With the beta version of Marmoset Toolbag 5, users have access to a range of new features. The software now supports ray tracing and path tracing in real time. In addition, the material workflow has been improved. The user interface now offers new tools for creating and editing materials. Artists can adjust complex materials in just a few steps, which significantly optimises the workflow. Support for Subsurface Scattering (SSS) has been enhanced to enable better visualisation of semi-transparent materials such as skin or wax. SSS simulates how light enters, scatters and then exits a material, resulting in a realistic representation of materials such as human skin where the light partially penetrates the surface.
The texturing toolset has also been expanded. There are now new options for editing textures directly within the software. The implementation of GPU-accelerated baking ensures faster render times, which increases productivity. The new “GPU Baker” feature utilises the power of modern graphics cards to create textures such as normals, ambient occlusion and displacement maps more efficiently. This process is not only faster, but also more accurate, resulting in greater detail in the final results.
Support for UDIMs
Another significant innovation in Marmoset Toolbag 5 is the support of UDIM (U-Dimension) textures. UDIM is a texture layout format that allows high-resolution textures to be applied to complex 3D models by splitting texture coordinates into a tiling pattern. This enables more efficient use of memory and facilitates the handling of models with extremely detailed surfaces. With support for UDIMs, Toolbag 5 users can now work directly with the same high-resolution textures they create in their favourite content creation tools, improving consistency and quality throughout the production pipeline.
Groom Hair Rendering
Marmoset Toolbag 5 Beta also introduces support for Groom Hair Rendering, a feature specifically designed for rendering realistic hair, fur and similar complex surfaces. This feature uses advanced shaders to simulate the behaviour of light on hair textures, allowing for realistic rendering of shine, transparency and shadow casting. Especially for character artists and VFX professionals working with animal models or characters, Groom Hair Rendering is a valuable tool to increase the visual authenticity of their models. With real-time adjustments, changes can be viewed immediately in the viewport, making the design process much easier.
Triplanar Materials
Triplanar mapping is a technique that is also supported in Marmoset Toolbag 5 Beta. This method is used to create seamless textures on objects that do not have UV coordinates or where UV seams are visible. Triplanar mapping projects textures from three different directions (X, Y, Z) and blends them seamlessly into each other, creating a uniform appearance. This is particularly useful for visualising organic or irregular surfaces such as rocks, landscapes or other natural structures. The feature significantly reduces the effort required for UV mapping, saving time when creating and editing 3D models.
Improved rendering and lighting options
The lighting in Marmoset Toolbag 5 Beta has also been enhanced. Real-time lighting makes it possible to test complex lighting settings quickly and easily. With functions such as “Area Lights” and “Spotlights”, artists can exercise precise control over the light sources in a scene. Area lights make it possible to define larger areas of light that emit diffuse light, creating a more realistic representation of ambient light. Spotlights provide focussed light that is particularly suitable for dramatic scenes or scenes with high contrast. Both light types are customisable in real time and can be used in combination with ray tracing to achieve realistic lighting.
In addition, Toolbag 5 offers extended support for HDRI light sources. With the ability to load and customise HDRI environments in real time, artists can quickly switch between different lighting scenarios and see the effects on their scene. The integration of HDRI environments enables an accurate simulation of ambient light, which is particularly relevant for the visualisation of outdoor scenes or scenes with complex reflections.
Improved UI and usability
The user interface of Toolbag 5 has been redesigned to optimise the workflow. The new layout option allows users to customise the UI according to their individual needs by allowing them to freely move and arrange windows and panels. This not only offers flexibility, but also a better overview, which makes the workflow more efficient. The “Dark Mode”, which is now activated by default, reduces eye strain during prolonged use and is another feature that is particularly beneficial for artists who often work for hours in front of the screen.
A highlight is the improved viewport rendering, which reflects the changes made to the model or materials in real time. This allows for instant feedback and saves time as artists don’t have to wait for the final render processes to see the effects of their changes. The ability to use different shading modes in the viewport gives users precise control over how their models look during the editing process.
Python scripting and automation
Marmoset Toolbag 5 Beta offers comprehensive support for Python scripting. This allows users to automate workflows and create custom scripts tailored to the specific needs of projects. Python can be used to automate repetitive tasks, customise the user interface or create custom tools required in specific pipelines. The integration of Python also opens up possibilities for developing custom plugins that can be used directly in Toolbag 5. This feature is particularly useful for larger studios that want to develop customised solutions for their specific requirements.
Technical requirements and compatibility
The software runs on most modern operating systems, including Windows and macOS. A powerful GPU is recommended to take full advantage of the real-time ray tracing features. Support for Vulkan and DirectX 12 has also been integrated into the beta, ensuring compatibility with the latest graphics cards. Marmoset Toolbag 5 Beta is optimised for use with modern hardware to ensure high performance.
Price and licensing
The beta version of Marmoset Toolbag 5 is available free of charge to all users of Toolbag 4. The final version is expected to be available in various licence models, including individual and studio licences. Pricing and detailed licensing information will be announced at the time of the official release.
For more information on the use and documentation of the new features, please refer to the official Marmoset Toolbag documentation.
