For those who don’t know the tool: tyFlow is a particle and simulation plugin for 3ds Max. It is commonly used for particle effects and procedural simulation within pipelines. The tool expands 3ds Max application simulation features with node-based operators and GPU-accelerated modules.

A CUDA fluid solver arrives

The 2.000 release of tyFlow introduces a new GPU fluid simulation solver named ZENITH. According to the official release notes, the solver runs on CUDA and integrates directly with the tyFlow simulation environment.

The update also introduces twenty new operators for the Inferno module. Inferno is tyFlow’s internal system for simulation tasks, including volumetric and fluid workflows. The release notes confirm that the operators are designed to support the new GPU fluid pipeline introduced with ZENITH.

CUDA modules distributed with tyFlow have also been updated. The package now includes machine learning models intended for fluid up-rez and compression. These models ship inside the CUDA module package together with a defined installation location described in the included documentation. The release raises the minimum supported CUDA version to 12.8. Users are instructed to ensure that GPU drivers are updated accordingly.

Updated CUDA modules

The updated CUDA modules are a central part of the release. The vendor states that the package now bundles machine learning models used for fluid up-rez and compression. Fluid upres workflows typically reconstruct higher resolution detail from a lower resolution simualtion. The release notes do not specify the training method, dataset, or inference process used by these models. No benchmarks or performance figures are provided.

The CUDA modules also now require installation in a specific location. Users are directed to the README documentation included with the CUDA module package for installation details. The vendor also updated the CUDA cub and thrust libraries used internally by tyFlow. According to the release notes, the update addresses rare CUDA crashes during Multifracture operations. (Multifracture is tyFlow’s system for procedural mesh fracturing used in destruction simulations.)

Twenty Inferno operators

The release introduces twenty new Inferno operators designed to work with the new GPU simulation capabilities. Inferno operators in tyFlow provide node based controls that modify simulation behaviour or generate simulation data. The addition of twenty operators suggests a significant expansion of the Inferno system.

New operators for general workflows

Outside the Inferno system, the release adds several new operators and modifiers for tyFlow workflows. A new Global operator has been added. The official documentation referenced in the release notes is required to understand its full functionality.

The update also introduces a MAXScript operator. MAXScript is the scripting language used inside 3ds Max. The operator presumably enables scripting access within tyFlow simulations, although the exact capabilities are not described in the release notes.

A new tyMeshBlend modifier has also been introduced. The modifier blends normals where meshes intersect. This behaviour is typically used to reduce shading artifacts where two meshes overlap or intersect.

Another addition is a new SDF shape mode for the PhysX Shape and PhysX Collision operators. SDF stands for signed distance field. According to the release notes, the new mode allows more accurate concave collisions.

Signed distance fields are commonly used to represent complex shapes in simulation because they encode the distance to the nearest surface point in volumetric form.

tyCache improvements

The release expands tyFlow’s caching capabilities. The tyCache modifier can now cache spline data. Previously, the system primarily cached particle and mesh data. The Export Particles operator now supports subframe export of tyCache data. Subframe data enables simulation playback at time steps smaller than a single frame. This is typically required for accurate motion blur in rendering workflows. The tyCache object also now displays PhysX bind connectivity.

Mesh and material improvements

Several modelling and mesh related updates are included in the release. The multifracture, tyBoolean and tyWeld modifiers now include UVW seam weld options. A new Merge mat IDs mode has been added to the tyMaterial modifier. The same option is also available for the tyMesher object. According to the release notes, the feature merges and concatenates material IDs across instanced objects and generates a compatible multi material with the new ID layout. This behaviour can simplify material management in procedural setups where multiple objects share or generate different ID sets.

UI and usability changes

The update includes multiple interface adjustments aimed at improving usability inside the tyFlow editor. Comboboxes, checkboxes and radio buttons now display non-default values in blue. Previously, this behaviour was limited to numeric spinner controls.

Large dropdown comboboxes now include a text entry field at the top of the list that allows users to search items using fuzzy matching. The release also introduces a Houdini-style value stepper dialog. Middle Mouse Clicking any spinner control opens a dialog that allows incremental changes across multiple orders of magnitude.

