The texturing add-on Ucupaint for Blender has reached version 2.4.0. According to the official release notes, the update introduces a substantial number of new features, UI enhancements, and bug fixes aimed at improving performance and workflow stability across Blender versions 2.76 through 5.0.

What’s new for artists

Among the most notable additions is the introduction of a dedicated alpha channel, which provides a separate transparency layer instead of relying on background or alpha toggles. A new decal constraint system allows decal objects to stay fixed to the surface of a mesh, improving the projection workflow for labels and surface markings. The add-on now also detects files with a “Smoothness” suffix automatically and loads them into a single layer, while “other object” colour baking can be used to generate more precise masks.

Sculpting with vector displacement maps (VDMs) has been refined: when Mirror U/V is active, the Mirror modifier is temporarily applied, enabling symmetrical sculpting directly on mirrored geometry. A new operator in the normal-channel cog menu allows artists to apply all VDM layers at once to the multiresolution modifier. Baking options have expanded as well, with support for Open Shading Language (OSL) and an additional Ambient Occlusion channel that can be added after Quick Setup. Transparency can also now be used for missing rays during “other object” normal baking, and users can select the layer alpha as a channel source.

UI and workflow updates

Ucupaint 2.4.0 introduces a new sponsors panel that displays current supporters of the project, alongside a refreshed info panel showing contributor icons. A convenient button has been added to switch to material view when working in solid or wireframe mode. The software now displays a warning when creating realtime Ambient Occlusion or Edge Detect layers, clarifying that the viewport preview may differ from the baked result.

When the main channel list is collapsed in layer preview mode, the active channel name remains visible, aiding navigation in complex scenes. Material-specific settings such as render method or alpha blending have been moved into a new material dropdown, reducing clutter and improving workflow consistency.

Performance improvements

Version 2.4.0 also improves performance across multiple fronts. Transform operations within Blender experience noticeably less lag when the Ucupaint interface is visible, and UI sliders now respond more smoothly. Native VDM baking has been optimised for Blender 5.0, and the baking process in general has become faster since unrelated objects are automatically hidden during the operation.

Bug fixes

The update resolves a long list of stability issues. Blender’s built-in icons are now used more consistently to prevent missing icon errors. Baking a channel with multiple objects no longer causes incorrect colours when vertex-colour data is absent, and sculpting a VDM image with Flip Y/Z disabled now produces the correct mesh.

Errors when baking masks to images, particularly when the active object was hidden, have been fixed. Blender 5.0’s lack of an automatic output node, which previously caused baking errors, is now handled correctly, and mask baking with blur enabled works as intended. Other fixes address disappearing “Refresh Linear Color Space” buttons, eraser-tool crashes when using Erase Alpha blending, incorrect mask loading from colour ID attributes, and leftover baked masks when deleting layers. Additional bug fixes include resolving preview node disconnections, animation playback errors in Blender 5.0, incorrect default values for custom bake targets, and missing extrusion or ray-settings controls when “Use Cage” was disabled.

Caveats

No independent third-party testing of key features such as the new alpha-channel workflow or decal constraint system was available at press time, so users are advised to test thoroughly before deployment in production.

Get it here!

The post Ucupaint 2.4.0 with alpha channel and decal-constraints first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

Ucupaint 2.3, the latest update to the free Blender texturing add-on by ucupumar, introduces several new features aimed at enhancing the workflow for artists working with Blender’s Eevee and Cycles renderers.

The update includes real-time Ambient Occlusion (AO) that can be used as a layer or mask. This feature automatically updates the AO effect when edits are made to the mesh, allowing for immediate visual feedback.

A new “Rebake All Images” operator has been added, enabling users to rebake all baked layers and masks in a single operation. Additionally, the “Paste Layers” function now includes an option to rebake baked images upon pasting.

Other notable changes in version 2.3:

• Real-time Edge Detect can now be used as a layer.
• Real-time Edge Detect, AO, and Fake lighting layers are now bakeable as images.
• A new Dither option for bake channels helps avoid color banding.
• An OSL (Open Shading Language) option for bake channels addresses the “Out of SVM stack” error that can occur with complex materials.
• A “Fill selected geometry” option is available when ColorID or vertex color is added in Edit mode.
• Users can now copy and paste custom bake targets.
• The “Open Images from Material” function now checks node connections by default, rather than relying on image names.
• The “Paste Layer” function is now compatible with Ucupaint nodes that have different channel lists.

These enhancements are designed to improve the efficiency and flexibility of texture painting workflows within Blender. As with any new software update, it’s recommended to test these features thoroughly before integrating them into production environments.

For more information and to download Ucupaint 2.3, visit the official Blender Extensions page.

The post Ucupaint 2.3: Baking Bad Gets Better first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

Hold onto your styluses, texture artists! Ucupaint 2.2 has just rolled out, bringing a slew of UI enhancements that promise to make your texturing workflow in Blender smoother than ever. This free add-on, crafted by the ever-diligent ucupumar, has undergone a significant facelift to tackle previous usability quirks.

Collapsible Layer Groups

Gone are the days of endless scrolling through layer stacks. With the new collapsible layer groups, you can now tuck away entire sections, keeping your workspace neat and tidy. It’s like having a Marie Kondo for your layers.

Direct Layer Channel Adjustments

Previously, tweaking the layer channel value required enabling the override toggle, which was sneakily hidden by default. In Ucupaint 2.2, you can directly adjust the layer channel source without jumping through hoops. Efficiency level: expert mode.

https://twitter.com/ucupaint/status/1890699356073840735

Relocated Vector Option

The Vector option has packed its bags and moved out of the layer dropdown. This relocation streamlines the interface, making vector adjustments more accessible. It’s all about putting things where they belong.

Consistent Object Index Labeling

Consistency is key, and Ucupaint 2.2 delivers by labeling the Object Index uniformly across the board, ditching the old ‘Pass Index’ moniker. No more second-guessing—just clear, consistent terminology.

Integrated Layer and Mask Sources

Layer and mask sources are now directly embedded into the UI, reducing the need for unnecessary clicks. It’s like having all your tools laid out before you, ready for action.

Rebake Button Addition

For those moments when you need to rebake textures, a new Rebake button has been conveniently placed next to the ‘Use Baked’ button. No more scavenger hunts through menus—just quick and easy access.

Experimental Mask/Override Display

For the adventurous among you, there’s an experimental option that displays mask and override images as individual entries in the layer list. It’s a new way to visualize your components, offering greater control and clarity. Ucupaint 2.2 is available for download now. As with any new tool, it’s wise to test these features thoroughly before integrating them into your production pipeline. After all, even the most polished tools can have a few quirks. For a comprehensive list of changes and to get your hands on the latest version, visit the official release page.

The post Ucupaint 2.2: A Fresh Coat of Paint for Blender Texturing first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.