RenderBuddy Agent
The secure bridge between your workstation and the cloud
Overview
The RenderBuddy Agent is a lightweight background service that runs on your render node. It acts as the central hub, collecting telemetry from your DCC applications (Unreal Engine, Blender, Houdini) and securely transmitting it to your mobile device via the cloud.
Secure Bridge
Encrypted local connection using unique machine tokens.
Low Latency
Optimized C++ core for minimal performance impact.
Easy Pairing
Scan a QR code to link your machine instantly.
Auto-Discovery
Automatically detects running DCC applications.
Installation
Download the Installer
Get the latest RenderBuddyAgent_Setup.exe from the Downloads page.
Run the Setup
Launch the installer and follow the prompts. It will install the Agent to your AppData folder and optionally create a desktop shortcut.
Launch the Agent
Run "RenderBuddy Agent" from your Start Menu. A small window will appear with your pairing status.
Pairing Your Device
Open the Mobile App
On your phone, open RenderBuddy and sign in. Tap the (+) button to add a machine.
Start Pairing on Agent
In the Agent window on your PC, click the "Pair New Device" button. A QR code and a 6-digit code will appear.
Scan & Connect
Scan the QR code with your phone app. The Agent will automatically confirm the connection and your machine will appear in your dashboard.
Session Management
24-Hour Sessions
For your security, pairing sessions last for 24 hours. This ensures that unused connections don't remain open indefinitely.
Session Expiry Warning
The Agent will warn you 1 hour before your session expires. You will receive a system notification.
Extending Your Session
When you see the warning, simply click the "Extend Session" button in the Agent window to add another 24 hours without re-pairing.
Auto-Reconnection
If your session expires while you are away, the Agent enters a "Waiting for Token" state. Just re-pair from the mobile app to resume control.
Security & Privacy
Local Token Authentication
The Agent generates a unique, random agent.lock token on every startup. Only
plugins running on your local machine can communicate with the Agent. This
prevents unauthorized remote access or local malware from hijacking your render session.
User-Scoped Access
Your render data is tied strictly to your user ID. Even if someone knows your machine ID, they cannot view your previews or control your renders without being signed into your account.
Rate Limiting
The Agent includes built-in protection against Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, limiting local request rates to prevent system instability.
Troubleshooting
Agentwindow is blank or not showing QR code
Check your internet connection. The Agent requires an active internet connection to communicate with Firebase for pairing.
"Connection Refused" in Plugins
Ensure the Agent is running! The plugins (Unreal, Blender, etc.) cannot send data if the Agent is closed. Check that port 5556 is not blocked by your firewall.
Windows Defender Warning
On first run, Windows Firewall may ask for permission. Please allow RenderBuddy Agent to access Private Networks.