Cycles for Softimage
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Sycles 2.4.1 V 2.4.1 released August 2026 —
This is a full integration of the Blender Cycles renderer into XSI. Version 2.4 is compiled with Cycles 5.3 (state of July 2026). The second generation of the addon (since 2.0) is a complete rewrite and works with Softimage 2015 SP2.
New since version 2.1.3 (from the github release notes): 2.4.1: fixed incorrect transforms of instances when the master model has rotation or scale, repacked with missing DLLs 2.4: Cycles 5.3. New Alpha parameter for the ImageTexture node, Sky Texture with Single and Multiple Scattering models, Thin Film for Metallic and Glass BSDF, new Raycast and Scene Time nodes, OSL custom camera, Linear 3D curve shape (also as per-object override), Geometry Approximation mode for NURBS surfaces, Render Time pass (CPU), texture optimisation (resolution, limit, tx texture cache) and a detailed scene export timing log 2.4: renders MaterialX shader trees from the MaterialXSI addon (converted to OSL). Note: OSL shading works on CPU render devices only 2.3.x: Cycles 4.5, OSL support is back, new Metallic BSDF and Set Normal nodes, phase function for Scatter Volume, Diffuse Roughness for Principled BSDF, more Noise Texture types, subdivision with motion deform, per-frame texture images, rendering of NURBS surfaces and curves (via custom properties), tile rendering, fixed shadow catcher, vector input ports for OSL shaders 2.2.x: nodes of Blender 4.3 (Ray Portal BSDF, Sheen BSDF, Gabor Texture, redesigned Principled BSDF), current Blender OCIO color profiles, custom velocity grids for VDB primitives, Particle Info node fed by ICE attributes, denoising of the final passes with OIDN or OptiX
Supported Softimage features (quoted from the download page):
Polygon meshes and hair geometry Texture coordinates Vertex colors Shaderball preview. For materials, shader nodes and texture nodes Basic limited support of the following built-in Softimage shader nodes: Phong, Lambert, Hair Shading, Image, converters between vector, color and scalar Ambience global environment light Limited support of built-in Softimage light sources Model instances ICE strands geometry ICE pointcloud instances ICE geometry attributes (vector, color and scalar) with context per-point and per-object Volume rendering. In particular supports emFluid, Explosia FX and openVDB for Softimage volumes Special VDB Primitive for rendering vdbs without ICE Output multilayered exr file with all rendered passes Rendermaps
The following features from Cycles itself are supported: CPU and GPU rendering. In particular multidevices are supported. This allows you to use cpu and gpu simultaneously. The libraries for GPU rendering are included in the package. All Cycles shader nodes OSL shaders OpenColorIO profiles (Blender profile included) All Cycles output passes (Combined, Depth, Normal and so on) Color and value shader AOVs Lightgroups Cycles camera properties, in particular all panorama modes Cycles light sources Denoising by using Open Image Denoise and OptiX denoiser
For more information, full documentation and a list of the available Cycles nodes see the download page linked below. There is no local backup because the addon is still frequently updated - the plugin can be downloaded on Shekn's github releases. The source code is available on github there as well.
This is a full integration of the Blender Cycles renderer into XSI. Version 2.4 is compiled with Cycles 5.3 (state of July 2026). The second generation of the addon (since 2.0) is a complete rewrite and works with Softimage 2015 SP2.
