Corona 13 integrates the Chaos AI Enhancer, enabling quick, quality enhancements of complex vegetation and 3D humans—traditionally resource-heavy render elements. These can now be optimized with minimal effort and no interference with other scene elements. Especially useful in photorealistic archviz workflows where speed matters.

GPU-Driven Animation via Vantage

Users of 3ds Max and Cinema 4D can render animations using Chaos Vantage Live Link for full real-time GPU rendering with ray tracing, offering a fast alternative to CPU rendering. The real-time view in Vantage supports live scene updates regardless of complexity. A Vantage license or the new Archviz Collection is required.

Cel & Outline Shaders for Stylized Looks

With Cel and Contour shaders, artists can render scenes as stylized cartoons or simple outlined compositions. These effects can be used individually or combined—ideal for early-stage design visualization or stylized client presentations.

Scatter Clusters for Dense Detail

New Scatter Clusters allow controlled generation of object groupings (e.g., plants, rocks, debris) using noise or color maps. 3ds Max users also benefit from Painted Layers—support for Cinema 4D will follow soon.

More Asset Variations in Cosmos

The Chaos Cosmos asset library now includes seasonal plant variants and more clothing options for 3D figures, giving users greater flexibility in storytelling and visual detailing.

Firefly Removal at a Click

Unwanted bright pixel artifacts (aka “fireflies”) in stills and animations can now be removed with a single click—no more tedious post-processing needed.

VRScene Import from Enscape

Corona 13 supports direct import of .vrscene files from Enscape, allowing photorealistic rendering of Enscape projects in Corona. Note: Requires V-Ray to be installed.

Thin‑Film Shader for Iridescence

A new Thin‑Film shader simulates iridescent effects like oil slicks, anodized metals, dichroic glass, and soap bubbles. Useful for both realism and surrealism in materials.

Availability & Licensing

Corona 13 is available now for:

• 3ds Max (2016–2025, Windows 64-bit)
• Cinema 4D (R17–2025, Windows & macOS 64-bit)

Licensing options include monthly or yearly subscriptions. Corona 13 is also bundled in the Archviz Collection, which includes Corona, Chaos Cosmos, Phoenix, Player, Scans, Vantage, and Anima. A 30-day trial version is available.

Corona vs V-Ray

Corona 13 emphasizes streamlined, artist-friendly workflows with integrated creative tools—ideal for fast-paced archviz. While V-Ray offers deeper customization via node-based shading and hybrid CPU/GPU pipelines, Corona 13 focuses on usability and visual fidelity with minimal setup. Ideal for teams prioritizing speed, stylization, and clean results.

Note: Despite significant upgrades, test Corona 13 thoroughly in your production environment before rolling it out in mission-critical pipelines.

The post Chaos Corona 13: AI, GPU & Cartoon Vibes first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

After the teaser in February, something is here: LightWave 2025 debuts RIPR (Real-time Path Rendering), a GPU-accelerated viewport renderer utilizing NVIDIA’s OptiX framework. RIPR supports HDR lighting, depth of field, and improved transparency handling, offering a more realistic preview experience. It requires a NVIDIA GeForce 10 Series or Quadro Pascal GPU or newer and is currently limited to a single viewport.

Rigging Enhancements: Steppit, Handdit, and Pickkit

The RHiggit! rigging system receives three new tools:

• Steppit!: Automates walk cycles for bipeds and creatures, allowing integration with keyframe animation for added flexibility.
• Handdit!: Provides intuitive controls for hand and finger animation, accessible via its own tab or within RHiggit! and Steppit! menus.
• Pickkit!: Offers a streamlined rig picking interface for quick access to commonly adjusted rig points, fully compatible with Steppit! and Handdit!.
  
  

Modeling Tools: SuperPatcher, Displacement Brush, and SuperNormals

New modeling features include:

• SuperPatcher: Caps holes in quad meshes efficiently.
• Displacement Brush: Allows painting of surface details like wrinkles or cracks on polygonal geometry (not compatible with SubPatch models).
• SuperNormals: Enables per-model normal editing, useful for correcting shading artifacts or preparing assets for game engines.

