Archive notice: This article was originally published on July 30, 2003. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Furthermore, it offers a new mapping algorithm, 15 new tools
for UV editing as well as revised exchange plug-ins for 3ds max, Maya and Lightwave. The unique features such as RayBrush mode or the ability to paint in up to 10 textures simultaneously remain unmatched.
After 18 months of development, Maxon is releasing the long-awaited second version of its 3D painting software at Siggraph 2003 in San Diego.
The new functions can be divided into two groups. Increasing the workflow came first. For this purpose, the interface was completely revised and is now oriented even more strongly toward conventional 2D applications. A Setup Wizard accelerates the preparation process, especially for complex scenes, by a multiple. The optimized OpenGL adaptation increases display speed.
The second important part of this update, heavy with many hundreds of functions, includes new tools for distortion-free painting of an object. First and foremost among these is the new Projection Painting. BodyPaint 3D R2 offers what is probably the most extensive implementation of this painting mode, in which one first paints on a virtual “glass plate” in front of the object; the result is then projected onto the geometry. BodyPaint 3D R2 supports all painting, copying and layer functions in this mode that is unique for a 3D painter. BodyPaint 3D R2 also offers a total of 15 new UV tools for easier editing as well as a new mapping algorithm,
specifically for objects with many undercuts. This means an ideal result can be achieved quickly even with complex geometries.
The exchange plug-ins for Lightwave 3D 7.5c and 3ds max 5 have also been extensively revised, and the connection to Maya 5 has been newly added. Every 3D artist can thus transfer their model from the respective main application to BodyPaint 3D R2 at the push of a button. After texturing, the generated maps are then sent back to the main program together with the edited UVs. Cinema 4D users enjoy the convenience of being able to use BodyPaint 3D R2 as a completely integrated module.
Several functions that BodyPaint 3D has mastered from the very beginning remain unmatched. First and foremost is RayBrush, which allows the user to paint directly live in the rendered image. For visual control, the model therefore no longer has to be sent back and forth and test-rendered. One brush stroke applies up to 10 channels in real time, including reflections, transparencies and bump maps the result can be viewed in real time. This is made possible by the multiple award-winning render engine that BodyPaint 3D adopted from its sister program Cinema 4D R8. But multiprocessor support, availability on Macintosh and Windows computers, and the freely configurable interface with any number of views (2D and 3D, incl. true perspective) are also still unrivaled.
BodyPaint 3D R2 is available now.
BodyPaint 3D Standalone: 699 EURO
BodyPaint 3D Module: 699 EURO
BodyPaint 3D Update: 349 EURO
BodyPaint 3D Crossgrade: 499 EURO
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