InstaMAT Studio is out now – a layer-based painting and node-based authoring tool in the same general category as Substance 3D tools like Substance 3D Painter, Substance 3D Designer, and Substance 3D Sampler, with integrations into common DCCs and engines including 3ds Max, Blender, Maya, Unity, and Unreal Engine.

What changes in 2026 is the set of levers available for high-precision, iteration-friendly detailing. Curves Brushes move detail painting toward an editable, control-point workflow. Lazy Stroke helps freehand lines behave. Radial symmetry adds a new patterning tool. Masking and mesh filters expand geometry-aware selection and effects. The new toolbar and hotkeys aim to keep artists in flow instead of chasing settings panels.

And yes, your first experiment should probably be those curve-driven panel lines that always look great right up until the model changes. This time, the system is explicitly designed so the detail survives that upstream change.

Curves Brushes: strokes that stay alive

Curves Brushes let you create editable curve paths on the mesh, using control points rather than a one-and-done freehand stroke. Those curves remain editable after creation, including moving and refining control points, and transforming an entire curve as a unit by translating, rotating, or scaling the path.

A single curves layer can hold multiple curves, and their painting sequence can be reordered. Curves can also be set to erase instead of paint, and they can be closed to form continuous shapes from end point to end point.

Control points support different point types, including linear, symmetrical, smooth, and cusp, with a Joint Smooth setting to control how sharp or fluid the transitions are between segments. Each control point also supports per-point settings for radius, falloff, flow, and rotation, enabling effects such as tapering and gradual fading along the curve.

Curves can orient brush strokes along the path, so details follow the curve’s flow rather than fighting it. Curves also support dynamics for randomised size, flow, rotation, and position to add variation without manually wiggling your wrist into submission. The Curves workflow uses a GPU-accelerated 3D painting engine and does not rely on mesh UVs. The stated result is that curves remain intact even when topology or UV layout changes, which is framed as especially useful for repeating high-precision details such as panel lines, seams, stitches, and decorative elements.

Lazy stroke smoothing, now built in

Alongside Curves, InstaMAT 2026 adds Lazy Stroke, a brush-smoothing feature designed to dampen shaky-hand input and cursor jitter. When enabled, the brush follows the cursor with a delay set by a configurable radius, producing smoother lines for precision freehand painting. The feature is positioned for tasks such as smooth linework, organic patterns, and fine-detail passes where jitter becomes visible in the final maps. If you have ever zoomed in to paint one confident line and instead produced a seismograph reading, Lazy Stroke is aimed squarely at that moment. Try it, then decide if it belongs in production.

Symmetry upgrades: radial joins planar

Radial symmetry painting is new in InstaMAT 2026, enabling repeating brush instances around a central axis. The symmetry axis can be set to X, Y, or Z, the number of repeated instances is configurable, and the angle span can cover full 360 degree patterns or partial arcs. The plane origin is also customizable, allowing the symmetry center to be placed where it is needed on the asset.

Planar symmetry painting is also described as significantly improved. The symmetry plane can be offset to a custom position on any of the three world axes, plane visibility can be customised, and there is an option to mirror the brush on the opposite side of the plane. Symmetry accuracy is described as improved even when painting on meshes that are not exactly symmetrical, targeting the real-world scenario where characters and props have small asymmetries and deformations.

Masking: normals, submesh size, and raytraced AO

InstaMAT 2026 extends its mask set with new workflows aimed at isolating geometry features without hand-selecting everything. The new Mesh Normal Mask can isolate parts of a mesh based on polygon normals and an angle tolerance. The workflow is click-based: click a region, and the mask selects surfaces with similar normal directions. Multiple chosen areas can be defined within a single mask, and tolerance can be adjusted per point. The mask is described as UV independent and stable across topology or UV changes.

The Mesh Submesh Mask can mask submeshes by size and distance, targeting scenes with many similarly sized objects where manual isolation is tedious. There is also a Mesh Ambient Occlusion Mask described as using raytracing to generate occlusion-based selections for isolating crevices, corners, and recessed areas.

Mesh filters and nodes: mirror, bevel normals, drips, and smoothing

A batch of mesh-oriented effects and nodes are listed as part of the 2026 update. Mesh Laplacian smoothing arrives as an option in the Mesh Smooth node, described as producing a more unified surface while better preserving mesh volume compared to traditional smoothing methods that can shrink geometry. The described use cases include cleaning scan data, removing photogrammetry noise, and refining sculpted details while preserving silhouette.

