V-Ray 7 for archviz: what features are presented in this grand release?

We are still trying to fully recover from the excitement of several releases showcased at the 2024 Autodesk University conference when technology enthusiasts partially “tainted” the features of the new V-Ray 7 (initial capabilities could only be glimpsed due to limited information).

Now, a month later, as Chaos Group has lifted the veil without leaving any intrigue, we can delve deeper into the world of tools that enable the creation of exceptional architectural visualization products. We’ll also take a look at the community’s reactions following this monumental launch. Spoiler alert: some don’t consider it monumental at all…

Currently, discussions are ongoing on forums regarding the practicality of the point cloud rendering feature, which allows for environment scanning using drones (or 3D scanners) and its subsequent use in rendering 3D scenes. Some see great potential in this for the future, while others criticize what they perceive as “empty” vignetting functions, which, according to industry professionals, seem to have been added to create “weight” for the updated rendering engine (those same folks who ignore the synonym “majestic” when referring to version 7). Others nostalgically reminisce about the Corona Color Picker, which made it easier to sample colors from references… There are even mentions of AI tools, which have yet to be integrated for those dreaming of an optimized process for creating simple textures or shader maps.

Should we hold onto hopes after such a review? Absolutely. There is plenty that is good and effective in V-Ray 7! How 3D visualization and rendering studio we plan to thoroughly discuss this — so let’s get started!

On the brink of ultimate efficiency

While the news was still hot, we once again applauded the impressive performance of this creation for 3ds Max. First and foremost, with the introduction of the optimized Light Cache calculation, the hope of reducing scene setup time has become a reality. We also included the new V-Ray Enmesh and V-Ray Material features, which arguably perform better than any management course. These tools not only combat procrastination and potential project delays but also address complex pattern geometries and the lack of realism in certain materials (specifically regarding transparency support and improved light diffusion). And this is just the beginning…

3DGS – authentic colorful worlds in renders

The new features in V-Ray 7 are a treasure trove of endless advantages, too many to count on two hands. Given this wealth of options, we might inadvertently overlook something; however, one feature that certainly hasn’t escaped our vigilant attention is 3DGS (3D Gaussian Splatting).

This 3D scanning feature is an invaluable ally and a perfect solution for architects and designers committed to the realism of their projects, especially those involving real-world environments. With this method, any reconstruction of a building or objects from photos can be rendered with 100% accuracy. This means that the tedious manual work will come to an end, at least during the detailed landscaping phase of physical environments. The ability to render point clouds using Gaussian splats enhances the visual authenticity of projects, making them more compelling and lifelike!

The support for 3DGS represents a level of authenticity that professionals in the field can rely on. More specifically, it’s a powerful tool in the arsenal of a 3D artist who values reflecting individuality in their projects, closely aligned with the quality of execution. By utilizing point cloud data, visualizers can achieve a new level of specificity that not only captures the attention of any client but also fosters long-term trust and relationships.

Let there be light: understanding the Luminaire object

The Luminaire function in V-Ray 7 effectively simulates the behavior of real light fixtures – such as lamps or ceiling chandeliers – that can be found in any interior 3D scene. This function allows 3D artists to control light, giving them the power to adjust various parameters, from intensity and color temperature to light distribution. Moreover, the simple process of importing data from a pre-existing object not only imbues the work with authenticity but also adapts the lighting settings to meet client specifications. With a flick of a switch, everything is displayed just as it should be!

Or perhaps not… If the outcome is less than satisfactory, and unwanted “holiday” sparkles appear in the scene, V-Ray 7 offers a countermeasure called Firefly. Often, the rendering process can yield results far from expectations, accompanied by artifacts due to material errors, incorrect lighting settings, or simply an inadequate number of samples. The sources of these issues are countless, but the solution is singular. Firefly features enhanced algorithms that prevent the emergence of foreign flickering glows in 3D renders – especially those utilizing ray tracing. Thus, after applying this object, you can confidently present your project to the client without worry.

Scatter: a strong contender for the best greenery placement tool

Scatter, similar in functionality to Forest Pack, makes a serious claim to the title of the best tool for placing greenery in exterior compositions. The updated Scatter feature now boasts improved performance, enhanced usability, and extensive control options. To put it simply, the functionality of Scatter is nearly on par with the popular solution from iToo Software, earning it a respectful nod.

For clarity, we’ll set aside the use of texture maps for effective scattering and the introduction of a new brush for manual placement, which falls under the same category of capabilities.

V-Ray GPU – a hybrid generation

The abundance of objects and the presence of complex textures in a scene no longer have to be daunting. This is due to the support for hybrid rendering included in the updates of V-Ray 7, which makes the render engine even more versatile and appealing. This is particularly true when it comes to creating beautiful and realistic effects for water and glass based on caustic rendering under spotlight illumination.

V-Ray Frame Buffer and ambiguous style

This feature has sparked debates about its necessity. Yes, for the sake of enhancing composition – why not? The new vignette layer, applied to specific areas of the visualization, can create striking accents. It may sound questionable, but there’s no reason to lower your expectations about the effect until you’ve tried it for yourself!

V-Ray Profiler

The latest version of V-Ray for 3Ds Max now includes a new tool that provides comprehensive information about rendering times and any shader calculations. This is designed to identify resource-intensive elements in order to optimize the overall scene more effectively.

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