New since version 2.1.3 (from the github release notes): 2.4.1: fixed incorrect transforms of instances when the master model has rotation or scale, repacked with missing DLLs 2.4: Cycles 5.3. New Alpha parameter for the ImageTexture node, Sky Texture with Single and Multiple Scattering models, Thin Film for Metallic and Glass BSDF, new Raycast and Scene Time nodes, OSL custom camera, Linear 3D curve shape (also as per-object override), Geometry Approximation mode for NURBS surfaces, Render Time pass (CPU), texture optimisation (resolution, limit, tx texture cache) and a detailed scene export timing log 2.4: renders MaterialX shader trees from the MaterialXSI addon (converted to OSL). Note: OSL shading works on CPU render devices only 2.3.x: Cycles 4.5, OSL support is back, new Metallic BSDF and Set Normal nodes, phase function for Scatter Volume, Diffuse Roughness for Principled BSDF, more Noise Texture types, subdivision with motion deform, per-frame texture images, rendering of NURBS surfaces and curves (via custom properties), tile rendering, fixed shadow catcher, vector input ports for OSL shaders 2.2.x: nodes of Blender 4.3 (Ray Portal BSDF, Sheen BSDF, Gabor Texture, redesigned Principled BSDF), current Blender OCIO color profiles, custom velocity grids for VDB primitives, Particle Info node fed by ICE attributes, denoising of the final passes with OIDN or OptiX
Supported Softimage features (quoted from the download page):
Polygon meshes and hair geometry Texture coordinates Vertex colors Shaderball preview. For materials, shader nodes and texture nodes Basic limited support of the following built-in Softimage shader nodes: Phong, Lambert, Hair Shading, Image, converters between vector, color and scalar Ambience global environment light Limited support of built-in Softimage light sources Model instances ICE strands geometry ICE pointcloud instances ICE geometry attributes (vector, color and scalar) with context per-point and per-object Volume rendering. In particular supports emFluid, Explosia FX and openVDB for Softimage volumes Special VDB Primitive for rendering vdbs without ICE Output multilayered exr file with all rendered passes Rendermaps
The following features from Cycles itself are supported: CPU and GPU rendering. In particular multidevices are supported. This allows you to use cpu and gpu simultaneously. The libraries for GPU rendering are included in the package. All Cycles shader nodes OSL shaders OpenColorIO profiles (Blender profile included) All Cycles output passes (Combined, Depth, Normal and so on) Color and value shader AOVs Lightgroups Cycles camera properties, in particular all panorama modes Cycles light sources Denoising by using Open Image Denoise and OptiX denoiser
For more information, full documentation and a list of the available Cycles nodes see the download page linked below. There is no local backup because the addon is still frequently updated - the plugin can be downloaded on Shekn's github releases. The source code is available on github there as well.
download page: https://ssoftadd.github.io/syclesSecondGenPage.html / wiki with tutorials / all of Shekn's plugins / author on vimeo / si-community thread
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Shekn
- Posts: 254
- Joined: 30 Dec 2016, 19:18
Re: Cycles for Softimage
During the render of the vdb the volume velocity attribute is loaded to the renderer. But I did not properly test the result. It requires the vdb-file with velocity grid.
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opoppopopp
- Posts: 213
- Joined: 16 Jun 2009, 04:23
Re: Cycles for Softimage
This is a sample VDB from openvdb.org https://artifacts.aswf.io/io/aswf/openv ... -1.0.0.zipShekn wrote: 25 Jun 2024, 03:58 During the render of the vdb the volume velocity attribute is loaded to the renderer. But I did not properly test the result. It requires the vdb-file with velocity grid.
Please check below img, It has v grid, and can be rendered(change 'density' to 'v' in priciple volume shader)
But seems motion blur not working
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Shekn
- Posts: 254
- Joined: 30 Dec 2016, 19:18
Re: Cycles for Softimage
I check the sample in the Blender. It render the motion blur of the vdb. It supports additional parameter which allows to select a specific grid as velocity grid.
By default (and also in Sycles) only the grid with the name "velocity" considered as actual velocity grid. So the grid with the name "v" is ignored. I will try to add this feature in the next update (whenever it will be).
By default (and also in Sycles) only the grid with the name "velocity" considered as actual velocity grid. So the grid with the name "v" is ignored. I will try to add this feature in the next update (whenever it will be).
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opoppopopp
- Posts: 213
- Joined: 16 Jun 2009, 04:23
Re: Cycles for Softimage
So it means if I export the velocity vector grid with name "velocity" it will work with current Sycles? that will solve my problem already.Shekn wrote: 26 Jun 2024, 03:39 I check the sample in the Blender. It render the motion blur of the vdb. It supports additional parameter which allows to select a specific grid as velocity grid.
