Sunday, December 28, 2014

3D-Coat - Update 4.5 BETA2


New:

  • RMB over material allows you to re-fill with the material in all non-transparent area. You are able to change the used material for the active layer very easy in this way.

Fixes:

  • The option "Lock transparency" in the layers blending options works correctly for metalness and all other tools now.
  • Bugs related to material folders fixed.


Click here for download: Current 3D-Coat beta...

Infos about using 3D-Coat beta versions:
  • 3D-Coat beta versions can be used by registered users only. You have to register the current release to be able to use the current beta.
  • You are invited to test and use the new beta version while the whole developing process until the official release.
  • The permission to use the beta ends at the final release date. In this case you are able to buy the new release.
  • Beta versions are NOT final releases! Be carefully using it for your projects.

Monday, December 22, 2014

3D-Coat - Update 4.5 BETA1

HOT NEWS!

This is the first 4.5 beta update with PBR support. Not all is done and some elements are still missing, but it is at least workable.

Important for this first 4.5beta release:
  1. GL version is NOT working! Andrew will do GL shaders after all. Use DirectX version first only! -> 3d-coat(DX)
  2. Keep backups of your scenes, presets and materials. Better - create a backup of the folder MyDocs/3D-CoatV4

Changes for 20.12.2014 - 4.5.BETA1

  • PBR & Smart PBR materials introduced.
  • A lot of bugfixes.
Click here for download: Current 3D-Coat beta...


Infos about using 3D-Coat beta versions:
  • 3D-Coat beta versions can be used by registered users only. You have to register the current release to be able to use the current beta.
  • You are invited to test and use the new beta version while the whole developing process until the official release.
  • The permission to use the beta ends at the final release date. In this case you are able to buy the new release.
  • Beta versions are NOT final releases! Be carefully using it for your projects.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Teil 7 - Erstellung eines 3D-Modells für Computerspiele - Thema: "Fantasy-Waffe"

Etwas verspätet die Meldung in meinem Blog, aber es geht weiter. Vielleicht hat es ja der Ein oder Andere verpasst, deshalb:

Die siebte Episode in Deutsch vervollständigt den Retopologie-Teil. Die restlichen Elemente des Modells werden hier erstellt. Im achten Teil wird es dann mit der Erstellung der UV-Koordinaten und dem Baking-Prozess weiter gehen, um dann die Normalmaps aus dem High-Poly-Modell zu übertragen.

Viel Spaß
Chris


Monday, December 1, 2014

Part 7 (English) - How to create a 3D model for video games - Topic: Fantasy weapon

Here we are with the english version of episode 7 of my tutorial series how to create a game model.

In this episode I complete the retopology process and create the remaining low poly objects.

In the upcoming part 8 you will learn how to set the uvs and I will explain the baking process.

Thank you for watching
Chris


Thursday, November 20, 2014

Teil 6 - Erstellung eines 3D-Modells für Computerspiele - Thema: "Fantasy-Waffe"

Es ist soweit. Nach langer Abstinenz nähern wir uns langsam aber sicher dem letzten Bereich meiner Tutorialserie. Mit Teil 6 läute ich den Retopologie-Abschnitt ein. Viel Spaß!

International audience:
The english version follows soon! Thank you for your patience.


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Forum artwork by Kargall le feu: Blue Boy

Kargal le feu has posted another very nice artwork called "Blue Boy".

  • Sculpted in 3D-Coat
  • Post FX in Adobe Photoshop



To visit Kargalls 3D Coat forum gallery use this link please: 3D Coat forum gallery
Kargalls official website with more very nice artworks: Official Website

Monday, November 3, 2014

Sneak peak at the upcoming 3D-Coat beta

Andrew Shpagin has published some deeper insights into the 3D-Coat version he is currently working on.

As you maybe know the current work is focused on expanding 3D-Coats painting abilities. One of the big changes is the rendering engine, which  is responsible for displaying all information you see inside the viewport. The old render engine was based on very basic shaders and got not much updates for a long time.

Now Andrew is implementing PBR (Physically Based Rendering) for the upcoming release. PBR is a rendering technique that is currently used in modern realtime render engines. This technique allows to simulate more realistic materials. The results resembles materials in real nature.

The new render technique give artists the possibility to present their work in a much higher quality. In many cases you will be not to be forced to render your models in the traditional way using renderers like vray or mental ray. Of course there are still a lot quality differences between the render techniques, but the PBR will save you a lot of time. Additionally you will be able to support modern render engines now like unreal angine 4 and others that are supporting PBR shaders.

