Ask Us Anything - Blender Today LIVE #250

I will miss hearing your voice telling us the latest Blender news. Will you please collect in a single post the sources you mentioned last week so we can stay up to date in the future?

Thank you Pablo for all your hard work and to Ton, Sybren and everyone else at Blender for the amazing tools you make for us.

Hola, Pablo and Ton! :) Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone with Blender Today, and a heartfelt thank you to you, Pablo, for making Mondays something to look forward to! :) Blender Today has been an almost essential part of my workweek for the past few years, and I have tuned in almost every Monday.

My question for Ton is: Reflecting on Blender's journey from its inception to becoming a cornerstone in the 3D community, what do you consider the most pivotal moments that shaped Blender into what it is today?

Hi! Hope you two are having a wonderful monday :D Got some questions -

What happened to the Blender apps project? Still in the works? Any associations to previous Blender game engine?

Any news on Blender real time mode?

Blender store re-launch, when?

Heard speculations of a complete Blender re-write. Has the decision been made? How long would that take and what can we look forward to?

Are you gonna improve rigid body and simulation to be more advance? And are you gonna like make sculpting a bit easier? And can i get shoutout? Because I am animating with blender for over 3 years so I hope I get it My yt channel - @abgamer14k

When Ton implemented copy/paste with Ctrl-C, he used the industry standard keystrokes. Isn't it time to use Ctrl-A for Select All as well?

Hi, do you plan to incorpoate ACES workflow natively in Blender ? and If not, can you developp why not please ? It will be very useful for pipeline !

Hi Pablo and Ton! Where will the Everything Nodes project move next once the rigging nodes are done? Any plans of having a nodes context to manage the scene anytime soon? A procedural approach to manage the Blender scene and open the door to USD like workflows would make a lot of sense. With this node system it could improve the collections management, have more overides, manage variations with different materials, different camera outputs and resolution, manage multiple shots,render layers etc?

It is sad thatr this is the last belender today. I postet this question last week, but I hope to get an answer this time.

I hope that you have a great day. I will miss Blender Today, as it is a great show. The one thing I will really miss is the Live Q&A you did. My question is, will you or someone from Blender do a Live Q&A after Blender Today ends on #250? The reason is that the Q&A can only be done from someone that works at or with Blender, so someone else can do it and I don’t mean an hour, but maybe 20-30 minutes to ask community question s ones a week. And again, thank you for a great show.

Thank you #Pablo

Well, One LAST Last comment: Pablo and Francesco get out and get some exercise while you are young! again, thank you for this the best of your live ask me anythings

I was really happy to see Ton again!! I wish you all all the best! You have given us all a lot...

one last question: which drawing tablet works BEST for Blender? Wacom One any good? Thank you and my thanks to Ton as well

Hi! Is eevee next going to have anything for NPR? Like separate core and cast shadows?

Hi, Does Blender Foundation have any usage analytics? I mean how many people are using it for eg. animations, VFX, gamedev, archiviz, print? I know that there are no analytics built in Blender itself, but what about self reporting?

I really miss something like adding optional "usage" field to Blender fund, not to limit development in selected areas (i know developers try to implement generic features, but that not always possible), but to BF would at least know whats split between in fields and if there are some underdeveloped areas.

hi, wish you have a great day, got some questions? -When will there be a plugin for 3D blender 3D mouse connection? -You see blender in the future with AI integrations so that it promotes the production of series and video games faster than current times and to encourage the completion of complex projects by 1 person or small teams and that can have a Hollywood quality and in time shorts -Will you implement content in the future so that the Blender community learns to program to create free adons for Blender and contribute to software improvements?

Thank you for blender, I really love it

Pablo, Why is your shirt missing the monkey head. ?

What happened to geometry nodes bevel node and serial loops?

I've been eagerly waiting for geometry nodes bevel node, can I expect it to get added anytime soon

can you please fix the elephant dream open source movie website the resource files arent working

Hola Pablo & Ton! No specific questions for you today, but I simply wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the years of weekly streams and, of course, for Blender itself!

Blender has been a source of countless possibilities for me throughout my journey of growing up and developing an interest in 3D. While my current role doesn't allow me to use it as frequently as I'd like, I still make a point to tune in every week to stay updated on the latest news and developments, and eagerly jump at the opportunity when I do get the chance! The transparency, community focus, and engagement fostered by the Foundation is truly inspiring and really sets Blender apart from other DCCs.