By default (and also in Sycles) only the grid with the name "velocity" considered as actual velocity grid. So the grid with the name "v" is ignored. I will try to add this feature in the next update (whenever it will be).
Can you post a correct rendered image with motion blur? either in SI or Blender(while I don't know much about it
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Shekn
- Posts: 254
- Joined: 30 Dec 2016, 19:18
Re: Cycles for Softimage
About the name of the velocity grid - I think that it should work.
Here is a render of vdb with motion blur in Blender
Here is a render of vdb with motion blur in Blender
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Shekn
- Posts: 254
- Joined: 30 Dec 2016, 19:18
Re: Cycles for Softimage
Update Sycles version 2.2.0. Download it from the release page on the GitHub. This page contains more or less detailed update notes.
One thing that's important to say at the outset is that this version has some functionality degradation. OSL shaders and denoising are disabled. For some reason (and I do not understand why) the osl and denoising libraries required for rendering are not loaded into Softimage. By some reason.
Addon uses the latest version of Blender's Cycles render engine. Some time ago the developers redesigned the principled BSDF shader node. They changed the functionality and especially the shader node ports. So materials with this shader from previous versions of the addon will not work.
One thing that's important to say at the outset is that this version has some functionality degradation. OSL shaders and denoising are disabled. For some reason (and I do not understand why) the osl and denoising libraries required for rendering are not loaded into Softimage. By some reason.
Addon uses the latest version of Blender's Cycles render engine. Some time ago the developers redesigned the principled BSDF shader node. They changed the functionality and especially the shader node ports. So materials with this shader from previous versions of the addon will not work.
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opoppopopp
- Posts: 213
- Joined: 16 Jun 2009, 04:23
Re: Cycles for Softimage
Light linking is my life SAVER! 
You mean newer version dll e.g. Open Image Denoise lib no longer loaded with Softimage?
but lost of denoising ...Shekn wrote: 19 Jul 2024, 15:59 One thing that's important to say at the outset is that this version has some functionality degradation. OSL shaders and denoising are disabled. For some reason (and I do not understand why) the osl and denoising libraries required for rendering are not loaded into Softimage. By some reason.
You mean newer version dll e.g. Open Image Denoise lib no longer loaded with Softimage?
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Shekn
- Posts: 254
- Joined: 30 Dec 2016, 19:18
Re: Cycles for Softimage
Yes. Blender use modern version of the OIDN, which support different devices. It can use not only cpu for denoising, but also gpu and some other virtual (as I understand) devices. That's why it won't load properly in Softimage. This problem can be solved, but further research is needed.
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wireframex
- Posts: 425
- Joined: 08 Jun 2009, 21:02
- Location: France
Re: Cycles for Softimage
Thanks Shekn 
in the meantime we can use your FX Denoise denoising node
in the meantime we can use your FX Denoise denoising node
"without mastery, power is nothing" - Softimage Addict User
CPU 3990x 128 Threads / 2 x 3090 RTX - 24 Go / 96 Go memory
CPU 3990x 128 Threads / 2 x 3090 RTX - 24 Go / 96 Go memory
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wireframex
- Posts: 425
- Joined: 08 Jun 2009, 21:02
- Location: France
Re: Cycles for Softimage
Hi Shekn,
Just installed the last Sycles_2_2_0.xsiaddon but it didn't see my gfx cards at all only my CPU
I get back to Sycles_2_1_3.xsiaddon --> Ok
All the best
Phil
Just installed the last Sycles_2_2_0.xsiaddon but it didn't see my gfx cards at all only my CPU
I get back to Sycles_2_1_3.xsiaddon --> Ok
All the best
Phil
"without mastery, power is nothing" - Softimage Addict User
CPU 3990x 128 Threads / 2 x 3090 RTX - 24 Go / 96 Go memory
CPU 3990x 128 Threads / 2 x 3090 RTX - 24 Go / 96 Go memory
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Shekn
- Posts: 254
- Joined: 30 Dec 2016, 19:18
Re: Cycles for Softimage
For detect gpus the renderer use precompiled binaries, which placed inside the folder Sycles\Application\Plugins\lib\ This folder contains many different *.zst files for different gpu models. You can try to download Blender 4.3 and copy these files from the distributive to the folder of the addon. May be it will help.
