This page provides information on how the latest version of V-Ray handles scenes saved with previous versions of V-Ray.
Overview
V-Ray 5 adds a number of rendering optimization features. However, for compatibility reasons, some features and workflows have been adjusted and are discussed in detail below.
V-Ray for Rhino is not forward-compatible, meaning projects done with V-Ray 5 are not guaranteed to work with V-Ray Next or older versions. If a project is opened using an older V-Ray version than the one it was created with, a prompt message will offer wiping all V-Ray data to ensure file stability.
First-time use
When opening Rhino for the first time right after installing V-Ray, some or all assets of the scene you load may be missing.
If this happens, ensure V-Ray is set as the current renderer and then close Rhino. All assets load correctly from then on.
Lights (V-Ray 5)
The Portal Light option in V-Ray Rectangle light is now a legacy option and is no longer exposed in the UI. Rectangle lights in files saved with previous V-Ray versions and this option enabled will still have it available. Regardless, for best performance consider disabling it and using the Adaptive Dome Light option instead.
Migration from Previous Versions
V-Ray 5 for Rhino licenses also work with V-Ray Next, allowing anyone who purchases an upgrade, to complete unfinished projects using V-Ray Next if needed.
Please note that customer support is available only for V-Ray 5 and V-Ray Next (V-Ray 4). Earlier versions are no longer supported.
Materials and other V-Ray data saved with V-Ray older than v2.0 will not be read.
If you need to migrate an outdated scene, you will need to perform a 2-step migration - first one to V-Ray 3.6 and a second one to V-Ray 5.
To do so, first visit download.chaosgroup.com, enable the Show older versions checkbox, and download V-Ray 3.6.
Then, uninstall your current version of V-Ray for Rhino and install v 3.6 instead.
Open your outdated project, inspect the scene materials through the V-Ray Asset Editor, and save the project. This will trigger automatic V-Ray data migration. Repeat the steps for V-Ray 5.
Note that in order to work with V-Ray 5 builds, you need to have the proper License Server. For more information about the License Server, see Installing the License Server.