3D-Coat is currently using a similar shader technique like marmoset toolbag and your work will be compatible to it.

To allow you do all this 3D-Coats internal layer struture and the realtime render engine were completely rewritten.

Following you see some examples using PBR in 3D-Coat and first usability screenshots.

Best wishes
Chris

 

Dirt support using ambient occlusion condition
"Dirt plastic" example

First insight into the new layer organisation
There is a dropbox library with more PBR material examples supported by 3D-Coat. You will find the gallery using the following link: More PBR shader examples


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Forum artwork by Kargall le feu: Le vieux Marin


To visit kargalls 3D Coat forum gallery use this link please: 3D Coat forum gallery

Kargalls official website with very nice works: Official Website

Monday, October 27, 2014

3D-Coat - Update 4.1.17C

Info:

This update has only minor fixes. NO PBR included yet. The PBR update will come as soon as possible. There is still too much work with material support, previewing, baking, export etc.

Fixes:

  • Tweak room select works correctly.
  • Topo symmetry works correctly now. It copies regardless on previous stamp mode usage.

Click here for download: Current 3D-Coat beta...

Infos about using 3D-Coat beta versions:
  • 3D-Coat beta versions can be used by registered users only. You have to register the current release to be able to use the current beta.
  • You are invited to test and use the new beta version while the whole developing process until the official release.
  • The permission to use the beta ends at the final release date. In this case you are able to buy the new release

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Introduction to Physically Based Rendering (PBR)



For everyone who is new in Physically Based Rendering

Javis Jones has prepared some informations about PBR for all interested artists. Javis thread in the 3D-Coat forums includes some documents and further infos about PBR shader principles.

To read the thread visit this link: Wanna learn more about PBR

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

PBR preview in 3D-Coat (work in progress)

Andrew is still working on implementing PBR (Physically Based Shaders) in 3D-Coat. The most parts are implemented. 3D-Coat shaders will be completely compatible with Marmoset Toolbag 2  shaders.

PBR shaders will be supported in all known modes:
  • Microvertex
  • Per Pixel Painting
  • Ptex
  • Vertex painting
First PBR-Preview in 3D-Coat

Monday, October 6, 2014

3D-Coat - Update 4.1.17

Hi friends.
I am a bit late with my update post, but I took two weeks off and am back now. So here we are:

Fixes

  • multithreading problems fixed in ppp painting - it will work much faster now (strokes, layers visibility etc.)
  • Paint room text tool aliasing problem fixed (but still needs some work even if become much better)
  • "Put picture along curve" correctly works with opacity in depth channel

Improvements

  • Swap YZ completely implemented in all tools (including axis and arrows colors). So Z-up mode should work correcty now.

Click here for download: Current 3D-Coat beta...

Infos about using 3D-Coat beta versions:
  • 3D-Coat beta versions can be used by registered users only. You have to register the current release to be able to use the current beta.
  • You are invited to test and use the new beta version while the whole developing process until the official release.
  • The permission to use the beta ends at the final release date. In this case you are able to buy the new release

Saturday, September 13, 2014

3D-Coat - Update 4.1.16

New functions

  • Constructor tool enabled. It was developed previously but was not open to everyone. This is a lego/minecraft style of cell modeling - mainly aimed to children. Together with symmery, pose and wrapping it may help in "serious" modeling as well.

Improvements

  • RMB controls radius works in a more predictable way in the 2D texture editor
  • Swap YZ option in preferences added (to work with editors that has Z - axis up).
    When activated it globally exchanges Y and Z everywhere (in dialogs, naming etc)
  • Tapering tweaked: Pressure at the end of curve will be used even after the end of tapering length. In this way tapering may be use to start strokes smoothly regardless on initial "pen strike".
  • Rapid brush tweaked to work closer to previous version but bake advantage from newer approach. This is done to preserve compatibility with presets.

Fixes

  • Several issues in Paint room curves fixed:
    - RMB controls radius correctly in both - 3D and 2D modes
    - Fixed problem of incorrect normal in some cases of windows configuration (blocking problem)
    - RMB click toggles hardness

Click here for download: Current 3D-Coat beta...