Export and procedural variation

The Export Particles operator now supports exporting ranges for tySwitcher indices and reseed values. According to the release notes, this allows permutations to be exported from the same operator during a single export operation. Exported object names and layers now also support symbol replacement variables such as $tySwitcherIndex and $tySeedIndex. These variables allow procedural naming during export operations.

OpenVDB update

The OpenVDB SDK used by tyFlow has been updated to version 13. OpenVDB is an open source library widely used in volumetric workflows. It provides sparse volumetric data structures for storing grids such as smoke, fire or fluid simulation volumes.

Practical implications

The most significant change in this release appears to be the introduction of the ZENITH CUDA fluid solver and the expansion of the Inferno operator set. However, the official release notes do not provide technical descriptions, performance data or architecture details for the solver. GPU fluid simulation inside particle frameworks can reduce iteration times when compared to CPU grid solvers. Whether this holds true for ZENITH cannot be determined yet – so it is time to have a good long playing session with Tyflow!

Users interested in adopting the new system will likely need to examine the updated CUDA modules and example scenes to evaluate real world behaviour. As always, new tools and innovations should be thoroughly tested before use in production.

// https://pro.tyflow.com/

The post tyFlow 2 adds CUDA fluid solver and 20 Infernos first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

The Boris FX Optics 2026 update refines the user experience and adds several new ML-powered filters. A major new addition is the Photoshop Plugins Panel, a dockable workspace inside Photoshop that lets users browse, apply and adjust Optics filters without leaving the host interface. This streamlines workflow by putting Optics tools alongside standard Photoshop tools. New filters include DeNoise ML, UpRes ML, Depth Map ML and Face ML.

The DeNoise ML filter uses deep learning to reduce unwanted noise while retaining detail, useful for low-light or high-ISO images. The UpRes ML filter uses a trained ML model to upscale images while preserving structure and fine detail, useful for printing, cropping, or restoring old photos.

Depth-Aware and Facial Masking

The Depth Map ML tool analyses an image and produces a depth-based mask distinguishing near and far areas. That mask can then be used to selectively apply blur, colour correction or other adjustments according to depth, for example to simulate depth-of-field or separate foreground from background.

The Face ML mask automatically detects facial regions such as skin, eyes, lips, and mouth, and isolates them into distinct masks. This allows targeted retouching or selective colour adjustments without manual masking. It is particularly useful for portrait work and composite touch-ups. Masks created by Depth Map ML or Face ML can also be used as input sources for other filters, meaning users can chain effects such as depth-based blur or targeted colour correction.

Creative Updates: Sapphire + Particle Engine Enhancements

The update includes refreshed effects from Sapphire (v2025.5) integrated into Optics. Among the new creative tools are PixelSort, a glitch-style pixel sorting effect, and VHSDamage, which simulates analogue tape artefacts such as scanlines, noise and colour degradation.

These add modern, stylised looks beyond standard photo corrections. Additionally, the bundled particle engine Particle Illusion has been updated to v2026, with improvements in animation, camera control and an expanded emitter library. This offers more flexibility for creating smoke, dust, light-particles or abstract effects directly inside Optics.

What This Means for Post-Production Workflows

For photographers, retouchers, matte-painters and artists working in Photoshop or Lightroom, the 2026 upgrade means more of the workflow can happen inside one app: from denoising and upscaling to depth-aware masking, facial retouching, stylised looks and particle effects. The integrated panel helps avoid context-switching and may reduce export/import overhead.

For VFX and compositing artists, Depth Map ML and Face ML offer fast, per-image masking without manual rotoscoping, useful for look-development, concept visuals or quick editorial tasks. The updated Sapphire effects and particle tools expand the creative toolset for stylised or hybrid photographic/CGI work. As always with new tools or effects, test results on real images and evaluate artefacts before using in final deliveries.

Boris FX Optics 2026 is available as a subscription or a perpetual licence. The subscription costs 6 € per month or 66 € per year and includes both the standalone application and multi-host support for Photoshop and Lightroom. A perpetual licence is also offered at 112 €, providing a one-time purchase option for users who prefer to avoid ongoing payments. All versions include the same feature set and access to updates within the 2026 release cycle.