Mesh Mirror can mirror decals, masks, and entire layers, and it can be applied to a layer group to mirror complex effect and mask combinations.

Mesh Bake Bevel Normals is a node for beveling low poly asset edges using a GPU-accelerated bevel normals baker, with procedural masking for selecting which objects or edges to bevel. The behavior is described as procedural, so bevel placement remains correct if the input mesh topology or UVs change.

Mesh Directional Blur is presented as a way to create leak and drip effects by blurring in a specific direction in 3D space, keeping directionality consistent across the mesh surface regardless of UV layout or texture resolution. It includes distortion and falloff controls.

Additional mesh features listed include Mesh Solidify for solidification to prevent rendering artifacts, Mesh Sharpen for definition and detail clarity, and a Mesh Stylized Filter for non-photorealistic texturing options.

InstaMAT UI and workflow: less hunting, more painting

InstaMAT 2026 introduces a dedicated painting toolbar intended to centralise common controls. The toolbar provides quick access to brush and curve settings, including radius, flow, rotation, Lazy Stroke radius, symmetry, and curve-specific controls. It is described as dynamic, updating based on the active layer type so only relevant options are displayed.

There is also a dedicated brush rotation hotkey, described as Cmd or Ctrl+Shift with a left-mouse drag, to rotate the brush, aiming to reduce interruptions during stroke work.

Viewport and gizmo changes include planar translation gizmos for moving a mesh, effect, or mask along two axes at once, plus custom viewport wireframe settings for width and color, and a viewport shortcut overlay that displays hotkeys while painting, using curves, and using the paint projector.

Mesh import settings add options to configure mesh up axis and coordinate system handedness for asset texturing projects.

Integrations: Blender, Unreal, 3ds Max, Maya

The release notes list updates for several integration plugins tied to the latest https://docs.instamat.io/en/Products/InstaMAT_Studio release.

InstaMAT_for_UnrealEngine lists support for Unreal Engine 5.7.3, plus fixes for crashes when creating invalid graph instances, and fixes for broken materials and mesh orientations for Scene outputs. Library previews are added for Mesh-type Graphs and Graph Instances.

Blender integration notes include support for the latest Studio release, improved performance when setting mesh as a graph input, improved performance when resetting graph instance inputs, and fixes for plugin stalls when creating faulty graph instances. Library grid UX is adjusted with fixed cell width, and search results quality is described as improved.

3ds Max integration notes list support for the latest Studio release and a fix for the plugin getting stuck when creating faulty graph instances, plus window icons changed to match the main menu.

Maya integration notes list support for the latest Studio release, improved mesh-as-input performance, fixes for plugin stalls on faulty graph instances, and a fix for incorrect exported textures when using the export dialog window.

InstaMAT Licensing and pricing: what the numbers say

InstaMAT licensing is split across tiers with revenue or funding caps stated for some options. The Pioneer license is free and fully featured with commercial-use rights, with availability limited to individuals or businesses with annual revenue or total funding less than 100,000 US dollars, and it requires attribution.

The Indie license is available for individuals or businesses under 250,000 US dollars in annual revenue or total funding, with an option at 8 US dollars per month billed annually, and a perpetual Indie price shown at 489 US dollars. For Pro, the pricing page lists a Pro subscription shown at 36 US dollars per month billed annually, and a perpetual Pro license shown at 989 US dollars.

If you are evaluating the tool for a pipeline, test it against real assets, real render targets, and real deadlines before it touches a production branch. New tooling should earn trust with results, not promises.

Finally, keep an eye on how the new mesh filters slot into your existing material graph habits. Directional blur for drips in 3D space, procedural bevel normals, and AO-based masking can remove steps that otherwise happen in separate tools. If it holds up, it reduces context switching. If it does not, at least you learned it on a duplicate branch instead of the hero asset.

Also, do not skip the boring step: validate exports, naming conventions, and texture packing against your engine ingest rules before you fall in love with a shiny new brush. The most dangerous bug is the one that looks like a style choice until delivery day.

InstaMAT Test: Painting, Procedurals and Pasta

The post Abstract ships InstaMAT 2026 Curves Brushes first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Manuel Kotulla.

