What's New in Modeling

Boolean Compound Object Creation

The redesigned Boolean tool for creating compound objects is more intuitive than ever. The double precision algorithm creates reliable meshes while the new workflow makes it easy to add and remove operands when assembling your geometries. Color coded outlining makes the Boolean operations applied to specific operands visible right in the viewport. The new Boolean Explorer helps you keep track of your operands during assembly while sub-boolean nesting helps you organize the components involved in creating complex objects.

Local Aligned

Local Aligned is a new axis alignment method that uses the coordinate system of the selected object to calculate X and Y axes in addition to Z. This can be useful when adjusting multiple sub-objects with different facings at the same time when Local causes undesirable results. You can access Local Aligned from the Reference Coordinate System drop down menu on the main toolbar.

Toggle between Sub-Object Levels

While working with poly objects, you can now toggle between sub-object levels (vertex, edge, border, polygon, and element) using a hotkey. Using a single hotkey to move between levels allows you to spend less time searching for the appropriate key or button, and more time creating your model.

Working Pivot

A new workflow has been implemented for Working Pivot as well as quad menu support. You can now enter Working Pivot mode by selecting it directly from the Reference Coordinate System drop down menu as well as from the Hierarchy panel as done previously. Edit Working Pivot also incorporates a new caddy allowing artists to reset, accept or cancel modifications to pivot placement directly in the viewport.

Pin Working Pivot is another new option that offers new flexibility. Normally, Working Pivot resets its position whenever a new selection is made. With Pin Working Pivot enabled however, the placement of the Working Pivot stays consistent even when other objects are selected.

Point to Point Selection

You can now preview the selection of non-adjacent sub-objects to see exactly what will be selected before confirming the operation. To use point to point selection, hold down Shift and then click a vertex, edge, or polygon. Move the cursor and the selection will follow along the shortest possible path. Click again to confirm the preview. You can then continue adding and confirming more sub-objects to select, or release Shift to complete the action.

Bevel Profile Modifier

You are now able to create bevel profiles using an improved method which gives you more creative control. The Bevel Profile Editor allows you to easily create and edit your bevel profile as well as save presets for future use.

Morpher Modifier

The Morpher modifier now supports unlimited morph targets.

Unwrap UVW Modifier

In addition to new performance boosting code, UVW unwrapping is now easier and more powerful thanks to intuitive tools and improvements. Selecting sub-objects is faster with the addition of symmetrical selection options, point to point selection support, and other time-saving enhancements. The new Brush tool allows you to move and relax vertices directly in the editor window in order to tweak problematic areas. New bitmap UV checker options give increased control over viewport previews while the addition of a new texture checker offers better visual identification of UV and normal directions.

In conjunction with the new Multi Tile map in the Material editor, the UV editor now also supports Multi Tile view, which allows you to load multiple texture tiles into the UV editor. This is especially useful for opening and displaying high resolution textures produced by 3D painting applications such as Mudbox, and is an effective alternative to using multiple UV channels to texture objects.