Autodesk launches free online kitbashing tool Project Falcon
Autodesk has launched Project Falcon, a free browser-based tool for kitbashing hard surface models like spaceships and vehicles.
The platform, which is officially still a tech preview, makes it possible to assemble models from a set of readymade parts, then export them to DCC applications like Blender or Maya.
Build up vehicle and hard surface models by combining readymade 3D parts
Project Falcon lets you quickly build up models from a library of thousands of readymade parts, ranging from simple 3D shapes to more detailed forms like bolts and wheels.
After dragging a part from the library to the viewport, you can snap it to other parts, mirror or rescale it, or use it to perform simple Boolean operations on the model.
Although you could use it to create any kind of hard surface model, it seems to be geared mainly towards sci-fi vehicles: the example models include a spaceship and a lunar rover.
Exports in USD format for concept design and games work
Project Falcon is a sort of ‘semi-pro’ tool: Autodesk describes it as “accessible to anyone, regardless of experience, while still fitting into professional workflows”.
The most obvious of those workflows are concept art and design, but it could be used as a way to generate models that could be worked up manually into game assets.
Once created, a kitbashed model can be exported in USD format, making it possible to refine it in DCC apps that import USD files, including 3ds Max, Blender, Cinema 4D, Houdini and Maya.
You can also export the model as a STL file for 3D printing.
Still a tech preview: you can suggest new features online
Project Falcon is built on Flow, Autodesk’s cloud platform for media and entertainment work, and is officially a technology preview.
According to Autodesk’s blog post, it will “continue to improve over time”, and there is a link on the website to an ideas forum for suggesting new features.
One obvious addition that has already been suggested is some kind of material system: all the kitbash parts currently use a standard gray matcap material, and are exported as geometry.
However, even in its initial state, Project Falcon looks a fun, no-frills tool to play around with, with a surprisingly large set of base parts.
Price and system requirements
Project Falcon is a browser-based tool: Autodesk recommends Chrome. You need a free Autodesk account to use it.
Read Autodesk’s blog post announcing Project Falcon
Use Autodesk’s free web-based kitbashing tool Project Falcon
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.