The post Optics 2026 Adds AI-Driven Masks, Upscaling & Depth Tools first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

Cinema 4D 2025.2 has arrived like a well-timed coffee break on a hectic shoot day—a swift update that packs a surprising number of new features and overhauls, plus a marathon list of bug fixes aimed at streamlining every stage of production. Today’s release not only reinforces Maxon’s commitment to usability, simplicity, and stability, but also speaks directly to our digital production professionals who demand both performance and precision. For pricing details, note that Cinema 4D 2025.2 is available to subscribers; if you’re looking for the exact numbers, please refer to the Maxon Buy page of your country :)

TL;DR: Key Enhancements at a Glance

After the rapid 2025.1 rollout, Maxon has come back swinging with 2025.2. The update includes improvements that touch nearly every aspect of the toolset our industry relies on—from rendering to animation, and from modeling to particle effects. Notable enhancements include support for enhanced Redshift integration (with object- and camera-specific tags), revamped animation workflows featuring refined Animation Layers, and performance improvements in the viewport and scene management. Early adopters will notice more reliable rigging workflows, improved snapping tools in modeling (thanks to the new Preserve Curvature function in the Edge Slide tool), and a smoother experience with the USD exporter. And while these changes might appear subtle at first glance, they’re designed to save precious time on set and in the studio.

General Updates and Camera Enhancements

The update kicks off with a set of general improvements under the “Look at Camera” banner. Users will now enjoy an Invert function that reverses the facing direction, as well as support for driving Bank Rotation in addition to Pitch. An entirely new mode—Align to Camera Plane—has been introduced, allowing objects to behave like 2D elements within the camera view. Complementing these are Tag UI enhancements, where tags that support Property Transfer and Fields now feature a simplified one-click mode switch, streamlining workflow for those who live by efficiency.

Rocket Lasso Capsule Integration

In a move that might delight deformer enthusiasts, the deformer style Rocket Lasso Capsules have been integrated directly into the Cinema 4D UI. Now available to all users, these capsules provide quick access and enhanced control—ideal for rapid adjustments during complex rig setups.

Particle System Overhaul

Particles, that ever-elusive ingredient in realistic effects, have received a significant boost. Interactive Emitter Handles now allow for direct manipulation of emitter scale, speed, and direction directly within the viewport. Emission Density Control has been expanded so that varying densities can be influenced by Maxon Noises, Fields, and Vertex Maps, giving artists unprecedented control over particle distribution. The update introduces automatic creation and deletion of Custom Particle Properties based on usage, along with greatly simplified management for quick access to particle system elements. Additional outputs in particle modifiers now let proximity-based modifiers store particle counts, while Predator Prey Modifiers capture the status (chasing or fleeing), distance, and unique index of particles. Flock systems have also been enhanced by storing the unique index of the closest particle. Finally, Cache Playback improvements bring subframe interpolation options—Cubic and Cubic Monotone—to ensure smoother playback of cached simulations.

Extended Bug Fixes Across the Board

No release is complete without a rigorous bug hunt. Cinema 4D 2025.2 comes packed with a sweeping series of bug fixes covering almost every department:

• Animation & Character Animation: Fixes include stabilizing issues with the Jiggle deformer during rendering, resolving conflicts in Collision deformers, and improvements to the Walk Cycle Generator for better foot contact and reduced mesh wobbles.
• Asset Browser and Interface: Enhancements in the Commander now prioritize search strings correctly, and issues with preset displays have been addressed to ensure that only usable options are visible.
• Attribute Manager & BodyPaint 3D: Stability issues in XPresso spline graphs and Texture UV Editor wrapping errors have been squashed, ensuring a more robust painting and texturing experience.
• Color Management: Multiple fixes resolve issues with OCIO configurations, color space conversions, and node-based material conversions, addressing inconsistencies that could affect final output.
• Modeling Tools: A host of fixes—ranging from the Bezier and Loft generators to the Extrude object and Boolean generators—improve both stability and accuracy. Even the Fill Selection command has been refined to properly handle edge selections and hidden polygons.
• MoGraph, Nodes, and Node Editor: Performance issues and refresh problems in node capsules and the field driver tag have been addressed, ensuring that even the most complex scene graphs perform without a hitch.
• Object Manager and General Objects: From axis orientation errors to connection issues in the Connect and Delete command, several fixes ensure that object hierarchies and transform data remain consistent.
• Other System Components: Whether it’s the Timeline, UV Tools, or even the Volumes module, improvements have been made to render previews, scene nodes, and even the intricate behavior of XRefs, which now avoid infinite reference loops and update camera parameters correctly.

