This page provides information on the USD import and export workflows in V-Ray for Maya.

 

Import Workflow

 

USD files can be loaded in Maya and rendered with V-Ray using the MayaUSD plugin with mayaUsdProxy nodes.

We recommend following a standard workflow with MayaUSD when rendering with V-Ray. See the video for more.

  • In Maya, go to Create > Universal Scene Description (USD) > Stage From File...
  • Locate the desired USD file in the directory window.
  • Click on Create.
 
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Importing V-Ray materials using USD files

 

The standard workflow imports V-Ray materials as Maya materials.

  • V-Ray materials that are exported as USD files can be imported into Maya as native V-Ray materials using the mayaUSDImport command.
mayaUSDImport -file "/path/to/file.usd" -primPath "/" -shadingMode "vray" "none"

  • Alternatively, there is an interface menu equivalent to the mayaUSDImport command. To import a USD file with native V-Ray materials, go to File > Import. In the pop-up menu, set the File Type to USD Import. Set the Plug-in Configuration to V-Ray.

 

 

 

 

Importing V-Ray Physical Cameras using USD files

USD files can be used to import V-Ray Physical Cameras and all their attributes using the mayaUSDImport command. 

mayaUSDImport -file"/path/to/file.usd" -primPath "/"

If you are using a zip-installed V-Ray 5, update 2, for Maya or newer, make sure to set up the PXR_PLUGINPATH_NAME environment variable. Otherwise, exporting and importing V-Ray Physical Cameras is impossible. For more information on setting up environment variables, please visit the Installation from zip page.


 

Export Workflow

 

  • Exporting V-Ray shaders to USD versions up to 0.13.0 including:
    from File > Export All... or Export Selection... (select the Option box) > General Options and as File Type, select USD Export. Under File Type Specific Options > Geometry, set the Materials to V-Ray MaterialExporter.

    When using USD 0.15.0 or below, if V-Ray is not selected as Plug-In Configuration, but the V-Ray Materials option is enabled, the export fails with an error. If V-Ray is selected as a Plug-In Configuration, but the V-Ray Material option is disabled, the exported USD does not contain the V-Ray materials.

  • For USD version 0.15.0 or higher:
    in the File > Export All Options window, set the File Type to USD Export, choose whether the materials are to be exported as USD Preview Surface or as V-Ray materials. You can export all materials in the scene as one or multiple types of networks.

    • Alternatively, you can use the Export Materials to USD option in the V-Ray menu. For more information, please visit the Export Materials to USD page.

 

For USD versions up to 0.13.0

 

For USD version 0.15.0 or later

 

Exporting lights to USD does not require the V-Ray Material Exporter to be selected in the Export to USD menu.