RetopoFlow, the long-standing retopology add-on for Blender, has entered its 4.0 Beta phase. This new version doesn’t reinvent your topology workflow – it just tries to make it suck a little less. The update focuses on UI tweaks, feature consistency, and a reworked PolyStrips tool. Still, the tool is under active development, which means production users should probably keep backups of their nerves and meshes.
A Retopo Tool That Stays in Viewport
One of RetopoFlow’s main draws remains unchanged: all tools operate inside Blender’s Edit Mode, using custom widgets. Unlike Blender’s native tools, you don’t need to switch modes. That alone keeps your RSI count slightly lower. The 4.0 Beta continues that approach, but introduces better UI consistency across tools and cleans up several visual glitches.
PolyStrips Rebuilt
The PolyStrips tool – the go-to for quickly laying down edge loops – has been rebuilt from the ground up. That means better responsiveness and more consistent behavior, though no new core functionality has been added yet. But since this is a beta, expect a few kinks while trying to block out your topology. You might still wince mid-loop.
UI Tweaks & Behavior Improvements
RetopoFlow 4 Beta brings better visual consistency to the tool overlays, interface elements, and tool workflows. Nothing dramatic, just a range of small UI-level quality-of-life improvements. For example, you’ll see more consistent color and behavior in tool outlines, previews, and manipulators. The devs also improved how the tools handle edge snapping and interactions with Blender’s geometry.
Performance: Still Under Construction
No official benchmarks or performance numbers were announced. Since this is a beta, stability and performance may vary depending on your hardware setup. The developers are still actively working on optimization and bug fixes, so don’t throw it into a deadline-sensitive project just yet.
Blender Integration and Version Notes
RetopoFlow 4 Beta supports Blender 4.2. The add-on is being developed by CG Cookie, and is available via their GitHub repository for testers who aren’t afraid of a few commits and crashes.
Price Tag
RetopoFlow 3.x costs $86.00 on the Blender Market. The 4.0 Beta is free for existing users and available for anyone to test via GitHub.
Final Warning: Beta Means Beta
While the new version brings welcome tweaks and a refreshed toolset, it’s still in beta. Artists working in production environments should treat it like fresh sushi: maybe tasty, maybe risky. Stability hasn’t been guaranteed, and features are still being refined. For now, use with caution – and maybe don’t uninstall your stable version just yet.
