Using PBR workflows in 3D rendering typically increases costs, mainly due to higher production time and specialized tool requirements.
- **Production time**: PBR demands detailed texture creation (e.g., albedo, roughness maps) and precise lighting parameter tuning, extending asset development time and raising labor costs. - **Tool costs**: Specialized software/plugins (e.g., Substance Painter, Marmoset Toolbag) often require licensing fees, adding to expenses.
For small projects, balancing costs can involve using free tools (e.g., Blender’s built-in PBR features) or entry-level software to reduce initial investment.