Thursday, May 12th, 2016 Posted by Jim Thacker

Fabric Software ships Fabric Engine 2.2, Fabric for Modo

Fabric Software has released Fabric Engine 2.2, the latest update to its platform for developing custom tools for CG pipelines, adding new features that make it possible for users to develop applications in Python alone.

The company has also officially released Fabric for Modo, its integration plugin for The Foundry’s 3D modelling and animation system, with the 3ds Max plugin also entering “advanced beta”.

Develop custom CG tools in Python alone
Fabric Engine 2.2’s main new feature is Python support. Canvas, Fabric Engine’s visual programming system, has been converted to a Python app, making it possible to create or edit Canvas graphs via Python scripting.

According to Fabric, the new functionality makes it possible for developers to create custom tools using Python alone, without the need to know C++. This demo video explores the creation of a simple Alembic viewer app.

The update also adds a new script editor with syntax highlighting of Python code.

Other new features in Fabric Engine 2.2 include automatic code completion within Canvas, and startup time for the software is now “about twice as fast”. You can see a full list of changes in the release notes.

Fabric for Modo out, Fabric for 3ds Max in beta
Outside of the core application, Fabric for Modo, the integration plugin for Modo announced last year has now officially been released.

The plugin, which is compatible with Modo 901 and above on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux, is being distributed as part of Fabric Engine 2.2, alongside the existing plugins for Maya and Softimage.

A community developed plugin for 3ds Max is now in closed beta. You can apply to join the beta program via the link at the foot of this story.

Pricing and availability
Fabric Engine 2.2 is available for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. Pricing starts at $2,000 for one interactive licence and five headless licences, with a range of other packages and rental options available.

In addition, individual artists get their first licence free, while studios can get the free ‘Fabric Fifty’ package of 10 interactive and 40 headless licences.

Read more about Fabric Engine 2.2 and Fabric for Modo on Fabric Software’s blog