Infos about using 3D-Coat beta versions:
  • 3D-Coat beta versions can be used by registered users only. You have to register the current release to be able to use the current beta.
  • You are invited to test and use the new beta version while the whole developing process until the official release.
  • The permission to use the beta ends at the final release date. In this case you are able to buy the new release.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

3D-Coat - Update 4.1.15B


New functions

  • Brush Tapering introduced! Note the icon beside the brush radius control in the top menu.
New : Tapering Brushes

Improvements

  • Rapid/Claws corrected to be less bumpy (but still rigid)
  • "Apply" overrides Enter in all tools
  • Layer blending popup polished
  • Symmetry copy updated to avoid holes
  • Painted strokes started in texture window will not continue painting objects in 3D view
  • Alternatively beta versions can be downloaded by using google drive now

Fixes

  • Fixed major bug related to symmetry & presets "desease"
  • Lag after stroke fixed
  • Undo speeded up. This should improve sculpting experience greatly
  • "Frame" object fixed.
  • Symmetry copy problem solved
  • Rotate along stroke/strips does not lead to initial round spot in some tools
  • Fixed Flatten clay holes
Click here for download: Current 3D-Coat beta...

Infos about using 3D-Coat beta versions:
  • 3D-Coat beta versions can be used by registered users only. You have to register the current release to be able to use the current beta.
  • You are invited to test and use the new beta version while the whole developing process until the official release.
  • The permission to use the beta ends at the final release date. In this case you are able to buy the new release.



Monday, September 1, 2014

Featured artwork by Pascal Raimbault: "Faora - Man of Steel"

Hi friends.

I've found a very nice new artwork by Pascal Raimbault. Pascal used 3D-Coat for the retopo of the girls armor. Maybe some of you know Pascal from CGfeedback. He is currently working at Weta Digital.

I hope you like the image the same like me. :-)


Some technical infos:
  • Base mesh in Maya
  • Armour block out and detailing in Zbrush
  • Armour retopo in 3D-Coat
  • Texturing in Mari
  • Rig in Maya
  • Face sculpt in Mudbox
  • Rendered with Guerilla render.
    (A single CPU license of  Guerilla Render can be used for free!)
Visit the origin post at CGFeedback: Wanna see...
There is a work in progress thread at CGfeedback too: W.I.P.

3D-Coat - Update 4.1.14


Improvements

  • Quick access to layer's blending options - hover layer, press small triangle that appears on the right.
  • "Rotate along stroke" tuned to avoid trajectory twisting, many surface brushes got trajectory improvement that should lead to more predictible sculpting.
  • Retopo with symmetry improved. Points will be automatically snapped and welded to the symmetry plane. It is especially important in non-virtual mirror mode.

Fixes

  • Slide edges correctly works with non-virtual symmetry now.
  • Spline stroke in E mode works correctly with multiple strokes now. No more random dots.
  • Set of problems related to fill/ fill with freeze fixed in vertex paint mode.
Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Tips & Tricks: Using the right external 2D-Editor for 3D-Coat

What is the right external 2D-Editor for 3D-Coat?

3D-Coats Paint mode offers the possibility to edit the current active paint layer within an external editor like Adobe Photoshop. This function can be applied to all existing paint layers simultanously too.

The function can be found under
Edit->Sync Layers w/ Ext. Editor

For proper use of this functions meet the following requirement:
  • Be shure your external tool is compatible to the photoshop file format
  • The reason: 3D-Coat is sending paint layer information to external 2D-tools in photoshop file format only!

Additional HINT for Adobe Photoshop Elements users:


When you use the synch layers function the first time Adobe Photoshop Elements starts, but no document will be opened. The layer information from 3D-Coat will be unfortunately deleted at the starting process of PS Elements.

To correct this go back to 3D-Coat and execute the function anew there. When you switch back to Photoshop Elements now all should work and you see the selected 3D-Coat layer.

The solution

For proper use of layer synchronisation in 3D-Coat you have to start Adobe Photoshop Elements before using the sync functions.


Tips & Tricks: Der richtige externe 2D-Editor für 3D-Coat

Die Verwendung des richtigen externen Editors

In 3D-Coat kann man im Malen-Modus aktive Ebenen in einem externen Editor bearbeiten. Diese Funktion kann man auch für alle Ebenen gleichzeitig ausführen.

