Maxon has rolled out its winter 2024 updates for Maxon One, bringing new features and enhancements to Cinema 4D, ZBrush, Redshift, and Red Giant.
C4D: Boolean Generator and Improved Particles
The update introduces a major enhancement to Cinema 4D with the addition of a new Boolean generator. This tool allows for the creation of complex shapes by combining animated elements. Unlike previous iterations that supported only two input operations, the new Boolean generator can now combine multiple inputs, offering far more flexibility in modeling workflows. This streamlined process helps speed up the creation of intricate models while maintaining high frame rates, even with complex animations.
Along with the Boolean update, Cinema 4D sees improvements in particle behavior via the Particle Node Modifier, which provides greater control over particle simulations. These updates are part of a larger effort to expand the GPU-accelerated Unified Simulation toolset, making simulations faster and more flexible. Additional updates include enhanced USD import/export and better XRef performance for more efficient collaboration.
ZBrush Expands Cross-Platform Workflow
ZBrush continues to evolve the cross-platform workflow. The integration of GoZ for iPad means artists can now transfer their creations from the iPad to desktop applications like ZBrush and Cinema 4D. This bi-directional transfer makes it easier to refine sculpts, add textures, and proceed with animation or rendering once on a desktop environment. ZBrush for iPad also sees continued enhancements with UV mapping tools, improved texture mapping, and support for Apple Pencil Pro. These updates bring the iPad version closer to its desktop counterpart, with nearly all core features available for mobile sculpting.
Redshift Improves Performance and AI-Based Denoising
Redshift 2025.2 brings further optimization to rendering performance, including AI-based denoising for faster and more efficient renders. The update also brings continued improvements to Toon rendering, offering enhanced visualization for artists working in stylized designs. The integration with Substance products, such as those from Adobe, ensures a smoother workflow for material creation, and the Random Material Switch tool now simplifies material variation for objects in MoGraph clones.
Maxon Studio and Red Giant Updates for Motion Graphics
Maxon’s Red Giant suite, including Universe 2025.2, also sees notable updates. Motion graphics designers will benefit from the new effects, transitions, and templates. Maxon Studio, which is a comprehensive toolkit for After Effects, introduces more customizable motion templates, including a set for creating film titles. New Pixel Dither effects in Universe enable users to create pixel art with advanced dithering techniques, capturing the essence of retro animations and games.
Holiday Fun with Patrick 4D
To celebrate the release, Maxon has teamed up with Patrick 4D, a 3D artist known for his digital food creations. Patrick has crafted a series of gingerbread cookies in ZBrush, demonstrating how fun and creative the software can be. Maxon is inviting users to personalize and share their own cookie designs, adding a festive touch to the tool’s updates. To quote:
3D artist and “Digital Chef” Patrick 4D, who specializes in digital photorealism for food and products, is teaming up with Maxon to bake up some digital goodies for the holiday season: a collection of gingerbread cookies crafted in ZBrush. Available now in the trial or full version of ZBrush, artists can make the cookies their own with tasty decorations and world building. To join in on the fun, share your creations with the Maxon community by tagging @maxonvfx on Instagram .
Fact Check
As always, before integrating new software updates into production workflows, ensure all features are fully compatible with existing projects. Some features may still be in the process of being optimized or refined.
