3DCoat 2025.15 introduces a new Lofted Surface option within its Plane tool. The feature expands on-plane brush control, allowing for more detailed adjustments when sculpting or aligning geometry on surfaces. The update also refines plane picking mechanics: users can now hold the right mouse button to move the plane’s central point across a surface while maintaining its normal direction, or hold Ctrl to shift the plane along that normal.

AppLink and Python updates

The Blender Applink now officially supports versions 4.3 through 5.0, broadening compatibility with recent Blender releases. 3DCoat’s scripting system adds support for Python 3.11.9, improving script execution and language stability. AppLink integration now allows the execution of a Python script during import: placing an import.py next to import.txt triggers automatic script execution. The update also removes obsolete .py files in custom rooms to prevent interface errors after rolling back to earlier builds.

Split, Snap, and Offset

A new Split by Curve option enables complex surface cuts, improving precision in hard-surface workflows. The Smart Retopo tool in the Retopo and Modeling workspaces now snaps to sculpted surfaces only when creating new meshes, reducing unwanted interactions with existing geometry. The Smart Hybrid function gains a new Offset option and refined Quad Mesh generation for both patch and triangle-based surfaces.

Workflow and performance fixes

Multiple long-standing issues have been addressed. Under macOS, the Text Tool no longer crashes, supports Unicode, and correctly displays the text cursor. Random filled cubes appearing during airbrush sculpting are resolved, as are conflicts between navigation gizmos and tweak tools. The Transform palette now preserves visual object size during resampling, preventing scale discrepancies. A fix in the Retopo workspace ensures that pressing Esc clears path selections as expected.

Quality-of-life improvements

Users can now copy complete colour data, not just single channels, via Copy Channels. Fullscreen mode hides the tool parameters panel to declutter the interface. 3DCoat adds Lychee Slicer as an external 3D-printing option and introduces an internal check before creating low-poly meshes if the target Retopo group is invisible.

Stability first

According to the changelog, this release includes “multiple other fixes and performance improvements,” including corrections for Live Boolean artefacts. As always, artists should test the update in production before deployment, especially when integrating custom scripts or AppLink workflows.

The post Lofted Surfaces and Retopo in 3DCoat 2025.15 first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

Pilgway today announced the official release of 3DCoat 2025, introducing a raft of practical enhancements across sculpting, modeling, and texturing workflows. No buzzword spin here—just tools that enable artists to stay in the creative flow.

Pilgway today announced the official release of 3DCoat 2025, introducing a raft of practical enhancements across sculpting, modeling, and texturing workflows. No buzzword spin here—just tools that enable artists to stay in the creative flow.

New look, new workflow shortcuts

The update brings 18 fresh UI themes and a dedicated Hotkey Manager, allowing users to customize shortcuts without third‑party hacks. Artists can now tailor the interface look and keymap to match pipeline standards or personal preference.

Node Room added to Sculpt workspace

For the first time, sculpting gets non‑destructive node‑based material workflows via the new Node Room. Users can stack and tweak volumetric and surface materials without baking, offering flexibility in sculpt‑paint iterations.

RealityCapture photogrammetry integration

Pilgway has integrated RealityCapture into 3DCoat 2025, enabling direct photogrammetry import. Artists can snap a real-world object, process it into a mesh, then sculpt, retopo, or texture within the same app.

New array and Boolean tools

The Sculpt workspace sees a Surface Array tool for distributing geometry across surfaces or faces, and an Array tool to place voxel models along curves. Soft Booleans now let users use brush radius to control bevel radius—particularly useful for blending voxel shapes.

Smart Hybrid and fabrication boosts

A Smart Hybrid mode allows low‑poly input to generate NURBS‑like patches that can be exported as high‑poly, low‑poly, or paint meshes. Transform panel scene state presets mimic keyframes, aiding staged modeling or 3D print baking. Volumetric Booleans now include a gap option to guarantee clearance for parts intended for printing.

Workflow quality and usability

Normal Map to Mesh converts PBR‑painted surfaces into true geometry. Move tool now supports infinite depth—including in perspective—and FPS monitor oversees performance. Asset panels now feature a search field, while major-brand drawing tablets are supported out of the box.

Pilgway reiterates that existing 3DCoat V4 and recent licence holders can upgrade via their account. New users can test a 30‑day full trial, and unused export remains available in Free Learning mode afterward.

Why it matters

These updates deliver granular control, integration efficiency, and faster iteration. The Node Room adds non‑destructive flexibility previously missing in sculpt‑focused workflows. RealityCapture support saves a round-trip step between scanning and texturing tools. And the combination of array tools, Boolean refinements, and export features strengthen both creative and fabrication endpoints.

Technical users should note that while stability appears tight, all new features should be evaluated in-house before being adopted in client or production pipelines.

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Cited Sources

Link: 3DCoat 2025 Officially Released!

The post 3DCoat 2025 with Node-Based Sculpting and RealityCapture first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

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.

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The post 3DCoat 2024.30: New Year, New Tools for Your 3D Arsenal first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.