Adobe releases Substance 3D Stager 2.0
Adobe has released Substance 3D Stager 2.0, the latest version of its scene layout and rendering tool.
The update expands the range of file formats that Stager supports, making it possible to export USD files, and for users without Enterprise subscriptions to import a range of common CAD formats for rendering.
There are also new animation presets for rendering model turntables, support for mirroring objects, and the software’s real-time render mode is now available for final output as well as interactive previews.
An intuitive way for less specialist 3D artists to create virtual product photographs
Launched in 2021, Substance 3D Stager was the first application in the Substance product line not designed primarily for material authoring, and supersedes Adobe’s older Dimension software.
Like its precursor, it is aimed at designers as well as specialist 3D artists, and is intended to provide an intuitive workflow for creating photorealistic brand visualisations and product mockups.
It enables users to lay out scenes using physics-based tools to place 3D primitives or imported models, and comes with libraries of readymade materials and ‘environment stages’ mimicking real-world studio lighting.
For rendering, Stager uses Adobe’s Mercury Rendering Engine, a new hybrid CPU and GPU renderer.
Substance 3D Stager 2.0: better supports for USD files and CAD formats
Substance 3D Stager 2.0 expands the software’s support for standard 3D file formats, with users now able to export data in USD format as well as import USD files for rendering.
USD export supports geometry, including hierarchy information; materials, as either USD preview surface and Adobe Standard Material definitions; cameras and lights, including baked environment lighting.
In addition, the option to import CAD files – previously restricted to users with Enterprise subscriptions – is now available for all users, including those with perpetual licences.
CAD file formats supported include 3DM, IGES, JT and STEP, plus the native formats of CATIA, Parasolid, Solid Edge and SolidWorks.
Other changes: animation presets for model turntables, support for object mirroring
Other changes include new Orbit and Spin animation presets for generating turntable renders, and the option to mirror or negatively scale objects.
In addition, the real-time render mode, previously available only for interactive previews, can now be used for output, although it’s recommended for draft rather than final-quality renders.
Pricing and system requirements
Substance 3D Stager 2.0 is available for Windows 10+ and macOS 11.0+. Perpetual licences cost $149.99.
The software is also available as part of Adobe’s Substance 3D Collection subscriptions, which cost $49.99/month or $549.88/year for individuals; $1,198.88/year for studios.
Read a full list of new features in Substance 3D Stager 2.0 in the online release notes