Der Befehl findet sich im Malen-Modus unter
Bearbeiten->Aktive Ebene im ext. Editor bearbeiten

Damit die Funktionen genutzt werden können, muss folgende Voraussetzung erfüllt sein:
  • Euer externes Grafik-Programm sollte Photoshop-kompatibel sein.
  • Der Grund: Mal-Ebenen aus 3D-Coat werden derzeit ausschließlich im Photoshop-Format an externe 2D-Programme übertragen.

TIPP für Adobe Photoshop Elements - Benutzer:

Wenn das erste Mal eine aktive Ebene in Photoshop Elements übertragen wird, startet das Programm zwar, aber es ist kein Dokument zu sehen. Denn beim ersten Starten von PS Elements wird leider die Übertragung von 3D-Coat gelöscht.

Um das zu korrigieren, wechselt man zurück in 3D-Coat und führt dort den Befehl noch einmal aus.

Die Lösung

Damit das Übertragen von Ebenen aus 3D-Coat in PS Elements richtig funktioniert, muss PS Elements zuvor gestartet worden sein. (Getestet unter Adobe Photoshop Elements 12.)

Viele Grüße
Chris

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

3D-Coat - Update 4.1.13

New:
  • New retopo tool: Scale. This tool scales clusters individually.
Fixes:
  • Fixed a lot of problems related to symmetry. Clone with symmetry problem solved. Seams & symmetry problem fixed.
  • Fixed problem of "Simple" triangulation, compatibility presets tweaked. I still need help in 3D-Max compatibility.
Improvements:
  • Retopo room: Bevel->select sharp edges have got a better dialog and supports realtime preview now.
  • Better support of highpoly meshes when using import via File->Import for vertex painting.
    It works faster and requires less memory now.
  • Import images as mesh supports TIFF images now.
Additional infos:
If someone is missing the "voxels" room/tab. The tab name was changed into "sculpt". The sculpt room supports all kind of mesh sculpting since a long time, not voxels only.

Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Monday, August 25, 2014

Featured artwork by Bobby Ranvir Bath: "phat knight"

After a long term I am happy to feature a great artwork created with 3D-Coat.

The image with the name "phat knight" was sculpted by Bobby Ranvir Bath. There are some more nice works on his website. Ranvir is an very experienced artist and has worked already for some of the most known companies like Capcom, Bioware or Electronic Arts.



To visit ranvirs website with more exciting work click here: Wanna see...

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

3D-Coat - Update 4.1.12

Improvements:
  • Normalmapping standarized.
    New presets for normalmapping introduced. You will find them in preferences->import dialog->normalmap import dialog.
    Andrew needs your help to prepare the presets itself exactly. Especially he has problems with 3DS Max. If someone wants to help him to create a preset - please drop a mail to support. He needs help with Modo too.

    Andrew also discovered: In most cases 3D packages are not working correctly with normalmaps/tangentspace. Even in best case (baked in maya, rendered in maya) they are not shown completely correctly. But in 3D-Coat the normalmaps will be shown correctly.
    Normalmaps tests were done in Maya and Unity. Both platforms have problems in their shaders.
  • 3D-Coat was updated to FBX SDK 2015 now. This decision solved a lot of different FBX export/import problems.
  • Normals/Tangentspace will be exported together now in FBX, but in Maya you will need to smooth normals to show them perfectly. Unity catches all well without additional actions (except it's own internal probems where Andrew has no influence.).
  • Retopo menu is split into 2 parts now - Retopo and Bake.
  • Text/hints refined
Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Monday, August 11, 2014

3D-Coat - Update 4.1.11A

New:
  • Tangent space/triangulation options introduced into Preferences.
    This feature requires some additional work to understand what settings are the best for each external software. Andrew will publih test files very soon to check different software requirements.
Improvements:
  • Symmetry polished to work in all modes.
  • Symmetry dialog is now a popup window and dockable.
  • Step symmetry implemented.
Fixes:
  • Split tool fixed.
  • Blending modes corrected for better compatibility with Adobe Photoshop.
  • Layer opacity will be transferred correctly from Photoshop to 3D-Coat now.
  • A lot of mantis problems fixed. Check and approve them please.
Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

First official 3D-Coat channel on Vimeo opened

For all who are fans of vimeo Javis Jones opened the first and official 3D-Coat channel on vimeo. To visit the channel follow the following link please.

