---
title: "USD Workflow"
canonical: "https://documentation.chaos.com/space/VMAYA/111739288/USD%20Workflow"
format: markdown
---
This page provides information on the USD import and export workflows in V-Ray for Maya. Starting with V-Ray 6, update 2 the default USD translator becomes Hydra compatible.  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. 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. MEL example 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.  MEL example 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 In the  File  >  Export All Options  window, set the File Type to USD Export and choose whether the materials are 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 V-Ray menu's Export Materials to USD option.  For more information, please visit the  Export Materials to USD page . Exporting lights to USD does not require the V-Ray Material Exporter to be selected in the Export to USD menu. Disable the  Merge Transform and Shape Nodes  option from the  Advanced  rollout for a cleaner hierarchy and export. If you are using a version of V-Ray for Maya prior to  6.20.01 , the Merge Transform and Shape Nodes option needs to be disabled to correctly export VRaySubdivisions. When exporting objects with applied  V-Ray Displacement , the displacement is exported along with the shaders. In this case, make sure the  V-Ray materials  option is enabled. When exporting objects with an applied  Subdivision attribute , the subdivision is exported separately from the shaders. In this case, enabling the  V-Ray materials  option is not mandatory, as it will not affect the export of the subdivision surface. When exporting objects with applied Subdivision attribute and V-Ray Displacement, the subdivision and displacement are exported along with the shaders. In this case, make sure the  V-Ray materials  option is enabled. Export All Options This section explains the options visible in the Export All Options window that pops up when exporting to a USD file. Working with Multiple UVs Starting with V-Ray 6, update 2 the default USD translator is Hydra compatible. Export and import of multiple UVs is supported under the following condition: digits are forbidden as first characters in the name of the UVset. To ensure proper workflow with UV sets the export  Plug-in configuration  should be set to  V-Ray . Otherwise, they are exported with Maya's convention. Should unexpected errors occur using older assets, it is recommended to re-export the UVset.