Quixel Mixer is discontinued: get the final version for free
Epic Games has released Quixel Mixer 2023.1, the final version of its free material-authoring tool.
The update, which makes it possible for Mixer to run offline but does not add any new features, is the last to the software: there will be no future updates, and no further product support.
A free tool for creating PBR materials by blending 3D scan data
First released in 2018, Mixer began as a companion app for subscribers to the Megascans library, enabling users to create custom materials by blending scan-based data.
From there, it steadily evolved into a much broader material authoring toolset, with Mixer 2020.1 adding new 3D painting and procedural masking features.
It uses a non-destructive layer-based workflow, and includes a brush-based toolset for multi-channel painting and sculpting, outputting standard texture maps at up to 32-bit resolution.
Now officially discontinued: no further updates or product support due
The announcement that Mixer has been discontinued confirms what many users have suspected for some time.
The previous update was in 2022, at which point, Quixel’s then Community Support Lead commented that it might be “one of the final updates to Mixer as it stands currently”.
Mixer 2023.1: will run offline indefinitely, but no access to previous online content
The final release, Mixer 2023.1, actually removes features rather than adding them: it adds no new material-authoring tools, but removes all of the software’s online functionality.
The up side is that Mixer will now continue to run offline indefinitely.
The down side is that users no longer have access to any assets in their online libraries, although Megascans remain accessible on the main Megascans website.
At the time of writing, all of the previous online-enabled versions of Mixer are still available to download, although they are “not guaranteed to continue working” in future.
Mixer 2023.1 itself is not available on the main download website: if you have an Epic Games account, you can download it via the link at the foot of this story.
Pricing and system requirements
Quixel Mixer 2023.1 is compatible with Windows and macOS. It’s a free download, and comes with over 800 free assets, including smart materials.
Read the online FAQs on Quixel Mixer 2023.1
Download Quixel Mixer 2023.1 for free
(Requires an Epic Games account)
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