Foundry has announced the beta release of Mari 7.1, the latest version of its renowned 3D texture painting software. This release introduces several new features designed to enhance user experience and streamline workflows, particularly in 2D and 3D painting modes.
| Key Features and Enhancements
1. New 2D Painting Mode
A major addition in Mari 7.1 is the 2D Painting Mode, allowing users to create or modify 2D images directly within Mari without needing to switch to external applications like Photoshop. This feature is ideal for tasks such as removing imperfections from source images and designing custom decals or grunge maps.
The 2D Painting Mode integrates seamlessly with Mari's powerful 3D painting toolset, including the Paint Buffer, Node Graph, and Layer Stack. It is accessible via a dedicated 2D pane next to the Orthographic view, allowing users to switch between 2D and 3D painting modes effortlessly. Additionally, users can export the Node Graph in 2D mode using the new ‘.mrimg’ file format.
The update also introduces a new Image Write node designed specifically for 2D workflows. This node allows users to bake 2D images into the Image Manager, with automatic updates triggered by each rebake.
2. Enhanced Node Graph
Mari 7.1 includes significant updates to the Node Graph, starting with the introduction of the Switch node. This tool enables artists to create multiple texture variations, such as clean and dirty states, by toggling between different sections of the Node Graph. The update also brings quality-of-life improvements, including a customizable Color Presets shelf where users can add frequently used colors to swatches when creating new Paint nodes.
3. Custom Procedurals Rebranded as Smart Masks
The Custom Procedurals system has been renamed Smart Masks to better align with its function and to reflect similar features in other industry-standard software like Adobe Substance 3D Painter. Mari 7.1 introduces over 50 ready-made Smart Masks, crafted by Digital Domain Lead Texture Artist Stuart Ansley, to help users create texture breakup, wear, and grunge effects quickly.
| Availability
The beta version of Mari 7.1 is now available to current users with active subscriptions or maintenance contracts.
This update is designed to provide artists with enhanced flexibility, enabling them to create richer, more dynamic textures and streamline their workflows across both 2D and 3D modes.
