Lost Marble has unleashed Moho 14.3, whimsically codenamed “Mantis Shrimp,” as a free update for all Moho 14 users. This release focuses on elevating the brush engine to new heights, aiming to blend the flexibility of vectors with the organic feel of traditional media—a combination as rare as a mantis shrimp sighting.

Brush Opacity: Transparency at Your Fingertips

The new Brush Opacity feature allows animators to control line transparency dynamically. By linking opacity to pen pressure, artists can achieve effects reminiscent of charcoal sketches or watercolor paintings. Each point in a stroke retains its opacity value, which can be modified and animated at any frame, offering a level of control that would make even a mantis shrimp envious.

Color Drift: A Spectrum of Possibilities

With Color Drift, strokes can transition in hue, saturation, and value based on pen pressure. For instance, a stroke might start in yellow and drift to red as pressure increases, mimicking the blending effects of gouache or acrylic paints. This feature enables the creation of natural-looking artwork while maintaining the editability of vector graphics—a true game-changer for those who refuse to stay within the lines.

Enhanced Freehand and Line Width Tools

The Freehand Tool now includes options to control line width, opacity, and color drift directly from its properties panel. Users can assign these attributes to pen pressure, randomization, or set them to fixed values, providing a customizable drawing experience that adapts to individual artistic styles. Similarly, the Line Width Tool has been updated to adjust not only line thickness but also opacity and color drift, allowing for on-the-fly modifications that keep the creative process as fluid as the ocean itself.

Additional Improvements: More Than Just a Pretty Interface

Beyond the headline features, Moho 14.3 includes several enhancements aimed at improving the overall user experience. These updates ensure that the software remains as reliable as a seasoned sea captain, ready to navigate the complex waters of 2D animation.

Pricing and Availability

Moho 14.3 is available now as a free update for all existing Moho 14 owners. For those yet to embark on the Moho voyage, the software is available for purchase through the official Moho website. While pricing specifics aren’t detailed in the source, prospective users can explore their options directly.

Test Before You Animate: A Wise Mariner’s Approach

As with any new software update, it’s prudent to test Moho 14.3’s new features within your existing workflow before deploying them in production. Ensuring compatibility and stability will help maintain smooth sailing on your animation projects, preventing any unexpected storms from disrupting your creative process.

In summary, Moho 14.3’s Mantis Shrimp update brings a spectrum of new features designed to enhance the artistry and efficiency of 2D animation. By integrating natural media effects with vector flexibility, it offers animators a toolkit as vibrant and dynamic as the mantis shrimp itself.

The post Moho 14.3: Mantis Shrimp Packs a Colorful Punch first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.