Wednesday, September 4th, 2013 Posted by Jim Thacker

Abvent releases Artlantis 5

Abvent has released Artlantis 5, the latest update to its specialist architectural rendering software.

New UI, material catalog, preview tools
New features in the update include an overhaul to the UI (shown above), offering a larger real-time preview; and new features intended to help manipulate and match perspective better.

Artlantis 5 also adds a new media catalog – a built-in asset browser giving access to over 400 readymade objects – and new shaders.

There are new preview options for shaders and textures, a guide system to help position the direction and falloff of lights more accurately, and better support for volumetrics.

Users of the Studio edition of the software, which adds animation functionality, also get iVisit3D, for building VR objects and Flash-based online virtual tours of scenes.

Pricing and system requirements
Artlantis 5 is available now for Windows and Mac OS X. The software imports DXF, DWG, DWF, OBJ, FBX and 3DS files, and there are direct import plugins for SketchUp and a range of CAD tools.

The Render edition of the software costs €500 (around $660) and the Studio edition costs €990 (around $1,300)

If you want a sneak peek at the software, Novedge is holding a free webinar later today, at 11am PDT on Wednesday 4 September. You can register for it here.

PRESS RELEASE (Excerpts)
Abvent has announced the launch of Artlantis 5, the latest version of the fastest, stand-alone 3D rendering application developed especially for architects and designers. Artlantis 5 combines the most advanced and efficient tools for fast and easy photo-realistic rendering of 3D projects. New features include an entirely redesigned interface; a new Artlantis Media catalog and InApp store; and a free iVisit 3D option for panoramas and VR objects. These and other new features announced with the launch of Artlantis 5 make it one of the fastest, most advanced rendering applications available for architects and designers on the market today.

New features in Artlantis 5
New Interface
The Artlantis 5 interface has been completely redesigned to take advantage of the benefits today’s wider screens offer. Artlantis 5 optimizes the project’s display, and offers an even larger preview size. Artlantis 5 makes it easier and more comfortable than ever to work on projects: standardized on Mac and Windows, Artlantis 5‘s interface is based on a single, clear window, adjustable and easy-to-use. With its inspectors grouped at the top of the screen, the working window is more readable – displaying the lists on the left and catalog at the bottom of the screen. As a result, the number of clicks needed to access the desired feature has been reduced considerably. To meet everyone’s own needs and work habits, Artlantis 5 offers a new option to filter the list to optimize the content.

New Media Catalog | InApp Store
Using the new media catalog is fast and efficient. Its organization into categories and subcategories makes choosing media very fast and easy. For better use of workspace, the catalog window can be moved independently onto a second screen if desired.

Artlantis 5 also includes new shaders. Some are optimized with additional parameters like relief mapping to better simulate the depths of surfaces. In addition, non-repetitive tiling shaders and multi-texture natural shaders simulate natural surfaces like ground, grass, and water.

The Artlantis 5 revolution would not be complete without the InApp Media Store offering more than 5,000 objects and shaders of all kinds for purchase. Users can enrich their Artlantis Media catalog at any time by logging in and downloading new Media that are automatically placed in the correct categories and subcategories. Artlantis 5 includes a Media converter application so that users can convert their own library or previously purchased Artlantis Media CDs into their new Artlantis 5 catalog.

Free iVisit 3D Option for Panoramas and VR Objects (Artlantis Studio only)
Create a realistic virtual tour inside your project with multi-node panoramas using iVisit 3D. Artlantis 5 automatically creates everything needed to view the panoramas. Based on Flash™ technology, the player is free of charge and viewable within most popular web browsers. An iVisit 3D Builder App also allows users to convert and share these panoramas on an iPad, iPhone or Android device. iVisit 3D is now available in a FREE download from Apple’s App Store or Google Play. In addition, iVisit 3D VR Object allows you to manipulate and move a scene in 360°. An automatic feature, simply select the number of images to calculate horizontally and vertically to ensure a smooth animation.

Read a full list of new features in Artlantis 5