Blender 4.2 LTS brings significant improvements to the user interface and workflow to increase efficiency and ease of use. The new Asset Browser panel makes it easier to manage and organise assets, streamlining access to frequently used files. These improvements are designed to streamline and speed up the workflow for artists.
Render engines and cycles
The Cycles render engine has been further optimised. Path guiding for complex lighting conditions and improved caustics increase performance and enable a more realistic representation of light and shadow. New hardware accelerators ensure faster render times.
Geometry nodes and simulations
Geometry nodes have been enhanced to create more complex and dynamic effects. Artists can create procedural models and animations more efficiently, and the new simulation tools allow for more detailed physics simulations, such as fluids and smoke. Geometry Nodes Documentation – Comprehensive documentation on the geometry nodes in Blender.
Script extensions and Python APIs
Extended Python APIs offer more options for automating and customising the workflow. This facilitates the integration of Blender into existing production pipelines and fulfils specific requirements more efficiently. Blender Python API – Up-to-date documentation of the Python APIs in Blender.
Future-proof implementation
The new features in Blender 4.2 LTS should be tested and validated before being used in projects to ensure they meet production standards and avoid unexpected complications. Long-term support (LTS) guarantees regular updates and bug fixes for greater stability and reliability in professional environments.
Let’s talk Eeveee
Blender 4.2 brings a significant improvement in real-time rendering quality with Eevee Next. New features such as global illumination, motion blur and unlimited light sources are supported. One of the most significant innovations in Eevee Next is the new global illumination system, which is based on screen space ray tracing. This method increases the accuracy of indirect lighting of surfaces and enables more realistic renderings. Ray tracing is now used for every BSDF shader in a scene, resulting in a significant increase in visual quality. Eevee Next also improves temporal stability during rendering. Noise and aliasing issues are reduced through velocity-aware temporal supersampling, resulting in more stable and flicker-free renderings. In addition, shadows are now rendered with virtual shadow maps, further reducing flicker and increasing maximum shadow resolution.
Support for unlimited light sources and new features
Compared to previous versions, Eevee Next removes the limitation of light sources. An unlimited number of light sources can now be used in a scene, with up to 4,096 light sources visible at the same time. Additionally, lights are now visible through refractive surfaces, increasing the flexibility and realism of the lighting. Eevee Next now supports displacement on materials, which opens up the possibility of displaying surfaces more realistically. A new thickness output function improves the visual quality of refraction, translucency and subsurface scattering. Motion blur is now partially supported in the viewport and uses a simpler algorithm than in final renderings. This allows artists to visualise and optimise motion blur in real time.
Revised user interface and compatibility
Eevee’s user interface has been redesigned to make it easier to use and to bring it closer to the panels and features of Cycles. However, there are still differences in the functions of both render engines. A full list of remaining limitations can be found in the Eevee Next online documentation.
Requirements and availability
Eevee Next is part of Blender 4.2 and is currently available as a release candidate. The stable version will be released on 16 July 2024. Blender is compatible with Windows 8.1 , macOS 11.2 and glibc 2.28 Linux and is available free of charge.
Sources
- Blender Developer Blog: Announcement of Eevee Next
- Blender 4.2 Release Notes: New features in Eevee Next
- Migration Guide: Switching from older Blender versions to Eevee Next
New fee structure in the Blender Market
Commissions in the Blender Market will increase from 30% to up to 35% without prior notice, depending on the seller’s revenue. This could affect the pricing of assets and plugins that are important for VFX projects.
| Plan | Monthly fee | Commission rate | Transaction fee | Merchant fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free of charge | $0 | 70% | $0.49 | 5.5% |
| Per | $49 | 80% | $0.49 | 5.0% |
| Ultimate | $199 | 90% | $0.49 | 4.0% |
Links
- Blender 4.2 LTS Release – Official announcement and detailed information about the new features in Blender 4.2 LTS.
- Blender Asset Browser – Documentation and usage of the new asset browser in Blender.
- Cycles Render Engine – Official website of the Cycles render engine with detailed information and resources.
New fee structure in the Blender Market
The fee adjustment affects the commissions that Blender Market Official Site charges to sellers. The change was implemented without prior notice, which caused displeasure in the community. Commissions will increase from 30% to up to 35%, depending on the seller’s turnover. This increase could affect the pricing of assets and plugins that are essential for the production of VFX projects.
How merchant and transaction fees are calculated
Merchant and transaction fees are charged by payment processing companies on every transaction. Merchant fees are a percentage of the transaction amount, while transaction fees are fixed amounts.
The amount of the merchant fee depends on whether you have a Blender Market subscription plan and which plan you use.
| Plan | Monthly fee | Commission rate | Transaction fee | Merchant fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free of charge | $0 | 70% | $0.49 | 5.5% |
| Per | $49 | 80% | $0.49 | 5.0% |
| Ultimate | $199 | 90% | $0.49 | 4.0% |
The merchant fee is calculated based on the product price and deducted from the product price.
Formula for calculating the commission:
Example: A product worth $25 would incur the following merchant fees:
- Free Plan (5.5%): $1.38
- Pro Plan (5.0%): $1.25
- Ultimate Plan (4.0%): $1.00
Impact on the VFX pipeline
Blender Market is an important resource for Blender users looking to enhance their projects with additional assets and tools. Many studios and artists use the platform to make their production pipelines more efficient. The increase in fees could lead to some providers raising their prices, which in turn puts pressure on studio budgets. Small and independent artists in particular could find it difficult to bear the additional costs or pass them on to their customers.