Visit the channel by clicking here: http://www.vimeo.com/groups/261969


Monday, July 28, 2014

3D-Coat - Update 4.1.10B

Improved:
  • Symmetry finished in good beta stage. All tools are supported.
  • presets support symmetry (optionally)
  • primitives history store symmetry as well
  • pose tool got 3d lasso support
Fixes:
  • one baking problem fixed:
    sometimes after baking, saving and re-opening scene tangent space was different and seams appeared.
  • fixed crash, primitives problem solved 
Additional infos:
Generally due to changes seamlessness of ppp depth painting should become better.
Andrew needs your help in testing the baking fix. To support Andrew do the following two tests:

Test "T by B":
  1. Please set Preferences->Local space normalisation to Normalize T by B
  2. bake scene
  3. open object with normalmap in your favorite modeler/render
Test "B by T":
  1. Then set the value to Normalize B by T
  2. re-bake
  3. open in modeler/render as well.
Which test result in better quality (Andrew means the seams and normalmap quality) ?
In dependence on your feedback Andrew will set the corresponding value as default for the future.

Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Monday, July 21, 2014

Part 5 (English) - How to create a 3D model for video games - Topic: Fantasy weapon

Yesterday our summer was extremely hot and muggy here in germany. We had 95 F (35°C). So I used the time in our cooler house to record the 5th episode of the english version of my fantasy weapon tutorial series. I hope you like the result. :-)

In this episode of my tutorial series you will learn how to create a repeatable pattern. This pattern will be used as a mask in 3D-Coat to extrude ornaments on the weapon. The interesting part is: The pattern need to placed on a round surface and must fit exactly. You will learn the whole process beginning in creating the mask in photoshop with vector graphics up to using the result in 3D-coat.

Preview: Episode 6 will introduce the texturing part. There I will begin to retopologize the highpoly model to get a low poly mesh for the game engine.

Best wishes
Chris


Sunday, July 20, 2014

Teil 5 - Erstellung eines 3D-Modells für Computerspiele - Thema: "Fantasy-Waffe"

Hallo zusammen.

Es ist soweit. Teil 5 meiner Tutorialserie ist fertig. Das Ergebnis sieht zwar nicht so spektakulär aus und das Video ist auch etwas länger geworden als geplant, jedoch kann sowas für Anfänger kompliziert werden. Daher hoffe ich, das ihr hier noch etwas neues lernt. :-)

Inhalt:
Ihr lernt in dieser Episode meiner Serie, wie man wiederholbare Projektions-Muster erstellt und sie dann in 3D-Coat einbaut und verwendet. In diesem Fall sind es Runen für die Axtschneide. Photoshop Nutzer kommen hier auf Ihre Kosten. Aber auch für alle Anderen ist dieser Teil sicher sehr interessant.

(English version will be published as soon as possible.)

Viel Spaß
Chris


Monday, July 14, 2014

3D-Coat - Update 4.1.10

New functions:
  • General case of symmetry introduced. All tools but Autopo supports new symmetry now.
    Autopo support for multiple mirrored objects is planned for the next build.
Fixes:
  • Gizmo problem in transform tool
  • Stamp mode problem in voxelmode
Additional infos:
  • This is first beta related to symmetry. It is possible that you will find something that is not covered by the new symetry function. If so, please report it to Andrew. The best by posting it as an feature request in mantis. Assign the issue to Andrew and he will get it.
Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Friday, June 20, 2014

3D-Coat - Update 4.1.09(A-C)

Changes:
  • Improvement: Merge, curves text parameters are stored in History window as well.
  • Improvement: Rect/Ellipse E - modes may become square if 'Q' pressed (may be changed in settings)
  • Improvement: Manual updated
  • Fixed: retopo FBX crash
  • Fixed: Problem that was breaking pipeline Voxels->Retopo, Bake with triangulation->Exort.Final object was not triangulated.
  • Fixed: autopo dialog problems
  • Fixed: A lot of scripting bugs
Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

