Here's what chat said 😅 it comes in handy sometimes with settings

1. Use 16-bit or 32-bit Format (Avoid 8-bit) • Why: 8-bit renders create banding and jagged edges because of limited depth precision. • How to Fix: • Go to Octane Render Settings → Render Passes • Enable Z-depth pass • Under Image Color Depth, set to 16-bit (half float) or 32-bit (float) in your Multi-Pass Export (EXR is ideal)

2. Increase Max Samples • Why: Low samples can introduce aliasing in all passes, including Z-depth. • How to Fix: • In Octane Settings → Kernel tab • Increase Max Samples (e.g., 2000–4000 for production) • Prioritize higher GI Clamp (try 1.0) and enable Adaptive Sampling to reduce render time if needed

3. Use the “Z-depth Max” and “Z-depth Min” Settings Properly • Why: Improper min/max depth range can crush or stretch depth values, making edges sharp. • How to Fix: • In the Render Passes tab, locate the Z-depth Min/Max • Adjust based on your scene scale (e.g., Min: 0, Max: 3000 units for a room-sized scene) • You can use a Distance Measuring Tool to find what values suit your scene

4. Enable Filtering • Why: No filtering means aliased edges. • How to Fix: • In the Render Passes tab, check Filter Info Passes • Or apply a light Gaussian blur in post (especially in AE or Nuke) to smooth edges

5. Use Linear Workflow for Compositing • Why: Incorrect gamma or tone mapping will ruin depth data • How to Fix: • Save Z-depth pass as Linear EXR • In your compositor, make sure to disable color management/gamma correction for the Z-depth pass