The pitch: graphs, not layers

ArcBrush builds images in a node graph. You wire inputs into operations and wire the result into exports. The app focuses on non-destructive editing, with parameters staying live so you can adjust a pipeline long after the first export. The core editor is free to download and use, and it does not require an account for non-AI work (Oh, blessed 2026, when this is a mention-worthy feature of a software….) . It runs as a native desktop app written in C++ and works on Windows and macOS. Linux coming soon.

If you live in node land already, the concept will feel familiar. The difference here is that the output target is mostly 2D deliverables: icons, sprites, UI variants, texture maps, and piles of formats that someone will ask you to regenerate five minutes before lock.

Node count, node types, and the day job stuff

The app has 75 composable node types and type-safe connections that prevent invalid wiring. It also brings five pin types, separating images, masks, palettes, and variants so the graph can validate what you connect.

A lot of the feature list reads like it came from someone who has rebuilt the same export stack too many times. There is auto save with crash recovery. There is a minimap, node search, undo and redo, node groups, per node notes, and sticky notes.

The preview tooling targets production rather than marketing . You can lock the preview to any node output, zoom deep with a pixel grid, inspect RGBA values, isolate channels, and view a live histogram overlay. For monitoring consistency, the app reads your monitor ICC profile and applies correction so the display matches exports via display color management using the monitor profile from the International Color Consortium. Test that on your own display chain, especially if you work across multiple calibrated panels, because colour surprises are lovely… .

On the output side, there are single-image exports and batch exports. Export Batch can produce named files per palette variant, or pack variants into a single sprite sheet PNG while also writing a TexturePacker compatible JSON manifest. Export nodes also support relative paths, and the app can create directories automatically when exporting.

Pixel art and texture helpers, without pretending to be a full DCC

The feature goes for game art and texture workflows, but it stays in 2D territory. There are pixel art oriented nodes like Pixelate, Outline, Dither, Quantize, Palette Remap, and sprite sheet export. Dither lists Floyd Steinberg, ordered, and blue noise options.

For texture work, the app includes Seamless Blend to make images tileable, Noise and Pattern nodes for procedural bases, Tile Preview to check repetition, and a Normal Map node that generates lighting maps from grayscale. This is not a replacement for a full material authoring suite, but it covers the everyday prep-and-iteration loop where you need quick variants, quick tiling fixes, and quick exports without babysitting layers.

If you spend time in texture painting or material prep, the most interesting claim is the pipeline idea: build the graph once, then regenerate every variant and export target when the source changes. That includes a Watch File toggle on input nodes that reloads when the source file changes on disk. The page even spells out a simple case: edit in Photoshop and see the result live in ArcBrush. That makes it less of a walled garden and more of a graph-driven post station for assets.

OpenCV processes images on CPU and GPU, and OpenGL renders previews. For SVG import, it rasterizes via ThorVG. None of that guarantees performance on your particular workstation, but it does clarify that the app aims for native processing rather than another browser wrapper.

Optional AI nodes: credits, cloud, and knobs you can count

AI features are optional. The app has AI cloud based nodes that only reach out when you use them, while the rest of the graph runs locally. There are nodes for text to image, image edit with text instructions, background removal, and 4x upscale powered by AuraSR. It also has differnet models, including FLUX variants and Nano Banana 2 for text to image and editing.

Pricing for AI is a one time credit packs with no subscription and credits that never expire. The packs listed are Starter at $10 for 350 credits, Plus at $20 for 800 credits, and Pro at $40 for 1800 credits. The site also states 10 free credits on signup. Credit costs vary per model and task, and at standard resolution up to 1024 by 1024.

That setup makes it easy to budget AI usage as a production expense, but it also adds a network dependency for those nodes. Treat it like any other external service: check availability, latency, and whether cloud processing fits your client and studio rules. Or if the bubble already burst, and you need to rewire things to the little Docker Server you have in your Cupboard that replaces all the Hype…. If you only want the node graph editor, you can ignore AI completely and still use the full non AI toolset.

Where it fits if you already have node tools

Node based workflows already dominate compositing and lookdev, so the real question is whether a dedicated 2D node graph editor reduces friction compared to existing tools. ArcBrush positions itself as a build once and export everything machine: variants, palettes, batch exports, sprite sheets, and texture prep steps chained together so you can re run them on demand.

First, when you need to ship a lot of consistent variants, like tiered item icons, UI colorways, or platform specific asset sets. Second, when you need to keep a process editable after the first deliverable, because late changes rarely arrive in a neat package.

Reality check before you bet a deliverable on it

ArcBrush looks designed for artists who want node graph control for 2D assets and textures without living inside a heavyweight suite. The free core editor and the explicit credit pricing for AI lower the barrier to testing (Which we’ll do after FMX) , and the node count and export features cover a lot of common production chores.

Still, new tools and innovations should be tested before use . Put it on a few real assets, run it through your team review loop, and see whether teh graph model actually reduces mistakes compared to your current wokrflow.

ArcBrush is available as a free download from the product site, with documentation hosted on the docs portal and community links including Discord.

https://arcbrush.com/

The post ArcBrush turns image editing into a node graph 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.