The modeling, texturing, and rigging plugin UModeler X has removed its annual cost of over $100, now offering itself for free to all Unity developers. This tool, a finalist in the Unity Awards 2024, allows creating low-poly models, applying UVs, painting textures, and rigging characters directly in the editor. Its simplified approach positions it as an accessible alternative to ProBuilder for independent studios and artists seeking agility in their 3D workflow.
Modeling, UVs, and rigging in the editor without leaving Unity 🎨
UModeler X integrates features that previously required external software: polygonal modeling with extrusion and bevel tools, automatic UV mapping, texture painting with layers, and a bone-based rigging system. The plugin runs inside the Unity editor window, allowing for rapid iterations without context switching. It supports export to FBX and OBJ formats, and its collision engine adapts to low-poly geometries. Developers of commercial titles like Garden Paws have used it for both prototyping and final production, validating its stability in real-world projects.
Now that it's free, there's no excuse for your cube to still be a cube 😅
Until yesterday, paying $100 a year for a plugin was the perfect excuse to justify your potato-shaped models. But now that UModeler X is free, your main character can no longer be a cylinder with eyes. If after this you're still using untextured primitives, you'll have to accept that the problem wasn't the price, but your patience with vertices. At least the automatic rigging will save you the drama of animating a cube with legs.