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wireframex
- Posts: 425
- Joined: 08 Jun 2009, 21:02
- Location: France
Re: Cycles for Softimage
Hi Shekn
It doesn't work at all
It doesn't work at all
"without mastery, power is nothing" - Softimage Addict User
CPU 3990x 128 Threads / 2 x 3090 RTX - 24 Go / 96 Go memory
CPU 3990x 128 Threads / 2 x 3090 RTX - 24 Go / 96 Go memory
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Shekn
- Posts: 254
- Joined: 30 Dec 2016, 19:18
Re: Cycles for Softimage
Yes, I also checked it. On my PC, which I use for developing, all gpus are visible. On another pc - not. I don't know why it happens. It has to find out.
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wireframex
- Posts: 425
- Joined: 08 Jun 2009, 21:02
- Location: France
Re: Cycles for Softimage
Ok thanksShekn wrote: 23 Jul 2024, 07:58 Yes, I also checked it. On my PC, which I use for developing, all gpus are visible. On another pc - not. I don't know why it happens. It has to find out.
"without mastery, power is nothing" - Softimage Addict User
CPU 3990x 128 Threads / 2 x 3090 RTX - 24 Go / 96 Go memory
CPU 3990x 128 Threads / 2 x 3090 RTX - 24 Go / 96 Go memory
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FXDude
- Posts: 1145
- Joined: 19 Jun 2012, 19:59
Re: Cycles for Softimage
Hi,
I have yet to try this version, but can't wait !
- motion blur on particles and volumes
yaay!
- Output preview render result in hdr-mode
HDR Viewport region Yaay!
- Include noisy beauty pass into multilayer exr. Denoising should be activated,
and also Include Denoising Passes should be turn on
Yaay !! BUT isn't denoising not working?
And on the same note, that to me is a pretty huge and unfortunate regression
for both almost instant region previews, and final render acceleration
As wireframex mentioned, your FX Tree implementation of the denoiser still works great, and is super useful for denoising other AOV's other than the beauty.
https://ssoftadd.github.io/fxDenoisePage.html
But really not as convenient while working, and again, no denoising in the region involves waiting MINUTES instead of literally under 5 seconds for descent representation of what's going-on.
So I really hope this could be resolved eventually.
In any event, thanks so much for all these great enhancements !
Cheers,
-J
I have yet to try this version, but can't wait !
- motion blur on particles and volumes
yaay!
- Output preview render result in hdr-mode
HDR Viewport region Yaay!
- Include noisy beauty pass into multilayer exr. Denoising should be activated,
and also Include Denoising Passes should be turn on
Yaay !! BUT isn't denoising not working?
And on the same note, that to me is a pretty huge and unfortunate regression
for both almost instant region previews, and final render acceleration
As wireframex mentioned, your FX Tree implementation of the denoiser still works great, and is super useful for denoising other AOV's other than the beauty.
https://ssoftadd.github.io/fxDenoisePage.html
But really not as convenient while working, and again, no denoising in the region involves waiting MINUTES instead of literally under 5 seconds for descent representation of what's going-on.
So I really hope this could be resolved eventually.
In any event, thanks so much for all these great enhancements !
Cheers,
-J
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Maximus
- Posts: 1121
- Joined: 09 Jun 2009, 13:45
Re: Cycles for Softimage
im rendering a vdb static image, when i use the CPU only it renders the frame in 13 seconds, when i switch to GPU (i have 2x 1080) it takes more than 1 minute (at 64 sampling which is low)
something is definately wrong, not sure whats going on
after couple tries once now i open softimage it doesnt recognize the graphic cards anymore, just cpu
something is definately wrong, not sure whats going on
after couple tries once now i open softimage it doesnt recognize the graphic cards anymore, just cpu