View this article at: http://dev.macnn.com/articles/08/05/01/hexagon.25
Thursday, May 01, 2008 7:00pm

Hexagon 2.5 gets new 3D pai...

DAZ 3D has released DAZ Hexagon 2.5, the newest version of its popular 3D polygonal and subdivision modeling software. The new release offers a sculpted primitive tool allowing users to model and import 3D objects into Second Life, enhanced UV-mapping and freehand brush modeling, and ambient occlusion. The tool's freehand brush modeling capabilities provide displacement brushes to refine 3D models by smoothing, pinching, and inflating the geometry and adding high-resolution details. A complete UV-mapping module including UV-Unwrap enables 3D artists to easily apply UV-maps on 3D objects. New 3D paint tools allows users to choose from a large choice of predefined textures and apply textures using brushes and imported textures.

Special primitive objects created in Hexagon may be exported via Truevision Graphics Adapter (TGA) file format and utilized in Linden Labs' popular 3D virtual world, Second Life. This sculpted primitives feature assists in the creation of more complex and organic shapes unattainable with Second Life's current primitive system. The full version of Hexagon 2.5 is available for $150, on sale throughout the month of May for under $75. Current owners of Hexagon 1 can receive an upgrade to Hexagon 2.5 for $50, while Hexagon 2 owners may download a free upgrade from the DAZ 3D Web site.