Procedural Modeling: Construct

The new Construct tool facilitates procedural generation of structures such as stairs, decks, and bridges. Its Stair Calculator is available in both Modeler and Layout applications, aiding in architectural visualization and set design.

Stylized Rendering: Cel Shader

A new Cel Shader offers enhanced control over object and surface-based shading, enabling the creation of stylized, non-photorealistic visuals. This post-shading tool is visible in the VPR, allowing artists to fine-tune the shading process for desired stylization.

Rendering Integration: OctaneRender Updates

The integration with OctaneRender has been updated, including the addition of three new gradient nodes and workflow improvements, enhancing the rendering capabilities within LightWave 2025.

Pricing and Availability

LightWave 2025 is available for pre-order at £295.00. System requirements include an Intel® Core 2 or AMD64 processor with SSE4 instruction set, and a minimum of 4 GB RAM. For macOS, Intel® systems require macOS 10.15 (Catalina), while Silicon systems require macOS 11 (Big Sur). As with any new release, it’s advisable to thoroughly test LightWave 2025’s features in your specific production environment before integrating them into critical workflows. For more information and to pre-order, visit LightWave 3D’s official website.

And to see all changes, see the full list of updates here.

The post LightWave 2025! first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

LightWave Digital has announced the upcoming release of LightWave 2025, the latest iteration of its renowned 3D animation and rendering software. Slated for launch later this quarter, this version introduces several noteworthy features aimed at enhancing the efficiency and creativity of digital production professionals.

RIPR: Real-Time HDR Previews

One of the standout additions is the Real-Time Interactive Preview Renderer (RIPR). This system facilitates HDR-illuminated pre-visualization, allowing users to seamlessly switch between the Viewport Preview Renderer (VPR), RIPR, and OpenGL previews without disrupting their creative flow. This integration ensures that artists can assess their scenes under various lighting conditions in real-time, streamlining the decision-making process.

Enhanced Rhiggit Tools: Steppit, Handdit, and Pickkit

Building upon the robust Rhiggit character rigging system, LightWave 2025 introduces three new tools:

• Steppit: This tool offers automated walk cycles complemented by keyframing capabilities, enabling animators to generate realistic locomotion sequences efficiently.
• Handdit: Designed for intuitive hand animation, Handdit simplifies the complex task of animating hand movements, providing animators with a more straightforward approach to achieving natural gestures.
• Pickkit: A streamlined joint selection system, Pickkit enhances the rigging workflow by allowing for quicker and more precise joint selections during the animation process.

These enhancements aim to expedite character animation workflows, providing animators with intuitive tools that reduce setup time and increase productivity.

LW Construct: Rapid Asset Generation

The new LW Construct feature serves as an instantaneous generator for common structures such as stairways, bookshelves, and decks. With an intuitive user interface, users can quickly create indoor or outdoor stairs, modify spindle designs, adjust landing sizes, and customize handrails with minimal effort. This tool is particularly beneficial for environment artists seeking to populate scenes with detailed architectural elements efficiently.

Cel Shader: Stylized Rendering Made Simple

For artists aiming to achieve a stylized, non-photorealistic look, LightWave 2025 introduces a new Cel Shader. This post-shading tool, visible in the VPR, offers impressive control over object and surface-based shading, allowing for the creation of striking cel-shaded visuals. The Cel Shader provides parameters to fine-tune the shading process, enabling artists to achieve the desired level of stylization in their renders.

Availability and Pricing

LightWave 2025 is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2025. The current stable version, LightWave 2024.1, is compatible with Windows 10 and later, as well as macOS 10.15 and above. New licenses are priced at £795 (approximately $980). For more detailed information and updates, visit the official LightWave website.

Caution for Early Adopters

As with any new software release, it’s advisable for professionals to thoroughly evaluate LightWave 2025’s new features within their specific workflows before integrating them into critical projects. For a more in-depth look at LightWave 2025’s features, you can join the in their Discord

The post LightWave 2025: Something is coming first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.