InstaMAT is finally leaving early access with its 2025 release scheduled for 22nd July. This means it’s an excellent time to look at the breakthrough new features slated for this release, from AAA quality terrain generation, artist-friendly curve painting tools, layer references, and a massive improvement to the real-time viewport with raytracing. Packed with over hundreds of additions and improvements, InstaMAT 2025 continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible for generative 3D asset creation for all industries, from games to VFX.

Studios face mounting pressure to deliver expansive, visually stunning games on tighter schedules, all while supporting multiple platforms from high-end PCs to mobile devices. InstaMAT streamlines 3D asset texturing with scalable generative workflows for faster game development.

In the fast-paced world of game development, speed and scalability are paramount. A key bottleneck in this process is the asset pipeline—creating, texturing, and optimizing thousands of 3D assets like environments, props, and characters. Traditional workflows, reliant on manual texturing and iterative adjustments, are too slow to meet modern demands. InstaMAT, developed by Abstract, revolutionizes this process with its procedural, scalable workflows, enabling studios to streamline asset creation and move from concept to play faster than ever.

The Challenge of Modern Asset Pipelines

Game development has evolved dramatically. Open-world titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring feature thousands of unique assets, each requiring detailed textures and platform-specific optimizations. With increasing production complexity AAA production targets become increasingly difficult to meet while staying with the budget. Meanwhile, indie studios and mid-sized teams must compete with AAA quality on leaner budgets. The asset pipeline, which encompasses modeling, texturing, baking, and optimization, often consumes weeks or months, with repetitive tasks draining resources. Scaling a single asset category, such as environmental props, into dozens of variations (e.g., different wear levels or materials) is labor-intensive. Additionally, ensuring assets perform across diverse platforms without sacrificing fidelity requires complex, manual adjustments.

These challenges highlight the need for scalable, automated workflows that maintain creative flexibility while reducing production time. InstaMAT addresses this need with its intuitive layering and node-based systems, designed to scale across asset categories and automate repetitive tasks, empowering teams to deliver high-quality games efficiently.

InstaMAT’s Scalable Workflows

InstaMAT is a breakthrough generative asset design and texturing tool that transforms production pipelines by prioritizing scalability and automation. Its layering and node-based workflows allow developers to create, iterate, and optimize assets at scale, seamlessly integrating with game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity. Unlike traditional tools that require manual edits for each asset variation, InstaMAT enables teams to build flexible, reusable systems that adapt to entire asset categories and automate complex processes.

Layering Projects for Category-Wide Scaling

InstaMAT’s layering system offers a non-destructive, artist-friendly approach to texturing, resembling familiar layer-based image manipulation and compositing tools but tailored for 3D assets. Designers can stack effects such as base materials, wear patterns, decals, or dirt in layers, adjusting parameters to create variations without starting from scratch. This system is ideal for scaling textures across an entire asset category, such as props, vehicles, or architecture.

For example, a single layering project for a set of sci-fi containers can define a base metal texture, procedural scratches, and dirt masks. By tweaking layer parameters (e.g., rust intensity or polish level), artists can generate dozens of unique boxes, machinery and other props from one template. These layers are resolution-independent, ensuring textures scale from high-res consoles to lightweight mobile platforms. The result is a unified, visually consistent asset category produced in a fraction of the time.

Node-Based Projects for Workflow Automation

For technical artists and larger teams, InstaMAT’s node-based system provides powerful automation capabilities. This workflow lets users build custom pipelines by connecting nodes that define material properties, texture maps, or optimization steps. Once created, these graphs can automate repetitive tasks across hundreds or thousands of assets, streamlining production.

For instance, a node graph for environmental rocks can automate the creation of normal maps, ambient occlusion, and diffuse textures, with parameters for size, erosion, and moss coverage. Applying this graph to a library of rock models generates unique variations instantly, each optimized for specific platforms. Nodes can also tap into powerful geometry processing technology from InstaLOD (Abstract’s end-to-end asset optimization and creation software) to automate LOD (level of detail) generation, ensuring assets are game-ready without manual intervention.

In the following video, you see how the layering project for sci-fi containers was used in a node-based workflow, simply by dragging the project into the workspace. This enabled the artist to build on the project to add more procedural logic and functionality, such as performing an automatic retopology, uv-unwrapping and baking. The result is an end-to-end asset pipeline that enables dramatic cost-savings whenever applied.

