Does V-Ray have shader graphs (nodes) for materials?

Rendering V-Ray
1

I’m pretty certain V-Ray has a node graph for editing materials, just like every other modern renderer (Redshift, Keyshot, etc). But I can’t find it anywhere in the V-Ray plugin for Rhino. Is it hidden somewhere, or is it simply not available in the plugin?

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There is no node editor in V-Ray for Rhino. You need to create materials, paste textures into slots and when needed, wrap them inside an adjustment layer and wrap and wrap ad infinitum.

J.

3

THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE

V-Ray 7 is here, and many people have been asking for V-Ray materials to be node-based since V-Ray Next (aka V-Ray 4). It’s awful now, with far more complex material options available—you will get lost.

1 Like
4

Hi Matinkabiri,

The debate over whether to develop a Node Material Editor for V-Ray for Rhino has been ongoing at Chaos and is still unresolved.

Technically, implementing a Node Editor isn’t particularly difficult, but it does come with additional implications. For one, it could increase the intimidation factor for beginners, as the main feedback we receive about V-Ray is that it’s too complex. Introducing a Node Editor will likely add to that complexity rather than reduce it.

Another consideration is that many users are moving away from complex material networks in favor of simpler PBR materials with higher-quality input textures. In most client projects, we see materials as simple as a V-Ray Material with a Diffuse, Reflection, Roughness, and Normal map. This setup wouldn’t necessarily be any simpler in a Node Editor.

Additionally, some features we currently offer could be incompatible with a Node Editor. For example, the ability to add material layers to the Generic material would need to be replaced by a Blend material node setup, where users would have to manually manage the layers and blend maps. This change was strongly opposed by some users when it was suggested.

Regards,
Konstantin

5

Hi,

I’ve been reflecting on your comments and believe I understand your perspective. I’ve devised a solution to simplify the UI without compromising the ability to create complex materials. While I appreciate Chaos Group’s commitment to satisfying its customers, the V-Ray interface can sometimes feel overwhelming with its maze-like interwoven pages for many options it provides. I believe there’s a better way forward. Here are my suggestions:

  1. Advanced UI Toggle:
    V-Ray currently features an advanced UI hidden behind a toggle. This hidden interface already nests many options and could be enhanced to serve as a gateway for future functionalities, such as opening materials in a node-based system. This approach would allow users to access additional options—like the deprecated legacy displacement map—without cluttering the main interface.

  2. V-Ray Cosmos Materials:
    V-Ray Cosmos could be the key to resolving the complexity issue. Many professionals in architecture, jewelry, and industrial design have mentioned that they primarily use V-Ray Cosmos materials. They prefer super simple controls—like weathering, color, bump, and detail—without additional clutter. I support the idea of simplifying the UI by:

    • Consolidating controls for materials like plastics into presets or a single color option.
    • Keeping an advanced toggle for the node-based material design for power users who want to dig deeper.

  3. Layer-Based Material Compatibility:
    You mentioned that the layer-based material might be incompatible and may require a blend material. I suggest updating the blend node to better support the layering system across the board. This functionality is already present in other products (such as Corona for 3ds Max), which include layers and masks as part of their solution. While many page-based UI elements might be challenging to implement as a node-based system, there isn’t a feature inV-Ray for Rhino that V-Ray for Max lacks. This indicates that a smooth implementation is achievable.

  4. Offering UI Design Expertise:
    I am willing to design the UI or lead a team to do so, free of charge. Given the talent within your group, I’m confident that you can implement these changes effectively and create a more streamlined experience.

I look forward to discussing these ideas further and a solution that benefits all users.

Best regards,
Matin