ZibraVDB: Real-Time Volumetric Effects for Unreal Engine and Houdini
What is ZibraVDB
ZibraVDB revolutionizes volumetric rendering by bringing high-quality VDB effects into real-time workflows.
At its core, ZibraVDB employs a proprietary compression method that reduces VDB data size by up to 100x while preserving visual detail, effectively eliminating the bandwidth bottleneck that has long plagued real-time volumetric rendering.
The technology solves a major challenge in the industry: traditional VDB files are massive, and streaming them from disk to memory often exceeds the available frame time for real-time rendering.
ZibraVDB's high-speed decompressor solves this by shifting performance limitations from data streaming to rendering exactly where you want them.
This breakthrough benefits two distinct audiences.
For virtual production and VFX studios, ZibraVDB enables previously impossible volumetric in-camera VFX like explosions, smoke, fire, and dust.
For game developers, it delivers high-quality volumetric effects (spells, explosions, environmental atmosphere) that run in real-time without affecting frame rates, with adaptive fidelity that scales across different platform constraints.
ZibraVDB for Unreal Engine and Houdini
ZibraVDB for Unreal Engine
ZibraVDB integrates seamlessly into Unreal Engine's rendering pipeline, optimized specifically for real-time playback and runtime accessibility.
The system renders volumetric effects using translucent materials with custom raymarchers, supporting up to 15 light sources including point, spot, and directional lights.
Key features include compression of OpenVDB to .zibravdb, direct .zibravdb file import with real-time lighting, shadows, and reflections support.
The system provides full playback control for precise adjustment of volumetric effects, while frustum and distance culling optimize performance by skipping computations when effects are out of view.
Independent raymarching parameter adjustment for each effect instance enables fine-tuned performance optimization.
ZibraVDB plugin also supports integration with Heterogeneous Volumes renderer which also allows the use of Path Tracing and easy integration for creators already using HV for their needs.
ZibraVDB for Houdini
In Houdini, ZibraVDB focuses on optimizing the size of VDB volumes and preparing them for real-time workflows.
Simulations can be compressed in Houdini to .zibravdb files, which then can be just drag and dropped into UE.
It also addresses infrastructure optimization which lies in reducing asset size.
This allows greatly decrease storage requirements and also improves network stability - sending huge data often leads to interconnect stalls.
Free Compression: Making ZibraVDB Accessible to Everyone
ZibraVDB's free version on Fab.com democratizes access to professional-grade volumetric rendering technology.
This initiative removes traditional barriers to entry, allowing creators, small studios, and educational institutions to experiment with high-quality volumetric effects without upfront investment.
The free version provides core functionality including direct import and rendering of .zibravdb files in Unreal Engine with full real-time lighting, shadow, and ambient reflection support.
Users gain complete playback control for precise adjustment of smoke, clouds, and other volumetric effects, along with access to a library of ready-made VDB effects that can be dropped directly into projects.
Performance Comparison
ZibraVDB's performance has been tested across multiple hardware configurations to provide real-world performance expectations.
The latest version 1.3.0 introduces significant performance improvements through targeted optimization of the most time-consuming pipeline stages.
For detailed performance analysis, benchmarking methodology, and comprehensive comparisons across different hardware configurations, refer to our technical deep-dive: ZibraVDB Performance and Quality Optimization.
Conclusion
ZibraVDB makes high-quality volumetric effects possible in real-time for everyone, from indie creators to major studios.
It works on any modern GPU and scales to fit different project needs and budgets.
ZibraVDB Pricing
Free Tier: Non-commercial use only. Includes plugin access, .zibravdb file import, 5 free VDB compressions, and real-time rendering capabilities.
Indie Tier: $150 (with yearly discount available). For studios under $250k revenue or $1M funding. Adds VDB compression capabilities and node-locked license for 2 devices.
Studio Tier: Custom pricing via demo booking. For larger studios over $250k revenue or $1M funding. Includes floating licenses, SDK access, custom development, integrations, and on-set support.
Click here to view the pricing page.