This extensive list of bug fixes spans numerous departments—Animation, Asset Browser, Attribute Manager, BodyPaint 3D, Character Animation, Color Chooser, Color Management, Deformer, Dynamics, Exchange, Interface, Material Manager, Modeling, MoGraph, Nodes, Node Editor, Object Manager, Objects, Other, Powerslider, Preferences, Redshift, Render Queue, Renderer, Sculpting, Simulation, Take System, Team Render, Timeline, UV Tools, Viewport, Volumes, and XRefs—ensuring that every aspect of Cinema 4D runs smoother and more reliably than ever before.

Final Thoughts and Cautionary Note

Cinema 4D 2025.2 is clearly a robust update, meticulously engineered to meet the demanding needs of today’s digital production professionals. Whether you’re working on VFX, animation, rigging, modeling, or postproduction, these enhancements and fixes have been designed to shave off those precious seconds while ensuring precision and stability. However, as with any innovation, it’s crucial that production artists conduct thorough tests before integrating the new features into live projects. Not every shiny upgrade is production-ready on day one, so a detailed evaluation is always recommended.

For those eager to dive in, the update installs by default to the “Maxon Cinema 4D 2025” folder—replacing previous installations to minimize disk usage and streamline preferences and plugins migration. System requirements remain consistent with Cinema 4D 2025.0, and Redshift 2025.4.0 is included (though older versions remain compatible but without the new integration enhancements).

Cinema 4D 2025.2 is available now to subscribers. For complete pricing details and subscription information, please visit the Maxon Buy page.

Every enhancement, bug fix, and new tool in this update is designed with one thing in mind: making life easier for the production artist, whether you’re on set, in the studio, or anywhere in between. Just remember to verify these innovations in your current projects before rolling them out to client work—better safe (and on budget) than sorry.

The post Cinema 4D 2025.2: Feature Dump, Incoming first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

In nuce: French visual effects service provider The Yard VFX has released an almost three-and-a-half-minute VFX showreel; the video shows the work of the VFX artists très français on the Netflix drama series Notre-Dame – the focus is primarily on set extensions, particle and fire simulation.

In toto: The film revolves around Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, which is on fire in 2019, surrounded by a crew of firefighters. The miniseries is based on the experiences of the firefighters who were on duty during the fire. The Netflix series, with a total length of around five hours, was released on the streaming provider Netflix in 2022. The Yard VFX has been (The Gray Man, Enola Holmes 2, Wanda Vision) and will be (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, John Wick 4) involved in many visual effects blockbusters.

Click further: Digital Production has repeatedly reported on how realistic fire effects can be achieved – not least in the following news items.

• 16.09.2020: After-effects tutorial: Playing with fire makes the forest sizzle. All-clear: It’s all virtual!
• 7.04.2022: Here JangaFX demonstrates its fire effects! In this video, developer EmberGen ignites enthusiasm for particle simulation tools. Get infected now!

The post Notre-Dame | VFX Showreel first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Patrick Poti.

In nuce: The software developer Maxon has released Trapcode 2023.2 – with a focus on performance improvements and general optimisations. This is according to an announcement published today, 19 January 2023, on 80.lv. Trapcode is a software that is used to realise particle simulations and 3D effects for motion graphics and visual effects. The announcement also states that the release is in tandem with Maxon’s updates to the release of Red Giant 2023.2; Red Giant is a set of Maxon tools.

In toto: Below are the most important improvements associated with the release of Trapcode 2023.2.

• Faster loading times: Should primarily relate to application startup
• Linked zero: As stated in the message from 80.lv, there is said to have been a loss of performance as much as a null (created with Particular) was linked via expressions. By changing the link to a layer sector, the performance problem is said to have been resolved.
• Physics Time Factor (PTF) and turbulence field: As soon as the so-called Physics Time Factor is used together with the turbulence field, performance should be better than before.
• Dynamic form memory: According to The Foundry, memory utilisation for a subset of long-lived particles increased continuously for some users – at the expense of machine memory. This problem has been fixed and memory utilisation has been limited accordingly.

Clicked further: To the announcement on support.maxon.net.

Sources: 80.lv ( message from Theodore McKenzie), support.maxon.net ( official announcement)

The post Better particle simulation from Maxon? first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Patrick Poti.