HeaderNekki’s physics-based animation tool Cascadeur gets a major update with version 2025.1, bringing a new AI-powered Inbetweening tool that automatically generates motion between two poses. This allows animators to skip the manual process of setting up keyframes for transitions, saving time and improving animation flow.
What Are Inbetweens?
In animation, inbetweens are the frames that connect key poses, creating the illusion of smooth motion. Traditionally, animators would manually draw or set up these frames between key poses. With AI-driven Inbetweening, Cascadeur now handles this step automatically, producing fluid, natural movement with a single click.
Enhanced AutoPosing & AutoPhysics
AutoPosing now offers better stability and improved pelvis control, making it easier to fine-tune character movement without unwanted distortions. Meanwhile, AutoPhysics benefits from an upgraded Geometrical Constraints logic, which preserves the original pose more effectively. A newly added slider provides greater control over the Physics Corrector, allowing animators to fine-tune physical accuracy.
Ragdolls Get Smarter
The Ragdoll system receives a major upgrade, introducing improved interactions between characters and props. Additionally, it now supports custom kinematic mesh colliders, allowing for more precise physical simulations.
What Are Ragdoll Physics?
Ragdoll physics simulate the way bodies collapse and interact with their environment when force is applied. Used extensively in games and VFX, they help create realistic character falls, impacts, and unconscious body movements. The latest improvements in Cascadeur refine these interactions, making them more reliable and realistic.
File Format Updates: GLTF/GLB & FBX Improvements
With extended compatibility for Blender, Daz3D, and other software, Cascadeur now supports GLTF/GLB import—a widely used format for 3D assets in real-time applications. This makes it easier to integrate Cascadeur animations into a range of software and game engines. Improvements to FBX handling further streamline compatibility with industry-standard tools.
Software That Now Works with Cascadeur
With the addition of GLTF/GLB and improved FBX support, Cascadeur now fits more seamlessly into workflows involving Blender, Daz3D, Unreal ENgine and Max/Maya/Cinema 4D. And even the new After Effects can import Fbx!
UI & Workflow Optimizations
Various UI changes, optimized Copy Tools, and improved Unbaking functionality make their way into this release. Additionally, Roblox developers will find new sample characters included, simplifying character animation workflows for the platform. A new Right-Click Context Menu makes setting pivots and accessing functions faster. For those who prefer the old way of doing things, the previous right-click behavior can still be enabled in viewport input settings.
Price & Availability
Cascadeur 2025.1 is available now. Full release notes can be found on the official site. As always, test before deploying in production—AI is smart, but it’s still learning.
Cascadeur is available under a flexible pricing model designed to suit animators of all levels. For those just getting started, the Free version provides a complete animation toolset with rigging and physics-based features—but it only allows export in the proprietary .casc format and restricts commercial use. For hobbyists and small teams, the Indie plan offers additional export options (.fbx, .dae, and .usd) and priority support, available at approximately $12 per month (or $8 per month when billed annually), with eligibility limited to users whose annual revenue is below $100,000.
Professionals and small teams can upgrade to the Pro plan, which unlocks unlimited commercial use along with advanced features such as scene linking and animation retargeting, priced at about $49 per month—or $33 per month on an annual plan. For larger groups, the Teams plan is available at a similar rate per user, and includes extra perks like dedicated Discord support and a 30-minute onboarding call.
And, something excellent we’ve only seen with Cascadeur: As a bonus for annual subscribers, each plan automatically converts into a perpetual license after one year, meaning even if you cancel later, you get to keep using the last version released during your subscription period.
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