What it does
V-Ray provides lighting, materials, cameras and atmospheric rendering for 3D scenes. Chaos lists integrations for several modelling applications and CPU, GPU or hybrid computation options.
V-Ray adds physically based lighting, materials, cameras and rendering to modelling applications including 3ds Max, SketchUp, Rhino, Revit, Cinema 4D and Blender. It supports stills and animation, with CPU, GPU or hybrid computation routes and distributed rendering across machines.
In 3ds Max, the V-Ray Frame Buffer provides a concrete render-and-refine workflow. Enable the built-in buffer in Render Setup, start an interactive or production render, compare image history and adjust colour layers or LightMix contributions. Region rendering and reduced test resolutions focus preview work. Save channels separately or together in a multi-channel EXR or .vrimg file. Deep EXR files are not supported by the buffer's processing route.
The 30-day trial includes the full renderer and a limited allocation of AI credits. Paid Solo, Premium and Collection plans differ in personal versus floating access, asset libraries and connected services. Collection includes Vantage for real-time scene exploration. AI operations consume credits; they are an additional service allowance alongside conventional rendering.
Strengths
- Multiple host integrations support established modelling workflows.
- The frame buffer combines image history, colour layers and lighting adjustments.
- Multi-channel EXR and .vrimg retain rendering passes together.
Watch out for
- The V-Ray Frame Buffer does not process deep EXR files.
- Connected AI tools have credit allowances that vary by plan.
Best for
- Architectural visualization studios
- Artists refining production renders inside a host application
Sources
- V-Ray | Photorealistic 3D Rendering Software (Oct 27, 2026)
- V-Ray Frame Buffer for 3ds Max (Oct 27, 2026)