Released in 2022, Substance 3D Modeler enables users to craft models of organic and solid surfaces in virtual reality or in regular mode using a mouse and keyboard.
Like its predecessor Medium, which Adobe acquired in 2019, it uses Signed Distance Fields to represent 3D space rather than treating 3D geometry as a polygonal mesh. As a result, the workflow combines elements of digital sculpting and boolean modeling: users can create shapes from virtual clay and then combine or cut them using boolean operations.
The main change in Substance 3D Modeler 1.6 is the new Snake Hook mode for the Warp tool. Unlike the existing Single mode, it applies continuously, allowing the surface of virtual clay to be infinitely stretched, as shown at the beginning of the news. As an example, it can be used for crafting organic forms like tendrils or tree branches.
Update 1.6 also includes workflow improvements, particularly for the Buildup tool, which now uses triplanar mapping to reduce artifacts and now defaults to free placement in VR. Additionally, materials are now included with geometry when copying and pasting objects, as well as when importing scenes.
Substance 3D Modeler 1.6 is compatible with Windows 10 and above and various VR headsets. It is available through the Substance 3D Collection subscription, priced at $49.99 per month or $549.88 per year. Perpetual licenses are available through Steam and cost $149.99.