combining-scene-with-runtime-prims

name: combining-scene-with-runtime-prims description: Loading a base USD scene with additional runtime prims in tests. Use when a doc test needs to combine a scene file with RenderProducts or other prims that aren't in the original scene.

Combining a Scene with Runtime Prims

Overview

ovrtx only supports one root layer per renderer. Documentation tests often need a base scene (for cameras, lights, geometry, and materials) plus doc-specific prims such as RenderProduct or RenderVar definitions. For that case, use open_usd_from_string() / ovrtx_open_usd_from_string() with an inline root USDA layer that contains a subLayers composition arc to the base scene and authors the extra prims in the same root layer.

This inline sublayer pattern is supported and is the preferred docs-test pattern when the code example needs to demonstrate a single composed stage. Use add_usd_reference* only when the example specifically needs to add or remove referenced content after a root stage is already open.

The Pattern

Build one inline root USDA string that:

1. Uses subLayers = [@/path/to/base_scene.usda@] to bring in the actual scene content.
2. Authors the extra doc-specific prims in the same inline root layer.
3. Is loaded with open_usd_from_string() in Python or ovrtx_open_usd_from_string() in C.

Python source: tests/docs/python/test_sensor_configuration.py snippet doc-add-render-config-layer

C source: tests/docs/c/test_sensor_configuration.cpp snippet doc-add-render-config-layer-c

Why This Works

USD subLayers is a composition arc that layers multiple USD files into a single stage. The inline USDA becomes the "stronger" layer (opinions win), and the sublayered scene file provides the base content. ovrtx sees this as one root layer containing everything.

Key Details

• No defaultPrim or prefix_path is required for this pattern. Those are reference-addition concerns, not root-layer sublayer concerns.
• The inline root can author prims at absolute paths. For example, it can sublayer simple_camera.usda and add /Render/Camera in the stronger layer.
• Camera paths must match the scene. If the scene has /Camera0, the RenderProduct's rel camera must point to /Camera0, not /World/Camera.
• The shared renderer fixture does not reset automatically. Use open_usd* to replace the root stage for each test, or call reset_stage() explicitly before additive reference tests.

Common Pitfalls

• Don't call open_usd() and open_usd_from_string() separately to combine layers. The second call replaces the root stage, discarding the first.
• Don't use removed APIs. add_usd(), add_usd_layer(), and ovrtx_add_usd() are old names. Use open_usd* for root layers and add_usd_reference* for additive references.
• Don't switch docs tests to add_usd_reference* just to combine base scenes with RenderProducts. Inline subLayers keep the snippet as one root stage and match the documented pattern.
• Check camera prim paths. Test scenes use paths like /Camera0, not /World/Camera. If the RenderProduct points at the wrong path, the step will produce no frames.