3D-Coat - Update 4.1.09

Changes:
  • NEW: Primitives history window. It keeps history of primitives usage (Windows->Primitives history). It opens the way to nondestructive modeling. Further Andrew will add curves, merge, cutoff and possibly stroking history.
  • Improvement: Chiesel/Flattern brushes tuned a lot. Now they easely produce flat surface even under aggressive sculpting. It hould work much more prodictable. Changes was done under guidance of an russian artist.
  • Improvement: Scripts will not be paused on inactive windows
  • Improvement: Scripts updated a bit - naming in comboboxes changed a bit for getting unique identifiers, some functions related to uv selection introduced, command line accessing.
  • Improvement: Hardsurface autopo disabled if voxelize turned ON in AUTOPO dialog.
  • Fixed: Problem of curves preview when node scaled fixed. RMB & drag will scale node, RMB click will toggle sharpness (for uniformity with other curve-like tools)
  • Fixed: UV-sets names corrected - if symbol like : happens there - it will be replaced with _ to be able to export textures correctly.
  • Fixed: Fixed Undo in UV/Retopo - no more switching to zero UV set after Undo
  • Fixed: Fixed crash in UV room -> Hide. Hide/invert hide/unhide different problems fixed.
Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Friday, June 13, 2014

Forum artwork by Leigh Bamforth: Creature doodle

Leigh Bamforth has created a very nice creature in 3D-Coat that is reall worth to be presented here.

3D-Coat view
Realtime result in Marmoset Toolbag 2
Some short project infos:
  • 3D coat for Sculpting, retopology, projection and texturing
  • Topogun for the occlusion map which was then blended into the mix in 3D coat.
To see the full development progress click here for the origin post in the forums:
Wanna see...

Friday, May 30, 2014

Part 4 (English) - How to create a 3D model for video games - Topic: Fantasy weapon

Good news for my international audience. Now you will find the 4th episode of my tutorial series how to create a fantasy weapon for video games on my youtube channel.

Have fun!
Chris



Tuesday, May 27, 2014

3D-Coat - Updates 4.1.08 - 4.1.08B

Update 4.1.08B:
  • Improved: Chiesel tweaked - solved a problem with symmetry on CTRL action, alpha rotated along stroke and modulated so that shape is maximally accurate, normal orthogonal to trajectory, it allows you to avoid too quick and irregular diving into surface.
Update 4.1.08A
  • Fixed: solved some symmetry and crash problem
Update 4.1.08
  • Improved: Chiesel/flattern got improvement - much more predictble trajectory and better quality. Normals sampling got better algorithm - normals are sampled along trajectory, not in just end spot.
  • New: Noise tool introduced in surface mode with realtime preview and infinite details. Pay special attention to anisotropic mode. It is good for natural stones. In Normal mode it is a good planet generator. This tool is only initial iteration for future noise tool. Node editor expected there!
  • New: Vertical lathe curve
  • Improved: UI in primitives polished a bit (tooltips, icons).
  • Fix: Fixed very important problem that was happening sometimes (mostly depending on computer and OS, most frequent on Win 8.1) that was causing strokes screwing.
Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Thursday, May 22, 2014

3D-Coat 4.1.07A - Update

Changes:
  • Improved: Realtime preview for Textures->Adjust->... Multithreading optimisation applied to adjust operations.
  • Improved:  Improved interaction with photoshop in case of mirrored UV sets - you may paint on both of mirrored sides and they will be merged correctly.
  • Improved: copy clay updated - but still in very beta stage. Pay attendion to bend->Laplacian
  • Improved: Res+ in surface mode subdivides whole mesh
  • Fixed: Hints over primitives restored
Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Friday, May 9, 2014

3D-Coat 4.1.07 - Update

Changes list for v06 / v07:
  • NEW: Layers groups in Paint room introduced. Interaction with PS completely supported:
  • NEW: Primitives UI essentially changed to icon-based style:
  • NEW: VoxTree RMB -> Put on ground, Lay on ground (Object will be moved and rotated to get physically stable position on the ground.)
  • Improvement: Normalmap layer may be locally magnified or reduced with Magnify tool
  • Improvement: Text primitive supports bending, text may be conformed to surface using bending with pen click or "Conform to surface" button.
  • Improved: Inverse function for Chisel tweaked to produce less wavy surface.
  • Improved: Pen rotation interpolation tweaked to avoid inintial rotation of the brush

  • This is history now!
  • Fixed: Dragging layer inside layers folder works correctly
  • Fixed: ALT+layer click works correctly
  • Fixed: Stamp mode in paint room and Texture->Apply-> works correctly now with multiple volumes (stated by artman, but it seems to be longstanding problem)
  • Fixed: found and fixed retopo merging problems - one crash and one major slowdown while merging retopo -> paint room. Last one - longstanding problem, relatively highpoly meshes from retopo room was producing huge lags while merging in paint room. 
  • Fixed: Retopo groups random color change fixed. Now you may edit retopo palette
Retopo groups can get own colors now!
  • Fixed: Some bugfixes mentioned in mantis
Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Forum artwork by Linda MacGill: Microwave emitter

