudAlpha". All three single layers, combined in the right way, will produce great results like this.
Cloud Layer v3 2.0 with optimized parameters, rendered against a black background
Cloud Layer v3 2.0 with optimized parameters in original resolution
For all those of you, who want to get some nice cloud layer 2.0 and 3.0 source files (for further examination), I can recommend to search for the following .tgd scenes and .tgc clips.You find them in the file section at the Planetside forum. This helps a lot!Cloud Layer 2.0----------------------WarpCloudFormExamples.tgd (by WAS)
Cloud Test 5.tgd (by Blonderator)
helpmetobetterthis.tgc (by Ariel DK)
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Cloud Layer 3.0
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Easy Cloud Peaks by WASasquatch.tgc (by WAS)
AnvilCloudv3.tgd_02.tgd (by eapilot)
Believe me, I examined many files, but these are the ones you really have to look for, beside Luc's famous Cloud Layer 2 file (luc_clouds_v2.tgd by Luc) which I already mentioned it in the beginning.There are other useful .tgd's out there, but the listed ones are the most important files and clips regarding Cloud Layer 2 and 3.This is how about building up your own neutral test environment...
After finding the most convincing settings for the intended outcome and for a pleasant viewing result, I designed another neutral scene to start generating simple, but good-looking cloud banks.First some with Cloud Layer v3 clouds, then some with Easy clouds and finally all brought together to shape a cumulonimbus supercell.Yes, you can create a Cumulonimbus Cloud with only one easy cloud, but combining several cloud layers give you more control and will bring in more details.
To make comparisons very easy, I always tend to use the given standard lightning situation in Terragen.
I don't like to change the light in the beginning. The same is valid for the atmosphere.
The standard atmosphere is quite simple, but useful in the beginning.
But my way here is to use one with a higher contrast.
Also to get a prominent sky view, I mostly tilt the camera 12.5° downwards and use a flat ground.To make it clean and technical, I use an ambient occlusion shader (a simple white shader) for the ground.This way, you pay much more attention to tiny and small details in the sky (while fiddling around with the parameters).But to test my file in a more realistic and natural environment, I use a simple ground shader.Rock, sand or grass to add some details, but not too much, to keep on focussing the sky!After rendering I save the current scene and the rendered image as ZULU 1.Then I make my adjustment and save it again as ZULU 2.If you use ALPHA as name, your file will be in the beginning of your directory file list, while ZULU will list it at the end.When you display your image in the explorer, you can use your arrow tab to switch quickly between both images and see clearly the difference between picture ZULU A and ZULU B.And now let's start testing...After many attempts, I found quite nice settings for a cumulus cloud bank.
In this first render I present to you the final render and as a second, a screenshot with the most important settings.These are yellow marked. This will give you a better start if you will create your own.
Cumulus clouds (Cloud layer v3) by Dirk Kipper
Cumulus clouds (Cloud layer v3) by Dirk KipperThe second rendering is one with nearly the same settings.The results looking good, clouds are now are a little bit softer and have decreased details.Finally, the third render was my attempt to render an identical cloud bank with an Easy cloud layer.
Cumulus clouds (Cloud layer v3) by Dirk Kipper
Cumulus clouds (Easy clouds) by Dirk KipperThe difference between both types (Cloud layer v3 and Easy cloud) is, that you can plug in a density shader into the Cloud layer v3 density shader slot.You don't have this option with Easy clouds. Nevertheless, you can achieve very realistic and pleasant looking results.Equipped with some good starter scenes and a little bit more experience, I played with an Easy cloud layer in combination with two Cloud layers v2.I rendered an out of the aircraft window view. The sea of clouds was then retouched into a real photo.
Photoshopping ,,Morning Glory" 
Morning Glory 2024 by Dirk KipperNext is to build a cumulonimbus cloud tower... so stay tuned!STORMLORD
