---
title: "Background"
canonical: "https://documentation.chaos.com/space/VRAYHOUDINI/113279766/Background"
format: markdown
---
The Background Render Element includes just the background as set in the scene, with the rest of the image rendered as black. 


## **Overview**

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## **Attributes**

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## **Common Uses**

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The Background Render Element is primarily used for layering the [Beauty element](https://docs-chaos.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/VRAYHOUDINI/pages/113281534) (or combined render elements) on top of the background image. The [Alpha channel](https://docs-chaos.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/VRAYHOUDINI/pages/113280717) can be used to create a matte for such a composite. See below the scene without and with the Background Render Element.



## **Notes**

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- When the background is behind a transparent or semi-transparent material such as glass or clear plastic, make sure the Alpha channel is enabled for the material for all render elements; otherwise, the background will not be visible in the render element. For example, when using [V-Ray Material](https://docs-chaos.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/VRAYHOUDINI/pages/113279382) for a glass material, set the **Affect channels** parameter for both Reflection and Refraction to **All channels** to cause the background to appear in the Background Render Element behind the glass.