I want to show you another nice piece of artwork made by Linda MacGill aka "Methelina".
Linda proves that microwaves can be used for more than warming up food... ;-)


Click here to see the origin forum post: Go to forums...
To see Lindas official gallery at deviantart click here: Methelinas gallery

Monday, April 28, 2014

Forum artwork by Jose Conseco: Scout girl

I would like to present you a new very nice forum artwork. It was created by Jose Conseco.
Jose used 3D Coat for the sculpting. Blender and zBrush were used for the clean up and final composition.


Visit Joses 3D Coat forum gallery here: Take a look
More images by Jose Conseco on deviantart: http://joseconseco.deviantart.com/

Sunday, April 27, 2014

3D-Coat 4.1.04A - Update

Changes:
  • Fixed: chinese translation works correctly
  • Fixed: CloseHole with rectangle works correctly
  • Improvement: split&joints got gap not only in width but in depth as well
  • Improvement: STL - files that are exported from SolidWorks will be loaded correctly
    (Actually the exported files don't correspond to the official specifications due to "solid" work at the beginning of binary STL. Andrew wrote a workaround to load such files anyway.).
Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Forum artwork by Gavin Ball: Wolverine study

Gavin Ball has posted a very nice wolverine study which is worth to be presented. Actually it began to be a Boxer sculpture but ended in this wolverine study.





To visit the origin forum post please click here: Origin forum post

Visit Gavins Gallery at www.gavinball.com

3D-Coat 4.1.03/04 - Update

Changes to 4.1.03:
  • Fix: Fixed shaders crash
  • Improvement: Split&Joints got delta distance between joints sides
  • Improvement: More safe cached volumes - Andrew vanished all known ways to destroy it (it was possible for example with Resample)
  • Improvement: Merge tool got "To main axis", auto-scale problem fixed as well

Changes to 4.1.04:
  • Improvement: Split&Joints got delta distance between joints sides
  • Improvement: More safe cached volumes - Andrew vanished all known ways to destroy it (it was possible for example with Resample)
  • Improvement: Merge tool got "To main axis", auto-scale problem fixed as well
  • Fix: Fixed shaders crash
Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

3D-Coat 4.1.02- Update

Updated to 4.1.02
  • Fix: Different problems related to primitives density in surface and voxel modes solved. Previously merging primitive in dence volumes took too much memory and was not stable.
  • Fix: UV & Retopo unwrapping tool will not crash on non manifold meshes and will even try to unwrap them correctly.
  • Improvement: Importing mesh for Ptex will trigger warning dialog if there are triangles/ngons.
  • Improvement: RMB->Extrude will work in real units as other tools
  • Improvement: Merging new mesh in retopo room will remove single and empty uv sets to avoid accamulating void unnecessary uv sets.
Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Monday, April 14, 2014

3D-Coat 4.1.01 - Update

Updated to 4.1.01

Layers groups are not included there, not finished.
This build is intended as service build to 4.1.00. It fixes several problems of 4.1.00.
Andrew needs your help to test if this build is really worth everyone's usage for nearby 4-5 months while we will dive into beta stage.
  • Fixed airbrush in paint room
  • Fixed problem of 2x lathe size
  • Improved autopo usability, UI a bit changed.
    For complex shapes using of "Voxelize" recommended
  • New primitive - Text.
  • Sketch tool problems fixed.
  • Merge tool + Merge as skin works in real units and draws preview.
  • Pick from retopo centrifies gizmo.
  • Undo with intersect fixed in voxel mode.
Andrew has modeled with the current 3D-Coat version a lot, to get a better feeling about your experience with it. The mentioned fixes and improvements are the result of his invested time into modeling.

Pilgway bought a 3D-printer. So some t=changes related to this area (text + lathe).

Click here to download the current version : Wanna have it...

Monday, April 7, 2014

Teil 4 - Erstellung eines 3D-Modells für Computerspiele - Thema: "Fantasy-Waffe"

Es ist endlich soweit. Nach längerer Abstinenz habe ich am Wochenende den vierten Teil meiner Tutorial-Serie zur Erstellung einer Fantasy-Waffe fertiggestellt. Es geht nach diesem Teil noch weiter. Daher hoffe ich, das ihr dran bleibt, wie bisher. Vielen Dank für Eure Geduld während der Wartezeit. Ich war zwischendurch länger krank und später kamen noch Kundenprojekte, die mich auch heute gut beschäftigen. Aber ich kann Euch ja nicht hängen lassen und mache natürlich weiter. :-)

For the english audience:
The englisch version of my fantasy weapon tutorial series will follow as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.



