Black background while having HDRI?

[Sergestra]

I've searched and searched and maybe I have missed it, but I want to have a black background while still having my HDRI active.

I've seen many "use alpha channel" but I don't want to disable the background, just want a solid black background while still being able to use my HDRI. Any help?

[FrankPooleFloating]

Just make a black image in PS and use that as your Background Image. Enable Alpha in Render Target, obviously. Should be exactly what you are looking for. Background Image is located at bottom of Render Viewport, and is just left of the Lock button.

This is assuming you're working in Standalone. If you are using a plug, it may use have its own way of setting bg images...

[bepeg4d]

Hi Sergestra,
another solution in both Standalone and plugins, is to use a Visible Environment node with Gray or RGB color node in black mode, and the Backplate option active:

In this way, the primary Environment light will not be changed, and you have not to deal with Alpha channel.
ciao beppe

[FrankPooleFloating]

Well, heck.. that is definitely a better way. Thanks Beppe!