I'm excited to see what the future brings! Once again, thank you! :)

Pablo any news about geometry nodes bevel node?

Dear Blender Team,

I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional work you do with Blender. Your dedication and efforts are truly commendable, and I am grateful for all your hard work.

I would like to provide some feedback on certain aspects of the software. It's evident that the UV Sync settings pose challenges for many Blender users, and I believe addressing this issue would greatly enhance the user experience. Additionally, I hope for improvements in the Shift+R algorithm, as it would significantly ease repetitive modeling tasks such as straightening edges,relaxing edges thereby enhancing efficiency.

Furthermore, for users who rely on the gizmo, the ability to straighten edges with this tool would be immensely beneficial. Currently, it appears to have some functionality issues that detract from its usability.

I am curious to know if there are any planned updates regarding UVs and modeling. Your ongoing efforts to enhance Blender are eagerly anticipated and deeply valued.

Once again, thank you for your tireless dedication.

Hi Pablo and Francesco (bye Ton !), thank you for making this moment happening !!

I've been working professionally in 3D rigging with Blender, and it feels very solid.

Though I'm coming from 2D puppet animation, and can't help but feel Blender is lacking in this department. Grease Pencil seems very good for traditionnal animation, but not so much when it comes to "substitutions" (having the ability to switch between multiple hands, mouths, etc...).

Do you plan to give Blender some tools to make it more viable for 2D puppet animation ?

Hi Pablo, and Ton!! (And Francesco!) <3
I don't have much to say except thanks, for all these weeks (or should I say years), will miss your voice! Maybe little celebration streams on release weeks? :P

What do you think about the Gitea and Forgejo situation? Or rather, the Linux colour management and HDR progress?

Speaking of industry standards: Ton, when you implemented copy/paste with Ctrl-C, you used the industry standard keystrokes. Isn't it time to use Ctrl-A for Sele

Hi all, really new modeler here... Love that there is an open source option like Blender that still qualifies to industry level needs. So big, enormous and huge thanks everybody in the community for making the software and making tutorials for people like me! <3

Hope it is okay to ask very newbie question here... I have sometimes problems with edges overlapping each other and then they shade funnily. Of course I make these by mistake and only realize them much later than they happen. Is there a tool or a way to, I don't know, highlight them somehow? Is there a professional term to use for these?

Hi Pablo, Hi Ton! Happy to see you! I found something interesting in demo files section on blender.org . There is file "Curve Volume Advection" asking Blender 4.1+, but, Blender 4.1 can't run this file correct xD. It has no sample volume node making the show)

Hello Pablo, Hello Ton!

I just wanted to say thank you for all you've done for the Blender community. I've watched every Blender Today, and it's helped a lot of people feel connected to this community.

I made it to the Blender conference in Amsterdam for the first time, and it was fantastic to meet everyone! I hope I'll see you at BCON LA!!!

@Mr.Roosendaal Are you going to write a post condemning Israel like you did in regard to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine? Since you became a political expert out of the blue, do us a favor enlight us about the genocide the Israelis are currently committing in Gaza.

Hi. Have you heard of ZLUDA ? github.com/vosen/ZLUDA

It's a project that can run unmodified CUDA applications with near-native performance on AMD GPUs.

Here is an article about it (with benchmarks with Blender 4 on page 3): phoronix.com/review/radeon-cuda-zluda/

Do you think it could be implemented into Blender somehow?

Hey. Last week we talked about moving the menu "Options" to the middle of the header. You advised me to write a Right Click select proposal, which I didn't have time to do. When I do write it, how can I contact you to read it? :)

In case you have time to read right now, here is my reply to the concerns you had last week:

1. You said that not everything under options may belong in the middle of the header in other modes. Your example was that the middle of the header had Masking in Sculpt mode, and "Options" had nothing to do with masking. However, notice that next to Masking, there are also "Color attributes", which has nothing to do with masking either, yet it feels in place. This means that the middle of the header could be interpreted as "Global editing options", in short: Options that are non-operator or tool specific, but more global. So, that's "Transform" in Object mode and Edit mode, but it can be various other things in other modes. In short: I've looked into what could go there, and almost everything under "Options" can be in the middle of the header. There are exceptions: "Remesh" is not an option, it's an operator, so it should be under a menu, next to "Face sets". Stuff that is under "Display" (sculpt mode) should be in the "View" menu... etc. I am sure you guys can figure this out.
2. Space concerns. Too many stuff may not fit on the header. On a regular HD screen, everything fits as is. However, if the 3D view is scaled down, the user would have to scroll on the header to find the buttons they need. This can be solved by auto-hiding less common options under a "Show more" button, if the header is not wide enough to display everything. The icon: "Three lines" one. Same icon that is used if menus (view, Select, Add, Object...) are hidden. The header could also be displayed in two rows if it's not wide enough, but that's a bit flickery... Perhaps it could be an option if the user scales the header vertically themselves.

