CG Channel

USD

Check out the new features in this major update to the compositing software, like support for Gaussian splats and an updated 3D system.

Friday, February 27th, 2026

Popular 3D tree generator for VFX and games work now plays nicer with real-time engines - and now supports Houdini Indie.

Friday, February 27th, 2026

3D tracking and match-moving software gets new Mocha Point Tracker, live previous for GeoH setups, plus USD and USDZ import.

Friday, February 20th, 2026

Heavyweight lighting and look development tool gets a new 'UsdSuperLayer' and a preview of Hydra 2.0 rendering.

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026

Check out the new features in this powerful set of geometry optimization tools for games and VFX work. Free to indie artists.

Tuesday, February 17th, 2026

Check out the new features in former Lucasfilm developer Darby Johnston's open-source image viewer for VFX and animation work.

Sunday, February 15th, 2026

Check out the new features in the production renderer, including new shaders for non-photorealistic and motion graphics-style effects.

Thursday, February 12th, 2026

Updated: new release candidate for the core glTF Gaussian Splatting Extension paves the way towards support for 3DGS data in glTF files.

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

Now production-ready: neat new tool creates VFX-quality fluid simulations for export to CG software in USD or Alembic format.

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026

First 2025 update to the high-end matchmoving app adds features for solving piggyback cameras, and a new Blender export script.

Tuesday, December 30th, 2025

First formal USD spec marks a step towards making USD an ISO-ratified cross-industry standard. See what it means for CG software developers.

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025

Check out the changes to the Maya edition of the renderer, including a new displacement material, and a viewport live link to Vantage.

Saturday, December 13th, 2025

Real-time ray tracing renderer is now available as a viewport renderer in Houdini, via a Hydra delegate. New smoke and fire simulator, too.

Thursday, December 11th, 2025