Handy Maya add-on RefTool speeds up portrait modeling
Character artist Kanstantsin Vershalovich has released RefTool 3.0, a new version of his handy add-on for streamlining the process of camera-matching reference images in Maya.
It collects all of the controls needed for reference matching into an intuitive UI, and makes it easier to work with multiple reference cameras – even arranging them like an image board.
The obvious use is portrait modeling, but it can be used in any situation that involves matching a 3D model to reference images, including creature design and even hard surface work.
Version 2.1, which has all of the core functionality is free; version 3.0, which redesigns the interface and adds extra functionality, costs under $15.
Intuitive add-on streamlines the process of modeling to reference images inside Maya
RefTool speeds up the process of modeling to reference images, collecting all of the controls needed to manage reference cameras into a single interface.
Rather than having to switch constantly between different parts of the Maya UI, breaking flow, users can adjust reference cameras using a simple set of slider controls.
The add-on’s Classic mode sets up reference cameras, automatically creating a camera in a scene with a reference image assigned to it.
Users can then quickly adjust camera settings, rotating around or zooming in on the model, and scrubbing the opacity of the reference image to check how well the model aligns to it.
Once a camera set-up has been created, it is possible to export it as a JSON file, making it possible to reuse in future projects.
RefBoard mode even makes it possible to arrange camera views like an image board, switching between them by clicking on thumbnails.
Positive feedback from 3D professionals
RefTool comes out of Vershalovich’s own experiences in production: his day job is as Lead 3D Artist at Dubai-based games outsourcing studio FuryLion.
On LinkedIn, responses to Vershalovich’s post announcing RefTool 3.0 from other 3D artists have been positive, including an enthusiastic comment from Adobe’s Wes McDermott, formerly Head of Worldwide Evangelism for the Substance 3D tools.
Price and system requirements
Maya RefTool is compatible with Maya. Version 2.1 is free. Version 3.0 costs $11.87.
Download RefTool for Maya from ArtStation
(Both version 2.1 and 3.0)
Read more about RefTool in the online documentation for version 3.0
Read the instructions for using the free RefTool 2.1
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