The post Keychron K5 Max: The New Default first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

The post The Hungarian Dressmaker – by PFX first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

The post Rise FX saves christmas? first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

Wrap Gen is a procedural wrapping tool for Blender, created by Hodgson3D. It allows users to wrap custom geometry around objects using guide curves and geometry nodes. The tool supports both poly and bezier curves as guides, enabling users to define the path of the wrap. Users can choose to array objects along the wrap or wrap single objects along the curve. An internal shrinkwrap/convex hull system ensures that the wrap conforms to the contours of the target mesh, behaving like a tight rope or strap over concave and convex areas.

Key Features

• Custom Geometry Wrapping: Assign your own geometry to be wrapped around the target mesh.
• Wrap Count Control: Set the desired number of wraps. For individual control, set the wrap count to “1” and duplicate the guide curve in edit mode.
• Curve Radius Adjustment: Dial in where the wraps interact with the target mesh by adjusting the curve radius.
• Target Mesh or Collection: Choose to wrap around a single mesh or a collection of objects.
• Array Option: Decide whether to array the wrap mesh along the curve or wrap a single object.
• Randomization Settings: Add randomness to offset, rotation, and spin with exposed seed parameters for quick iterations.
• Scatter Meshes: Scatter objects along the wraps to add knots or imperfections, enhancing the organic look.
• Self-Collision Detection: Enable self-collision to generate more realistic layering of wraps.
• Convex Hull Normals: Convert the target mesh to a convex hull to sample normals from, aiding in wrap alignment.
• Alignment to Normals: Align wraps to the normals of the target mesh for non-uniform objects like straps.
• Merge Threshold: Adjust the merge threshold to control the merging of vertices after deformation.
• Default Wrap Settings: Use default settings for profile radius, resolution, and curve resolution when no custom wrap mesh is assigned.

Usage Steps

1. Draw out a guide curve (poly or bezier).
2. Set the desired number of wraps.
3. Adjust the curve radius to define interaction with the target
4. Assign your target mesh or collection and the wrap mesh.
5. Customize settings for randomness, alignment, and more.

Compatibility and Availability

Wrap Gen is compatible with Blender versions 4.1 through 4.4. It is available for purchase at Superhive Market for $10.99, currently discounted to $8.24.

Final Thoughts

Wrap Gen offers a procedural approach to wrapping geometry in Blender, streamlining the process and providing extensive customization options. As with any new tool, it’s advisable to test its integration within your specific pipeline before full-scale implementation.

The post Wrap Gen: Because Your Mesh Deserves a Hug first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

RetopoFlow, the long-standing retopology add-on for Blender, has entered its 4.0 Beta phase. This new version doesn’t reinvent your topology workflow – it just tries to make it suck a little less. The update focuses on UI tweaks, feature consistency, and a reworked PolyStrips tool. Still, the tool is under active development, which means production users should probably keep backups of their nerves and meshes.

A Retopo Tool That Stays in Viewport

One of RetopoFlow’s main draws remains unchanged: all tools operate inside Blender’s Edit Mode, using custom widgets. Unlike Blender’s native tools, you don’t need to switch modes. That alone keeps your RSI count slightly lower. The 4.0 Beta continues that approach, but introduces better UI consistency across tools and cleans up several visual glitches.

PolyStrips Rebuilt

The PolyStrips tool – the go-to for quickly laying down edge loops – has been rebuilt from the ground up. That means better responsiveness and more consistent behavior, though no new core functionality has been added yet. But since this is a beta, expect a few kinks while trying to block out your topology. You might still wince mid-loop.

UI Tweaks & Behavior Improvements

RetopoFlow 4 Beta brings better visual consistency to the tool overlays, interface elements, and tool workflows. Nothing dramatic, just a range of small UI-level quality-of-life improvements. For example, you’ll see more consistent color and behavior in tool outlines, previews, and manipulators. The devs also improved how the tools handle edge snapping and interactions with Blender’s geometry.

Performance: Still Under Construction

No official benchmarks or performance numbers were announced. Since this is a beta, stability and performance may vary depending on your hardware setup. The developers are still actively working on optimization and bug fixes, so don’t throw it into a deadline-sensitive project just yet.

Blender Integration and Version Notes

RetopoFlow 4 Beta supports Blender 4.2. The add-on is being developed by CG Cookie, and is available via their GitHub repository for testers who aren’t afraid of a few commits and crashes.

Price Tag

RetopoFlow 3.x costs $86.00 on the Blender Market. The 4.0 Beta is free for existing users and available for anyone to test via GitHub.

Final Warning: Beta Means Beta

While the new version brings welcome tweaks and a refreshed toolset, it’s still in beta. Artists working in production environments should treat it like fresh sushi: maybe tasty, maybe risky. Stability hasn’t been guaranteed, and features are still being refined. For now, use with caution – and maybe don’t uninstall your stable version just yet.

The post RetopoFlow 4 Beta: Now With Less Pain Per Polygon first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.