A blue sphere with the number '2.2' displayed in a shiny silver font. The background shows a modeling software interface with various tools and settings visible on the right side.

Ucupaint 2.2: A Fresh Coat of Paint for Blender Texturing

Ucupaint 2.2 introduces a revamped UI with direct layer channel adjustments.

Hold onto your styluses, texture artists! Ucupaint 2.2 has just rolled out, bringing a slew of UI enhancements that promise to make your texturing workflow in Blender smoother than ever. This free add-on, crafted by the ever-diligent ucupumar, has undergone a significant facelift to tackle previous usability quirks.

Collapsible Layer Groups

Gone are the days of endless scrolling through layer stacks. With the new collapsible layer groups, you can now tuck away entire sections, keeping your workspace neat and tidy. It’s like having a Marie Kondo for your layers.

Direct Layer Channel Adjustments

Previously, tweaking the layer channel value required enabling the override toggle, which was sneakily hidden by default. In Ucupaint 2.2, you can directly adjust the layer channel source without jumping through hoops. Efficiency level: expert mode.

Relocated Vector Option

The Vector option has packed its bags and moved out of the layer dropdown. This relocation streamlines the interface, making vector adjustments more accessible. It’s all about putting things where they belong.

Consistent Object Index Labeling

Consistency is key, and Ucupaint 2.2 delivers by labeling the Object Index uniformly across the board, ditching the old ‘Pass Index’ moniker. No more second-guessing—just clear, consistent terminology.

Integrated Layer and Mask Sources

Layer and mask sources are now directly embedded into the UI, reducing the need for unnecessary clicks. It’s like having all your tools laid out before you, ready for action.

Rebake Button Addition

For those moments when you need to rebake textures, a new Rebake button has been conveniently placed next to the ‘Use Baked’ button. No more scavenger hunts through menus—just quick and easy access.

Experimental Mask/Override Display

For the adventurous among you, there’s an experimental option that displays mask and override images as individual entries in the layer list. It’s a new way to visualize your components, offering greater control and clarity. Ucupaint 2.2 is available for download now. As with any new tool, it’s wise to test these features thoroughly before integrating them into your production pipeline. After all, even the most polished tools can have a few quirks. For a comprehensive list of changes and to get your hands on the latest version, visit the official release page.