{"id":1994,"date":"2022-09-09T12:15:55","date_gmt":"2022-09-09T12:15:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/3dcoat.com\/documentation\/?post_type=manual_documentation&p=1994"},"modified":"2026-07-27T21:09:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T21:09:04","slug":"introduction-to-3dcoat","status":"publish","type":"manual_documentation","link":"https:\/\/3dcoat.com\/documentation\/manual\/introduction-to-3dcoat\/","title":{"rendered":"Introduction to 3DCoat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Interface & Navigation<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Workspaces Rooms<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Key Features<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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3DCoat<\/a> is the application that has all the tools you need to take your 3D idea from a block of digital clay all the way to a production ready, fully textured organic or hard surface model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an integrated 3D content creation package, 3DCoat offers a wide range of tools, including\u00a0Scul<\/a>p<\/a>ting<\/a>,\u00a0Retopology<\/a>,\u00a0UV Editing<\/a>,\u00a0PBR Texture Painting<\/a>,\u00a0Lowpoly modeling<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Render<\/a>i<\/a>ng<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Imported models can be converted into voxel<\/a> or surface <\/a>objects for further refinement and for adding high-resolution detail, complete UV unwrapping and mapping, as well as adding PBR textures for displacement, bump maps, and specular and diffuse color maps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Voxel technology generates an accurate and functional polygonal mesh skin over any voxel sculpture, (composed primarily of quadrangles), which is the standard that is widely used in 3D production studios. Normally, this kind of polygonal topology must be painstakingly produced by hand.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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The program can also be used to modify imported 3D models from a number of commercial 3D software products by means of plugins called Applinks<\/a>: a live connection to a chosen external 3D application can be established through the Applink pipeline, allowing for the transfer of model and texture information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is new on version 2026<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here<\/a> is the full list of the improvements integrated in the update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GPU node-based texturing<\/strong> \u2013 create editable materials, masks, filters, and procedural effects;
High-performance GPU nodes<\/strong> \u2013 calculate procedural effects and noise directly on the GPU;
Texturing while sculpting<\/strong> \u2013 preview materials on sculpt objects before retopology or UV mapping;
3D lattice voxel structures<\/strong> \u2013 create complex internal structures for printing and design;
Procedural sculpting patterns<\/strong> \u2013 generate editable volumetric and surface shapes with nodes;
Nearly 30 material channels<\/strong> \u2013 support advanced PBR properties, lighting, and refraction;
Procedural materials and masks<\/strong> \u2013 use a built-in library of node-based materials and masks;
Quick Access search<\/strong> \u2013 quickly find tools in the Sculpt and Modeling workspaces;
Node transform gizmo<\/strong> \u2013 adjust texture and pattern position, rotation, and scale in the viewport;
Splitter tool<\/strong> \u2013 divide models into separate parts and layers;
Lofted Surface<\/strong> \u2013 create curve-based surfaces for voxel sculpting;
Hybrid Mesh<\/strong> \u2013 use retopology meshes as surfaces for voxel sculpting;
Parametric Hybrid Modeling<\/strong> \u2013 build editable models with curves and adjustable parameters;
Group Tree<\/strong> \u2013 organize and manage hierarchical object groups;
Pose tool improvements<\/strong> \u2013 use new deformation modes and surface snapping;
Bevel improvements<\/strong> \u2013 customize bevels with the new Profile Shape option;
LWO3 import and GLB export<\/strong> \u2013 improved LightWave and Blender file support.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Licensing<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All licenses for any programs for sale have general rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n