In VRED 2027, we've introduced point cloud support along with Gaussian Splat file compatibility, enabling more efficient creation, processing, and rendering of 3D models. These enhancements deliver smaller file sizes, faster loading times, and higher‑quality visual results.
Gaussian splats (3DGS) are a 3D scene representation that describes a scene not as a triangle mesh, but as a collection of small blob primitives—3D Gaussian functions. Each Gaussian represents an ellipsoidal volume with defined position, shape (covariance and orientation), density or transparency, and color. During rendering, these Gaussians are projected onto the screen and efficiently composited as 2D elliptical spots, a process commonly referred to as splatting.
In VRED 2027, Gaussian splats can be imported in PLY format and rendered using Vulkan with GPU ray tracing. They appear in the Scenegraph as PointCloud nodes and can be manipulated like other scene objects, including use as physics actors.
Support for OpenGL and CPU ray tracing is limited. In these modes, VRED uses an alternative rendering approach called stochasticSplats. This method evaluates only a single splat per pixel per sample, which can result in increased visible noise in the rendered image.
The PLY format can also contain traditional point clouds. In VRED 2027, these are now supported for rendering and share the same limitations and configuration options as Gaussian splats.
After importing a Gaussian Splat file, a new material is automatically created in the Material Editor. This material allows you to control shadow behavior and how Gaussian splats interact with clipping planes. Re‑lighting Gaussian splats using traditional light sources or HDR domes is not supported. However, the material includes several color‑correction options that can be applied to adjust the appearance of the splats.
A wide range of Gaussian splat files, varying in quality, are available online for free download. Alternatively, you can create your own using a smartphone camera and applications such as Jawset Postshot, or generate AI‑based Gaussian splat environments.
The PLY format can also contain traditional point clouds. As of VRED 2027, these point clouds can be rendered and behave similarly to Gaussian splats, with the same configuration options and limitations.