Smart Model Editor lets you model non-destructively in Maya
3D artist Özgür Yildirim has released Smart Model Editor, a new plugin that lets artists model non-destructively in Maya.
The add-on records the changes an artist makes to a model and displays the commands in a list in the user interface, from where they can be edited independently.
According to Yildirim, users can “track and revise each stage of the 3D modeling process” making it possible to work “interactively, parametrically, and efficiently”.
A ‘properly functioning construction history’ for Maya
Smart Model Editor provides a more intuitive – and more functional – alternative to Maya’s construction history when modeling.
Yildirim describes Smart Model Editor as a “properly functioning construction history” without the “incorrect results [that the native version sometimes produces] during interactive modeling”.
The plugin records the changes made to a 3D model, then displays them in a list in the interface akin to the modifier stacks in applications like 3ds Max and Blender.
Users can step back through the commands in the list, edit the parameter values used, or delete commands entirely, although it isn’t possible to reorder the operations as you can in a conventional modifier stack.
As well as changes directly affecting geometry, the plugin records preliminary steps like setting up reference image planes, and the process of setting up UVs and materials.
When working interactively, Smart Model Editor also adds new marking menus to Maya, providing new options for operations like retopologising a model or creating 3D arrays.
You can see videos of the individual features on the Gumroad page.
Price and system requirements
Smart Model Editor is compatible with Maya 2024+ on Windows 10+ only. The plugin is available rental-only. Subscriptions cost $259/year for individual artists; $599/year for studios.
If you want to try before you buy, there is a free trial on Gumroad: you have to enter your credit card details, but no charge is made to the card if you cancel the subscription within 30 days.
Read more about Smart Model Editor for Maya on the product website
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