ScatterFlow adds physics-based scattering to Blender
Tools developer Apex Assets has released ScatterFlow, a new plugin that brings physics-based scattering to Blender.
The add-on lets users dress sets for animation, motion graphics and VFX work by spawning in sets of assets like props or debris, and having them settle naturally under gravity.
Quickly dress environments in Blender using physics-aware layout tools
Physics-based layout tools have become common in DCC software recently: initially in Solaris, Houdini’s layout environment, and more recently in Cinema 4D and Substance 3D Stager.
ScatterFlow does a similar job for Blender, enabling users to dress environments by spawning in 3D assets and having them settle naturally under gravity, rather than placing them by hand.
It isn’t the first physics-based layout add-on for Blender that we’ve covered on CG Channel, but it is one of the most fully featured.
As well as simply dropping a set of assets into a scene, options include a continuous spawn mode for filling containers, and grid-based scattering for objects like books or bricks.
Once objects have been scattered into a scene, it is possible to reposition them manually, by dragging to throw them around in the viewport, again with real-time physics.
In addition, ScatterFlow features more conventional, non-physics-based, scattering tools, thanks to the integration of open-source scattering toolset OpenScatter.
It also comes with an optional asset pack comprising over 450 assets, including barrels, bottles, boxes, paint cans, cans, tires, and sets of mixed trash, rubble and construction debris.
Price and system requirements
ScatterFlow 1.0 is compatible with Blender 4.4. The plugin costs $19, or $50 with the asset pack.
Read more about ScatterFlow for Blender in the plugin’s Superhive listing
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