Adobe has released Substance 3D Modeler 1.7

Released in 2022, Substance 3D Modeler enables users to create models of organic and hard surfaces in virtual reality or desktop mode using a mouse and keyboard. Like its predecessor, Medium, which Adobe acquired in 2019, it utilizes Signed Distance Fields to represent 3D space instead of considering 3D geometry as a polygonal mesh. As a result, the workflow combines elements of digital sculpting and boolean modeling: users can sculpt shapes from virtual clay and then combine or cut them using boolean operations.

Substance 3D Modeler 1.7 is primarily a workflow update, with the main change being a new resolution enhancement algorithm. This change is aimed at avoiding artifacts when increasing the resolution of sculpting layers, such as the "ridge" in the middle of the sphere in the comparison before and after shown above. Other changes include progress indicators for boolean operations in the user interface, improved handling of internal color when using tools like "Erase," "Trim," or "Split" to remove virtual clay. Additionally, it's now possible to limit the viewport frame rate on the desktop and in VR mode to reduce the load on the processor.

Substance 3D Modeler 1.7 is compatible with Windows 10 and above and with VR headsets. It is available through the Substance 3D Collection subscription, which costs $49.99 per month or $549.88 per year. Perpetual licenses are available through Steam and cost $149.99.