🎨 Procreate Dreams 2 Previews Big Updates
Procreate just teased version 2 of Dreams, and it's bringing some highly requested features to the table. The update includes a lasso tool (YAS!) for selections and GIF exports—two features that users have been asking for since launch. The redesigned timeline will feature dedicated workspaces for keyframing, performing, and editing, plus an enhanced Flipbook mode that combines Animation Assist features with Dreams' layering capabilities. The update will be free for existing users when it releases later this year, be sure to be on their mailing list to be the first to know when it drops!
⚡ Blender 4.5 Beta Flexes New Vulkan Powers
The Blender 4.5 beta just landed and artists are reporting some of their favorite new features! Thomas Marcos highlighted his favorites, starting with Geometry Nodes finally letting you drag-and-drop external files. Point Cloud Objects are now fully supported with proper editing tools, and Adaptive Subdivision got a 14x speed boost on multi-core systems. Plus, Vulkan support makes OpenGL look like it's running on a potato. Full release hits July 15th.
🎯 Silverwing Breaks Down Every Octane Material
Raphael Rau, aka the Octane whisperer himself, just dropped the definitive guide to Octane's materials. If you've ever stared at Octane's material list feeling like you're ordering at a restaurant where everything sounds fancy but you have no idea what it actually is, this video is for you. Raphael (who is also the best Ninja Turtle, come at me, internet) walks through every material from Diffuse to Portal, answering the age-old question: is Universal material really the one material to rule them all?
🌍 Terrain Builder for C4D Gets Updated
Terrain Builder for Cinema 4D just dropped version 4 and this update brings a sleek new interface, GPX file support straight from Google Maps links, and a KML to GPX converter for when your coordinate systems are having compatibility issues. The real magic is still the MapBox API integration, letting you pull realistic terrain data from anywhere on Earth without leaving C4D. Perfect for epic flyovers or convincing mountains.