this request for software delvopement can you change auto desk maya keyboard function key with blender

hi, my first time ever question here. wanted ask when will get these blender features that are like many years overdue:

• GPU particles

• Bullet physics engine upgrade to run on GPU

• GPU armature / skinning

• Game Engine / interactive mode

• run/Export to phone ability

• nanite and lumen like performence to free peoples time...

these features are the standarts in other programms for many years and so thats even more reason to be.

years ago heard people call blender a toy, wonder maybe if it has to do of lack these?

you said few years ago that from now on we will want to have best tech possible. well since that time the fund has doubled or triplet. so please lets do it finaly :) i getting old of promisses and waiting.

the traditional rendering is almost obsolete already because AI. so lets focus on make blender fun again please.

Hi, Ton, Pablo. Do you know ComfyUI? What do you think about implementing ComfyUI (node based AI) to Blender? Just Imagine if we can create texture, background, masking, etc using this node based AI. I think it would be cool.

github.com/comfyanonymous/ComfyUI

One more question, are there any plan to upgrade the asset browser so we can export the asset in an easy way?

Pabz & Ton, you better be having a nice day!

I have a question for each of you

Ton: What do you think has made Blender so much more successful than other creative/art-focused open source projects?

Pablo: What will you do with all your new-found time now that Blender Today is over? Travel the world, build a boat or learn 3ds Max in seceret?

Peace and love, homies

Hello Pablo and Tom & Francesco

I hope you both are doing super mega well!

I have two main questions:

Does Blender Market need some type of regulation? Google Play, Apple Store, Epic, and Steam all take a percentage for the company of the products sold. This percentage could help Blender; even if it's a tiny number, I think it should be somehow regulated.

My second question is more about curiosity regarding the open-source world 😄: Which companies or individuals have helped Blender the most over the years? I noticed Volkswagen in the Blender Fund, and I was wondering why a car company would donate to Blender, haha.

Greetings and thank you!

You were the soil the fertilizer the farmer the caretaker of blender but we don't know who after you this question might be a little bit blunt keep in mind that my heart is full of sadness and Sorrow because this is the last episode

This question is to both Pablo as well as ton

Hi Pablo and Ton, I hope you are doing well.

This isn't really a question, but rather an expression of my gratitude for all the hard work you and all the devs are doing to make Blender possible. It's really amazing that such a powerful piece of software is available for free. Years ago it allowed me to embark on my first adventures in the world of 3D and it's still an indispensable part of my workflow.

I have been enjoying your videos since the early days of the original EEVEE. It has been a weekly tradition ever since. It's sad to see Blender Today go, but it's great that it lasted for such a long time. I wish you and the whole team all the best and good luck with the future of Blender!

It seems a number of blender defaults are not compatible with working at real-world scale... was there a specific reason that so many things are not tuned for real world scale by default?

The default objects are huge compared to the size of things humans interact with most and tend to lead people to work with objects that are massive rather than accurately scaled.

blenderartists.org/t/real-world-scale-matters-and-so-do-blenders-defaults/1513177

Oi, Ton and Pablo!

I'm incredibly thankful for all these years of Blender Today! it was a couple hours every week, where nothing else needed to matter, but seeing my favorite project grow and evolve. It got me up in the morning when nothing else did, and I'm sure it was a huge draw, and the openness and visibility of progress really helped drive donations, I'm sure of it. Here's to the new sites, the same good old new blender, every open movie from now on, and cheers to our benevolent dictator for life.

Hi Pablo and Ton! Hope you are both doing great!

Big fan of the show, and I'd like to express my gratitude as a long time Blender user. I've got my entire career to thank to you and the rest of the team! :)

Having built and managed a FOSS from the ground up all the way to amazing success, is there any advice you would give to the team managing Godot, it being in a related field and seemingly adapting a similar structure to Blender with its recent addition of the Godot Foundation?

