The Retro Charm of Rendering with YafRay in Blender

Published on January 07, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Blender interface showing the YafRay engine selection menu alongside a lit 3D scene.

Resurrecting YafRay: The Rendering Engine Your 3D Grandpa Used

In the dizzying world of rendering engines, YafRay is like that old Walkman you keep in the drawer: obsolete, but with a retro charm that modern Cycles and Eevee will never have. 😎 Perfect for when you want that classic look that smells like the early 2000s.

How to Make YafRay and Blender Get Along

Reviving this digital relic requires some simple steps:

The result will be lighting so soft that even your modeling mistakes will seem intentional. ✨

Why Bother with Old Technology

Although it seems like a digital archaeology exercise, YafRay offers unexpected advantages:

In the 3D world, vintage isn't a bug, it's a premium feature you charge extra for.

So the next time someone criticizes your YafRay renders, remember: you're not outdated, you're at the forefront of retro. And if the render takes too long, say you're cultivating patience... like Buddhist monks. 🧘

In the end, using YafRay is like drinking aged wine: it's not for everyone, but those who appreciate it know that sometimes old is gold. And if it doesn't turn out well, you can always say it's a homage to the 3D pioneers. 🏆