Released in 2022, Substance 3D Modeler allows users to create models of organic and hard surfaces in virtual reality or desktop mode using a mouse and keyboard. Like its predecessor - Medium, acquired by Adobe 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 sculpt shapes from virtual clay and then combine or cut them using boolean operations.

In Substance 3D Modeler 1.8, the camera system has been revamped, and a new Viewport panel has been added, available during both modeling and rendering. With it, users can add new cameras to the scene, switch between them, and in desktop mode, toggle between orthographic and perspective views. The Viewport and Node properties panels can also be used to adjust camera properties, including FOV, aspect ratio, and depth of field. In VR mode, a new type of smoothed camera has been introduced for recording demonstration videos.

Several key modeling tools have been updated to enhance workflow and performance, including Inflate, Bend, Smooth, and Bulge. Inflate now supports alpha textures, while Flatten receives a toggle switch to lock the flattening plane in flat or continuous mode. Other workflow improvements include the ability to rename materials in Substance 3D Modeler and updates to key combinations.

Substance 3D Modeler 1.8 is compatible with Windows 10 and above, as well as with 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 for $149.99. A full list of new features in Substance 3D Modeler 1.8 can be found in the online documentation.