Monday, March 31, 2014

3D-Coat V4.1 released


Key features:
  • Huge improvement of brushing quality in voxel surface mode!
  • Specularity blending modes introduced.
  • The industry-unique Split&Joints tool introduced. A very neat feature for making complex 3D prints. Split your model into several parts, print it and assemble easily using joints!
  • Gizmo for 2D-Grid. Use with materials and masks.
  • Lathe tool in Primitives. Simply draw a profile and get the result.
  • 3D grid introduced. Yields much more control for better and more precise snapping!
  • Much better quality and speed of LiveClay brushes. All surface brushes got essential quality improvements.
  • 3D selection in VoxLayer. From now on you can surround the area that you want to select with thin 3D spline!
  • Supersmooth/Anguator/Subdivide.
  • Essentially updated quadrangulation:
    - Quads only in very most cases
    - Adaptive density, much better features capturing (like fingers)
    - Good symmetry support. Symmetry improves quality drastically.
  • Pose tool got an incredibly important addition: selection spline profile + free-form deformation strictness.
  • Spherical/Cylindrical mapping introduced for masks and materials
  • Very important UI improvement. Now you may press RMB and get properties window.
  • Multiple tweaks and bug fixes for Brushes and other Sculpting tools
But that's just the tip of the iceberg, check out the complete list of 3D-Coat V.4.1 features and examples here: http://3d-coat.com/3d-coat-41/
Click here for downloaf version 4.1: Wanna have it!

Friday, March 21, 2014

3D Coat 4 - update 4.0.18 [BETA]

Changes:
  • Improvement: Attempt to resolve "loosing pressure" issue on Wacom. It is Wacom's bug so Andrew need to do different sort of "strange hacks" to avoid this.
  • Improvement: Retopo groups may be treated as Objects, not as Materials (as before, but you may switch to old style in preferences). It is much more logical, but this change requires careful check, it is potentially unsafe. To be honest it was far not easy to change.
  • Improvement: Stability of strokes shape on very curvy shapes improved. Mantis link
  • Improvement: Steady Stroke AUTO OFF when press Shift key for quick smoot.
Click here to download the current BETA version : Wanna have it...

Monday, March 17, 2014

3D Coat 4 - update 4.0.17A [BETA]

Changes:
  • New feature for surface sculpting: Freeze->Hide frozen areas
  • Fixed: Crash in mark seams
  • Fixed: Sketch tool problems
  • Improvement: Adjusted depth in pinch (3x)
  • Improvement: Drag&drop volumes to models/splines restored
Click here to download the current BETA version : Wanna have it...

Friday, March 14, 2014

3D Coat 4 - update 4.0.17 [BETA]

Changes:

  • Fixed: Decimation removes specularity!
  • Fixed: Specular channel deleted in Proxy mode
  • Fixed: Polygonal spline tool doesn't close
  • Fixed: Materials in paint room disappear when inverting
  • Fixed: "More/Less on heights" masking only works with positive heights
  • Fixed: Changing texture size to a factor of 1:2 changes existing uvs and UVs results in streches
  • Fixed: problems with unclosed splines
  • Fixed: superlongstanding issue of GL version when depth shader are freezing depth when shadow enabled.
  • Improved: Adjustable scale for palette colors/shaders
  • Several important stability issues resolved


    Click here to download the current BETA version : Wanna have it...

    Wednesday, March 5, 2014

    3D Coat 4 - update 4.0.16C [BETA]


    • NEW: New method of unwrapping - GU (globally uniform unfolding) along with ABF, LSCM. It was not intended to be new feature, but the idea appeared during fixing a crash in the unwrap procedure.
      See comparison images below.
    • Improvement: Crease clay completely changed. Now depth will be defined by the depth slider and strength will be determined by a slider. Each has a pressure curve. Adaptive details algorithm specially adopted to procuce cleanest results with Crease clay.
    • Fixes: Several mantis problems fixed.
    Reuploaded to version 16C because of urgent fixes!

    Click here to download the current BETA version : Wanna have it...