Foundry releases Mari 7.1
Originally posted on 11 October for the beta, and updated for the final release.
Foundry has released Mari 7.1, the next version of its 3D texture painting software.
New features include a 2D Paint Mode for creating or editing 2D images without having to switch to another application, and a new Switch node for creating texture variations.
New 2D Paint Mode lets users edit source images or create decals without leaving Mari
The main new feature in Mari 7.1 is the new 2D Paint Mode, for creating or editing 2D images without the need to open an external application like Photoshop.
Suggested use cases include cloning out imperfections in source images, and creating custom decals and grunge maps.
It supports the key features of Mari’s 3D painting toolset, including the Paint Buffer, Node Graph and Layer Stack, and can be accessed via a new 2D pane next to the Orthographic view, making it possible to switch between 3D and 2D modes quickly.
Users can export the Node Graph to disk in 2D mode in a new .mrimg file format.
The update also adds a new Image Write node type intended for use in 2D mode, equivalent to the existing Bake Point node for 3D workflows.
It makes it possible to bake out a 2D image to the Image Manager that is automatically updated on each rebake.
New Switch node toggles between texture variants
Other key changes in Mari 7.1 include the new Switch node.
It enables artists to create multiple variants of a texture – for example, clean and dirty states – by choosing which parts of the Node Graph to render, switching between them with a UI toggle.
Workflow improvements to the node graph
The update also features workflow improvements to the node graph, including the option to click anywhere within a Backdrop node to select all of the nodes contained within that area.
It is also now possible to save part of the node graph as a Shelf item, bundling the network and any source images into a single Node Package.
Other improvements include the option to choose from swatches of commonly used colors when creating a new Paint node, with users also able to add their own custom swatches.
Custom Procedurals renamed Smart Masks
In addition, Mari’s existing Custom Procedurals system has been renamed Smart Masks “to help users visualise how they might want to use the procedural groups in their projects”.
The same terminology is used in Adobe’s 3D painting software, Substance 3D Painter.
The update also adds a Grunge shelf with readymade Smart Masks created by Digital Domain Lead Texture Artist Stuart Ansley.
Still on the CY2023 spec for the VFX Reference Platform
Although Mari 7.1 remains on the CY2023 specification for VFX Reference Platform, two versions behind the latest spec, several third-party libraries have been updated. Find a full list here.
Price, system requirements and release date
Mari 7.1 is compatible with Windows 10+ and Rocky Linux/RHEL 9.
Mari is available subscription-only. Individual subscriptions have a standard price of $86/month, or $689/year. Subscriptions for teams cost $1,169/year.
Read an overview of the new features in Mari 7.1 on Foundry’s website
Read a full list of new features in Mari 7.1 in the release notes
Have your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we don’t post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.