Again :) will be tool in future to be able to draw flat engon shape as primitive add tool? We can add flat plane and then modify or cut in it but not add draw shape like pen tool.

Thanks for great work. Regards. M.

Hello Ton, Blender consists of various elements that can be further developed. Is there a limit or will Blender be divided into elements in the future. How big can software be?

Thank you both, for making it possible to open the gates to the CG world for people like me. <3

Hola Pablo, Hallo Ton, Hope you both doing great. Just a questin from last time:

How cross platform dose Blender (GPU)Code has to be to be accepted. Especialy GPU code is hard to write for CUDA, HIP, Metal, OneApi or with bad performacen OpenCL. Writing all those implementations take a lot of time and effort or even discourages Devs to start developing it but Blender is better regarding GPU compatibility then ever.

Apart from that: Thank you for the great show, hope to see you soon somewhere else in the Blender world.

Hola Pablo, thanks for the show, I will greatly miss it!

Is there any chance we could get better ShapeKeys UI? I do 2.5d animation in Blender and would love something inspired by Live2D cubism's system.

Pic related: imgur.com/a/MIHelZX

Hi Pablo. 1.. When will be back baking colors painting by light sourses? Pablo Dobarro worked on it but it missing and not implemented sinse then. 2 Is there someone new to work on boolean becouse boolean still is with bugs.. projects.blender.org/blender/blender/issues/116404 and boolean is basic tool for modeling

Thanks for great work. Regards. M.

The Asset Library is great, but it’s still missing a lot of features which where plant like asset variations. Is there a roadmap for the Asset Library?

Do you think Blender can ever beat zBrush in sculpting (Features and Polycount). 2.5D sculpting mode for Blender?

Hey Pablo and Ton.

I love Blender and thanks for this awesome tool. Nothing is perfect but Blender is close to perfection, but I said close is because there's one part of Blender that feels really out dated and weak and underdeveloped compared to every other DCCs, and that's the physics sim part. Would there be an updated overhaul to the physics system in Blender, like a node based unified multi-physics system? For cloth, liquid, smoke, rigid body, soft body etc. not just simulating them but also making them simulate and interact with each other. GPU accelerated for interactivity and CPU for final high res bake etc. That would elevate Blender to another level.

Also tools and pipeline to work on not just NPR but also photoreal stuff, like updated workflow to work with realistic characters such as facial mocap, better blend shape system, layered skin simulation, muscle sim etc. And a lot more photoreal fully animated short film or live action VFX short film made by Blender studio since the studio influences tools and workflows for the future of Blender.

Thanks.

Tools like Turbo Tools or K-Cyles claim to have a better denoiser. Why are those improvements not part of base Blender. Turbo Tools is e.g. just a Python Addon and therefore Open Source.

Hello Pablo. I haven't been able to keep up with the series but every time I have been able to tune in it's been a great time. I appreciate the communication.

Ton. I appreciate this fantastic product. It has given me a platform to truly create and express myself. I hope that I can develop these skills further into finding a job. I hope one day blender becomes industry standard. Because I don't want to leave it. Thank you both for your hard work

QUESTIONS:

1.) I guess my last question will be as far as future plans for integrating layered texture painting and and dynamic brushes, how is that going? (I haven't been able to keep up on the developer forum)

2.) Also, are you both excited for BCON LA? Any general thoughts?

Again thank you my friend for everything.

When will adaptive subdivision leave the experimental state?

HD Shape keys (for Subdivision) and Sculptlayers for Multires. When? This is so important for so many people.

Good afternoon Pablo and Ton. I hope you're all having a good start to the week. I've been wondering about 2 big things for blender. One is about modeling at micro or astronomical scale, the other about updated caustics to include with possibly path tracing

For the first one, I've tried to create astronomical size objects to recreate the solar system. To my understanding, the API doesn't handle it well (I could be wrong). The bigger and further away things are from the center of the world, the more distorted they become or there are lighting artifacts. Are there any plans to change how blender views, renders and calculates 3D models in a different or better way? Not specifically to suit modeling at micro or astronomical scales per se, but simply to better calculate edges, vertices, faces and tangents?

Secondly, I understand that we recently got a caustics system for blender where there's shadow caustics, however I was wondering about how long it would take before (and if) light caustics (i.e., bright caustics caused by light refracting through an object like 'glass') would be implemented?

Thanks for all the episodes Pablo and thanks Ton and the team for the amazing software that is blender.