Material Maker 1.5 Updates Its Free Software for Creating Materials
The open-source project Material Maker presents its new version 1.5. This release incorporates novel capabilities and refines the workflow for those who design procedural textures. The application facilitates generating sophisticated materials through a visual node system, comparable to tools like Substance Designer. The results can be exported to standard formats for use in video game engines and 3D modeling programs. 🎨
New Tools and Specialized Nodes
Version 1.5 integrates several unprecedented nodes that expand creative possibilities. Standouts include the Compute Shader nodes, which allow writing custom shaders in GLSL language directly within the graph. Nodes for producing XYZ textures and a Transform 2D node for precise coordinate manipulation are also added. The mask subsystem gains an exclusive Mask Editor node, simplifying non-destructive painting and modification of these masks. 🔧
Main Node Additions:- Compute Shader: For programming custom GLSL shaders within the graphical environment.
- XYZ Generator: Creates textures based on spatial coordinates.
- Transform 2D: Advanced manipulation and transformation of UV coordinates.
- Mask Editor: Dedicated tool for non-destructively editing paint masks.
The development team continues to refine this tool, which competes in a segment dominated by paid solutions.
Refinements in Interface and Performance
This update also prioritizes making the user experience more agile. The 3D preview panel has been improved, now enabling mesh illumination with HDRI images and exposure calibration. Overall performance has been optimized, and various bugs reported by users have been fixed. The open-source community continues to drive this project. ⚡
Implemented Improvements:- Improved 3D Preview Panel: With HDRI lighting support and exposure control.
- Performance Optimizations: For a faster and more stable workflow.
- Bug Fixes: Based on user community reports.
Final Considerations
Although it is a free tool, its node-based interface may make some users feel more like technicians than artists. However, this is a minor aspect considering the license cost savings and the power it offers for generating procedural materials. Version 1.5 consolidates Material Maker as a solid alternative in the field of texture design. 🚀