Integration and Optimization

InstaMAT’s workflows integrate with Abstract’s ecosystem, including InstaLOD for automatic retopology and asset optimization, Polyverse for cloud-based asset management and RSX Engine for real-time collaboration. Textures created in InstaMAT are exported in standard PBR formats (e.g., base color, metalness, roughness), ensuring compatibility with major engines. Projects and materials are instantly be uploaded to Polyverse for cloud-based execution, shared collaboration, and organization between project members, while assets can be optimized and processed in the cloud making it a versatile solution for large and small teams alike.

Use Case: Scaling a Sci-Fi Prop Library with InstaMAT

Imagine a mid-sized studio developing a sci-fi shooter with a sprawling space station environment. The art team needs to create 200 unique props—crates, panels, and terminals—with varied textures (e.g., clean, rusted, battle-damaged) optimized for PC, console, and mobile platforms. Traditionally, this would require weeks of manual texturing and optimization, with artists painstakingly crafting each variation. With InstaMAT, the studio streamlines the process:

Step 1: Layering Project Setup

Artists create a layering project for crates, defining a base metallic texture with layers for paint, scratches, and decals. Parameters like rust intensity and decal placement are adjustable, allowing one project to generate 50 unique crate textures.

Step 2: Scaling Across Categories

The team adapts the layering project for panels and terminals, reusing shared layers (e.g., rust, dirt) while adding category-specific effects like holographic displays. This scales the workflow to cover all 200 props with consistent quality.

Step 3: Pipeline Automation

Leveraging InstaLOD nodes in InstaMAT for automatic retopology, baking and LOD generation; technical artists build a node graph to automate asset processing: low-poly generation, texture map generation (normal, roughness, metalness), texture application, and LOD creation. Using InstaMAT Pipeline to process all 200 props in a single batch, creating both texture LODs (4K/2K/1K for PC, 2K/1K/512 for mobile) and geometry LODs (100%/50%/25% polygon reduction) with platform-specific settings.

Step 4: Project Syncronization

InstaMAT integrates with Polyverse to provide all project members with up-to-date assets and workflows. Using Polyverse Sync, all assets are syncronized across all artists’ and developers’ workstations ensuring consistent versioning and material updates across the entire development pipeline.

Step 5: Collaborative Iteration

Using RSX Engine’s real-time collaboration functionality, the team reviews the props under different light conditions, in difference scenes while tweaks material shaders collaboratively, finalizing the prop library in days.

The outcome is a visually diverse, optimized prop library completed in a fraction of the usual time. The studio delivers a polished game on schedule, with assets that perform seamlessly across platforms, enhancing player immersion.

In the following video, you can see how it all comes together. With RSX Engine, running in a browser, the props are directly downloaded from Polyverse and a scene is assembled collaboratively with other users. The props can be reviewed with full interaction using component logic of the game project. Next, you can review the prop library, using the Polyverse web application.

How Game Developers benefit from InstaMAT

InstaMAT’s scalable workflows address critical industry needs:

• Efficiency: Layering projects reduce manual work, enabling rapid iteration and scaling across asset categories.
• Automation: Node-based pipelines eliminate repetitive tasks, freeing artists to focus on creativity.
• Cross-Platform Support: InstaLOD technology integration ensures assets are optimized for any platform, from VR to mobile.
• Accessibility: Free Pioneer Licenses make InstaMAT accessible to indie and student developers alike, leveling the playing field with larger AAA studios.

As games grow in scope and complexity, InstaMAT empowers developers to build richer worlds faster, without compromising quality. Its procedural approach not only accelerates production but also fosters creativity, allowing teams to experiment with bold designs and deliver unforgettable player experiences.

Get Started with InstaMAT

Ready to streamline your asset pipeline? Sign up for a free Pioneer License or request an evaluation to explore InstaMAT’s full feature set. Join the Abstract Community forum to share workflows, learn from peers, and stay updated on the latest tools. From concept to play, InstaMAT is your partner in crafting the next generation of games.

About Abstract

Abstract is a deep-tech company pioneering 3D and AI technology. Its products empower game developers, VFX and film, enterprise, XR, and metaverse industries to deliver efficiently with massive cost savings. InstaLOD converts CAD to 3D, optimizes geometry and automates 3D pipelines, InstaMAT introduces generative materials and scalable texturing, Polyverse enhances cloud-based asset management and 3D data processing as a service, while RSX Engine enables real-time collaboration and cloud synchronization when building 3D applications and games. Abstract is driving breakthrough innovation in 3D and AI across industries.

The post From Concept to Play: Streamlining Asset Pipelines with InstaMAT’s Scalable Workflows first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Advertorial.