Apple has released an updated version of its video editing software, Final Cut Pro 11.1. This iteration includes the introduction of adjustment clips, which allow users to apply color corrections and effects to multiple clips efficiently. This feature simplifies the editing process by letting users modify a group of clips collectively instead of adjusting each one individually.

Additionally, the update incorporates enhanced AI-driven features designed to assist in various editing tasks. Noteworthy among these is the Magnetic Mask feature, which automatically generates masks that follow subjects in motion, providing greater accuracy when isolating elements in a scene. This functionality can save time and enhance the overall quality of a project.

Another practical addition is the Transcribe to Captions tool, which automates the creation of captions from dialogue. This feature not only streamlines the editing process but also ensures that content is more accessible to wider audiences.

Lastly, Final Cut Pro 11.1 introduces a new Image Playground, allowing for the import and manipulation of images directly within the software (even from within Motion), further enhancing the creative capabilities available to video editors.

As always, be sure to verify that any new features align with your current projects and workflows, as the effectiveness of these tools may vary based on individual project needs.

The post Final Cut Pro 11.1: Subtle Updates first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

Adobe has stirred the pot once more with the release of Substance 3D Sampler 5.0, adding a generous dash of new features to its already robust 3D material authoring and capture software.

Path Tracing in the 3D Viewport

The headline feature in this update is the introduction of path tracing within the 3D viewport. This advanced rendering technique allows artists to preview materials with greater accuracy, faithfully replicating properties such as coating, sheen, translucency, and subsurface scattering. The result? What you see is much closer to what you’ll get in the final render, reducing the guesswork and iterative tweaking.

Integration with HP’s Z Captis Material Scanner

For those with Enterprise and Teams subscriptions, Substance 3D Sampler 5.0 now offers native support for HP’s Z Captis material scanner. This integration streamlines the process of capturing real-world materials, enabling users to initiate scans directly from within the software. The captured data is automatically processed into PBR (Physically Based Rendering) channels, ready for immediate use in your projects. It’s like having a magic wand that transforms physical textures into digital assets.

Adobe Standard Material Support and Workflow Enhancements

In a move to promote consistency across applications, the update includes support for the Adobe Standard Material shader when exporting USD (Universal Scene Description) files. This ensures that materials maintain their appearance across different platforms and tools, reducing the need for tedious adjustments.

Additionally, the 3D Viewport has been enhanced with options to display shadows and reflections on the ground plane, along with a grid to indicate the scene’s origin. These visual aids provide better context during the material creation process, making it easier to position and evaluate assets.

Quick Actions and Redesigned Homepage

To further enhance usability, Adobe has introduced ‘Quick Actions’—presets that automatically populate the layer stack for common workflows. This feature accelerates the material creation process, allowing artists to jump-start their projects with predefined settings.

Pricing and Availability

Substance 3D Sampler 5.0 is available via subscription. Individual plans are offered through the Substance 3D Texturing subscription, currently priced at $19.99 per month or $219.88 per year, and the Substance 3D Collection subscription at $49.99 per month or $549.88 per year. The Linux version is accessible through the Creative Cloud for Teams subscription, priced at $1,199.88 annually.

Adobe has announced that, effective March 25, 2025, subscription prices for Substance 3D products will increase. The Substance 3D Texturing plan, which includes Substance 3D Designer, Painter, and Sampler, will rise from $19.99 to $24.99 per month, or from $219.88 to $249.88 annually. The Substance 3D Collection plan, encompassing all applications, will increase from $49.99 to $59.99 monthly, or from $549.88 to $599.88 per year. For teams, the annual subscription will go up from $1,199.88 to $1,439.88. Adobe cites continuous feature updates and product innovation as reasons for these adjustments.

As with any new software release, it’s prudent to thoroughly test these features within your existing workflow before deploying them in live projects. After all, even the most appetizing dishes benefit from a taste test before being served.

The post Adobe’s Substance 3D Sampler 5.0: Now with Path Tracing first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

The latest release of D5 Render, version 2.9, brings an array of fresh tools and features tailored for post-production, VFX, and game development professionals. By refining key aspects of real-time rendering, D5 Render focuses on stability and functionality with a new set of terrain tools, AI-powered lighting adjustments, and various workflow improvements. This release targets production artists’ demands for reliable, streamlined tools that enhance rather than complicate their process.

Terrain Tools for Advanced Landscape Creation

One of the standout updates in D5 Render 2.9 is the new Terrain Toolset, a practical addition for artists creating landscapes and environments. The tool allows for precise control over terrain sculpting, enabling artists to shape and modify terrains with more accuracy and ease – basically brushing a world in. Users can now fine-tune landscape details, using elevation and slope adjustments to build realistic terrains more seamlessly into scenes. This feature also integrates with the scene’s lighting and materials, simplifying the process of setting up large-scale outdoor environments.

AI-Powered Lighting and Object Placement

D5 Render 2.9 also steps up its AI game by incorporating an enhanced AI-based lighting adjustment tool. With this feature, the software intelligently analyzes scene lighting, offering automated adjustments that suit varied environments—from natural daylight to interior artificial lighting setups. It reduces the amount of manual tweaking, which can often eat up valuable production time. For filmmakers or VFX professionals working under tight deadlines, this AI functionality offers a practical solution for achieving consistent lighting without extensive adjustments.

In addition, AI-assisted object placement further improves the creative workflow. The software analyzes spatial relationships and suggests optimal positioning for assets, reducing the trial-and-error process of manual placement. This feature is particularly advantageous for large-scale scenes, saving time on adjustments that can otherwise slow down production.

Optimized Workflow and Pipeline Integrations

In response to feedback from post-production artists, D5 Render 2.9 introduces a suite of workflow enhancements designed to streamline the user experience. The update includes new keyboard shortcuts for frequent actions and improved UI customization options, allowing artists to adapt the interface to fit their workflow better. D5 Render has also tweaked its import/export option. For game developers and 3D artists who rely on importing assets from various sources, this compatibility reduces friction.

D5 Render 2.9 is available at various pricing tiers – a free version with not many limitations for communitymembers, testing and first steps is available. The Pro subscription offered at $360 per year. Detailed pricing and subscription options can be found on the D5 Render website. Artists considering D5 Render’s latest release should assess whether the new tools align with their project needs and workflow preferences, especially regarding stability and software compatibility.

The post D5 Render 2.9: Enhanced Terrain and Workflow first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.