Pivot Studio has released version 1.4 of Pattern Engine, its procedural pattern generation software. The update introduces new features for working with custom shapes, compound patterns, and layout precision, while maintaining the tool’s original focus on flexibility and control in pattern design. (more...)

Cebas Visual Technology has updated thinkingParticles, its procedural visual effects plugin for 3ds Max. Version 7.4 brings full compatibility with 3ds Max 2026 and introduces a major expansion of the ME‑L scripting language with over 160 new functions.

The updated ME‑L system provides programmatic control over individual mesh components such as vertices, faces, normals, and elements. It supports advanced modeling operations including edge subdivision and dynamic remeshing. The scripting syntax has been designed to be accessible to artists without requiring in-depth programming experience.

New features in this release include the SimpleDeform node's expanded functionality with pose matching controls, allowing particle meshes to maintain or revert to their original poses after deformation. A new moisture-based activation feature, “Wakeup Sel,” has been added to the MPM-Sand system, enabling particles to activate in response to moisture levels. The new SplineForce node introduces spline-driven force fields that can guide particle motion along predefined paths.

The update also includes an Explosion System consisting of special-purpose nodes aimed at creating explosion effects with a streamlined setup process and customizable control. The SPH 7.3 fluid solver has been revised to improve responsiveness and performance in pressure-related calculations. ME‑L now supports custom markers for debugging within 3ds Max, with options for text, lines, points, and color displays.

For more information, visit Cebas Visual Technology's website.

Mihail Lupu has released Spline Brush for Autodesk 3ds Max. This new tool allows users to create and manipulate splines interactively within the viewport. It supports direct editing of spline points and curves, adjustable brush settings, geometry snapping, and standard undo/redo functionality. (more...)

Josef 'spacefrog' Wienerroither has updated his IFC import plugins for Autodesk 3ds Max, now supporting versions 2017 through 2026. (more...)

Chaos has updated Vantage to version 2.8. (more...)

Unity has released Unity 6.1, the first update release in the Unity 6 series. (more...)

Chaos has published a detailed explanation of sub-surface scattering. Read it on their blog. 

Adobe has released version 26.6 of Photoshop on desktop, introducing new selection tools, color adjustments, and image generation features. (more...)