Adobe releases Substance 3D Stager 2.1

Adobe has released Substance 3D Stager 2.1, the latest version of its scene layout and rendering tool.

The update introduces a new AI-based GPU denoiser that cuts render times by “up to 99%”, improves turntable rendering, and extends support for USD data and Substance SBSAR materials.

New GPU denoiser, better turntable rendering, and expanded USD and SBSAR support
New features in Substance 3D Stager 2.1 include an experimental new AI-based GPU denoiser, which Adobe describes as “cutting render times by up to 99%”.

That’s presumably the maximum possible time saving, but if the figure for a typical scene is anywhere close to that, it’s an impressive performance boost for a denoiser.

The software’s turntable rendering system gets another update, with users now able to edit the scene while the animation is playing, and the option to export the animation in MP4 and GIF format.

USD support has also been extended with users now able to import and export lights and Stager-specific elements like the ground plane and backplates.

Other changes include better handling of materials in Substance SBSAR format, including support for physical size, and the option to import SBSAR texture atlases and display SBSAR presets.

Pricing and system requirements
Substance 3D Stager 2.1 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 2.1 in the online release notes