Pilgway has released 3DCoat 2024.30, bringing a suite of new features and improvements tailored for digital artists in VFX, game development, and CGI. This update focuses on enhancing workflow efficiency and expanding creative possibilities, all while keeping the user experience as smooth as a well-polished mesh.
Photogrammetry Integration with RealityCapture
A standout addition is the integration with RealityCapture, Epic Games’ photogrammetry software. Users can now generate 3D models from photographs or videos directly within 3DCoat, streamlining the creation of digital assets from real-world references. This feature is particularly beneficial for artists seeking to incorporate realistic textures and forms into their projects without the need for external applications.
Enhanced Volumetric Boolean Operations for 3D Printing
For those venturing into 3D printing, 3DCoat 2024.30 introduces the ability to perform volumetric boolean operations with an additional shell. This function is crucial for creating matching parts in 3D models, ensuring that components fit together seamlessly. By accessing the “Remove intersection with…” option in the SculptTree’s right-click menu, users can set up subtractions with an additional shell, facilitating the production of prototypes and complex assemblies.
New Array Tools in the Sculpt Room
The Sculpt room sees the introduction of two new tools designed to enhance modeling capabilities:
- Array Tool: Allows the creation of various arrays of volume objects along curves, enabling the efficient duplication of elements in a controlled manner. This is particularly useful for generating repetitive structures such as chains, fences, or architectural details.
- Surface Array Tool: Enables the distribution of objects across a created surface or selected faces of a low-poly mesh, providing flexibility in populating surfaces with multiple instances of an object, which can be invaluable in creating complex surface details or patterns.
Map to Mesh Conversion
In the Painting room, a new feature allows the conversion of normal maps to actual geometry. This reverse workflow enables artists to reconstruct high-poly source models from low-poly meshes adorned with normal maps. It’s particularly advantageous for refining AI-generated prototypes or enhancing existing models by adding intricate details that were initially represented only in normal maps.
Additional Enhancements
- Blender 4.2 Applink Support: The update includes support for Blender 4.2 Applink, facilitating smoother interoperability between 3DCoat and Blender, which is a boon for artists utilizing both platforms in their workflows.
- Real-Time Non-Modal Search/Filter: A new real-time search and filter function has been implemented for all item containers, including alphas, materials, objects, layers, and presets. This enhancement allows for quicker access to assets and tools, reducing downtime during the creative process.
- Improved RAW Voxel Export/Import: The RAW voxel export/import functionality has been improved to support PBR (Physically Based Rendering) data, including color, gloss, and metalness. This improvement is particularly useful for developers looking to integrate voxel data into proprietary engines while maintaining material properties.
Pricing and Availability
3DCoat 2024.30 is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. For individuals, perpetual node-locked licenses are priced at €379, with subscription options starting at €20.80 per month or €169.85 per year. Studio licenses and additional pricing details can be found on Pilgway’s official website.
Fact Check Note: While these new features enhance 3DCoat’s capabilities, it’s advisable to thoroughly test them within your specific production environment to ensure compatibility and stability before integrating them into critical workflows.
