Filename
Sets the file used by the node.
Choose the source file here. If the project will be moved to another workstation, keep the path portable or collect the media with the project.
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USD / 3DAdvanced
uVolume
USD volumetric field loader
Loads volumetric data into a USD scene with playback, density, emission, raymarching and transform controls.
uVolume
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
uVolume brings file-based volumetric fields into the USD stage for smoke, fog, fire-like emission and other density-based effects. It combines sequence timing with shading and raymarch controls, so both data interpretation and render cost must be managed carefully.
Overview
What uVolume does
uVolume brings file-based volumetric fields into the USD stage for smoke, fog, fire-like emission and other density-based effects. It combines sequence timing with shading and raymarch controls, so both data interpretation and render cost must be managed carefully.
Mental model
Think of uVolume as a 3D box of density data: the file supplies the field, density/emission controls determine how it looks, and raymarch settings determine how accurately the renderer samples it.
Common uses
USD smoke and fog volumes
Volumetric atmosphere
Emissive fire-like fields
Looped volume sequences
Technical density visualization
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
SceneInput
Existing USD or 3D stage that receives this node or provides the scene context.
uVolume
Fusion node
SceneOutput
Updated USD/3D stage for further composition, rendering or export.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Browse
Opens a file browser for the related path or resource.
Trim In / Out
Limits the usable frame range.
Time Scale
Changes the playback or procedural animation speed.
Frame Offset
Sets the Frame Offset.
Reverse
Plays the volume sequence in reverse.
Loop
Loops the volume sequence when it reaches the end of its loaded range.
Density Field
Chooses the volume field that supplies density for rendering.
Density Scale
Multiplies the density of the loaded volume.
Emission Mode
Selects the Emission Mode used by uVolume.
Available choices include Color, Field, Blackbody, and Gradient.
Emission Color / RGB / Scale
Sets the overall scale.
Raymarching Step Size
Controls sampling quality versus render cost.
Minimum Light Scattering
Sets a floor for light interaction through the volume.
Translation X/Y/Z
Sets translation on the X, Y and Z axes.
Rotation Order / Rotation X/Y/Z
Sets rotation on the X, Y and Z axes.
Pivot X/Y/Z
Sets the pivot position on the X, Y and Z axes.
Scale / Lock X/Y/Z
Links the X, Y and Z values for scale.
Use Target
Orients the object, light or camera toward a target point.
Use Target is convenient for aim-at rigs because the orientation follows the target as either element moves.
Export as Separate Stage
Outputs this operation as a separate USD stage instead of folding it into the incoming stage.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Load the volume sequence and verify frame timing.
- 2
Choose the correct density field.
- 3
Set Density Scale conservatively.
- 4
Enable emission only when the volume data or look requires it.
- 5
Use a coarse raymarch step while framing and lighting.
- 6
Reduce step size for the final-quality render.
- 7
Balance volume density with scene lights and exposure.
Typical node chain
Volume File→
uVolume→
Lighting→
uRenderer
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Smoke volume
Load and light a density sequence in a USD shot.
uVolumeuDomeLight / uRectangleLightuCamerauRenderer
Looped atmospheric element
Loop a short volume sequence for a longer shot.
uVolumeuMergeuRenderer
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Using an excessively small raymarch step during look development.
Cranking density instead of fixing incorrect field selection or color management.
Ignoring sequence trim and frame offsets.
Production notes
Practical tips
Use low-cost preview settings while blocking the shot.
Check volume bounds and transform before tuning the shader.
Increase render quality only for the final pass.
Related nodes