Tuesday, November 12th, 2024Posted by Jim ThackerFoundry releases Mari 7.1 in betahtml PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Originally posted on 11 October 2024, and updated for Beta 2.Foundry has released Mari 7.1, the next version of its 3D texture painting software, in beta.New features include a 2D Painting Mode for creating or editing 2D images without having to switch to another application, and a new Switch node for creating texture variations.The beta is available to existing users with paid subscriptions or maintenance contracts.New 2D Painting Mode lets users edit source images or create decals without leaving MariThe main new feature in Mari 7.1 is the new 2D Painting Mode, for creating or editing 2D images without the need to open an external application like Photoshop.Suggested use cases include cloning out imperfections in source images, and creating custom decals and grunge maps.It supports the key features of Maris 3D painting toolset, including the Paint Buffer, Node Graph and Layer Stack, and can be accessed via a new 2D pane next to the Orthographic view, making it possible to switch between 3D and 2D modes quickly.Users can export the Node Graph to disk in 2D mode in a new .mrimg file format.The update also adds a new Image Write node type intended for use in 2D mode, equivalent to the existing Bake Point node for 3D workflows.It makes it possible to bake out a 2D image to the Image Manager that is automatically updated on each rebake.Updates to the Node GraphOther key changes in Mari 7.1 include the new Switch node.It enables artists to create multiple variants of a texture for example, clean and dirty states by choosing which parts of the Node Graph to render, switching between them with a UI toggle.There are also a number of quality-of-life improvements to the Node Graph, including the option to choose from swatches of commonly used colors when creating a new Paint node.Users can add their own custom colors to the swatches via a new Color Presets shelf.Custom Procedurals renamed Smart MasksIn addition, Maris existing Custom Procedurals system has been renamed Smart Masks to help users visualise how they might want to use the procedural groups in their projects.The same terminology is used in Adobes 3D painting software, Substance 3D Painter.The update also adds over 50 readymade Smart Masks, for creating texture breakup, wear and grunge effects, created by Digital Domain Lead Texture Artist Stuart Ansley.Still on the CY2023 spec for the VFX Reference PlatformAlthough Mari 7.1 remains on the CY2023 specification for VFX Reference Platform, two versions behind the latest spec, several third-party libraries have been updated. Find a full list here.Price, system requirements and release dateMari 7.1 is compatible with Windows 10+ and Rocky Linux/RHEL 9. It is currently in beta, for users with active maintenance: the beta isnt available for users of Mari Non-commercial. Foundry hasnt announced a final release date.Mari is available subscription-only. Individual subscriptions have a standard price of $86/month, or $689/year. Subscriptions for teams cost $1,169/year.Read a full list of new features in Mari 7.1 in the Beta 2 release notesHave your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we dont post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.Latest NewsBlackmagic Design releases Fusion Studio 19.1Update to the 3D compositing app extends USD and OCIO workflow, and adds new options for toggling between inputs in compositions.Wednesday, November 13th, 2024Blackmagic Design releases DaVinci Resolve 19.1Discover the key features for VFX artists and colorists in the free grading and editing software and its $295 Studio edition.Wednesday, November 13th, 2024Get the Blender Studio's free Brushstroke Tools for BlenderNeat free extension lets you apply painterly brushstrokes to the surface of 3D models while texturing them, and control the strokes procedurally.Tuesday, November 12th, 2024Foundry releases Mari 7.1 in betaUpdated for Beta 2: 3D texture painting app gets new 2D painting mode for editing source images or creating custom decals.Tuesday, November 12th, 2024Scene Group releases Cavalry 2.2Next-gen motion design software gets support for OpenType fonts, plus the option to create color gradients along strokes.Monday, November 11th, 2024Maxon releases ZBrush for iPad 2025.1First update to the iPad edition of the digital sculpting software adds support for texture maps, UV layouts and displacement maps.Friday, November 8th, 2024More NewsFoundry discontinues ModoEpic Games to share new free assets on Fab every two weeksGet 100+ free modular airport assets for Unity and Unreal EngineReallusion adds AI Smart Search to Character Creator and iClonePoly Hammer unveils MetaHuman DNA add-on for BlenderAcademy Software Foundation adopts OpenAPVWRetargetTool is a versatile free Maya animation retargeting toolSketchsoft releases Feather 1.0Tutorial: Creating Cinematic Concept ArtGet ProductionCrate's three new free After Effects pluginsDownload VFX artist David Llopis's free Maya dragon rigChaos releases Enscape 4.2Older Posts