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It was mentioned in the VRay forum about a 9.2 beta being tested and I'm curious if there is any 9.2 information that can be exposed to the public/non-beta testers? I don't want this post to turn into a formZ wish list or airing of grievances, but rather I'm asking for a little transparency from the developers and testers. What issues are being addressed in the new version? What new features are being implemented? Some video clips or screen captures would be great to see! No need to be super specific here, but I think a little transparency can go a long way for the users. This is why movies and games release teasers and then trailers before the final release... lets build up some buzz and excitement!

good stuff. *eyeroll*

I'm aware of the differences as I currently use both in my everyday workflow. But every time I justify one of formZ's quirks bugs I ask myself "I wonder if I should spend more time in C4D". I believe most of the stuff I create in formZ is able to be done in Cinema, but with a little extra time to properly figure it out. And, it's possible that some of that stuff is BETTER in C4D because of it's non-destructive modeling techniques when being called to revise concepts. This is why I'm curious if someone made that transition to formZ to C4D for all modeling, if it is worth that extra time and beginning frustrations to do all work in Cinema.

Do you do all of your work in C4D or are you modeling in formZ and exporting into Cinema?

Go on, we're listening...

I'm looking to do more more animation in Cinema4D while using formZ as my primary modeler BUT a huge issue before I do this is that groups do NOT export with FBX, OBJ, or 3DS. I'm using 8.6.5 on Windows. Can anyone tell me if this is the case in version 9? (draw 5 cubes, group, export FBX, import into C4D-- are all objects separate or within a null?) I've tested using Rhino and Sketchup and both programs allow me to group objects, export as FBX, import into C4D, and those objects show up within a null.

Thanks Shibui. I may give this a try for smaller models. I mostly work with retail displays so what I would be animating is a single group of products, up to around a dozen product (or maybe up to 30 in some cases). So this would mean a LOT of exports and FBX already duplicates EVERY texture in the file regardless if its on an invisible layer. I'd prodbaly end up with 60 versions of every single texture in the file causing a massive bloat haha. Sadly, it seems the best solution (until there is a fix) is to try spending more time modeling in C4D or Rhino for these cases. Oh, and that really sucks that FBX doesn't carry textures in v9. thanks for the heads up. My IT department would be very unhappy with me if I asked for an update just to downgrade.

thanks setz! I tried that format but C4D doesn't recognize it 🤔

http://www.formz.com/fzsite1219/manuals/TnT/index.htm#t=Export_to_STL_for_3D_Printing.htm&rhsearch=print&rhhlterm=printing print

"...I thought I was being punked. What a flashback...." lolol. It's sad that THAT is what the non-formZ users think of formZ.

To build on Justin's point, Cycles in Rhino 7 feels akin to Keyshot, so even if you don't know how to use this renderer, the learning curve is ridiculously low.

+ 1 for a direct Keyshot link. I won't even ask for a plugin. Just the ability to open .fmz files in the Keyshot program would be HUGE.

is there a setting for this? I seem to have accidentally turned it off and objects now only highlight when they are picked, but I thought it used to highlight when you just hover over objects? Am I going crazy?

found it. edit > selection preview. thank you, coffee!

+ 1 And may I add the default size should always be proportional to the color map? ...and a "Fit To Object" option. ...and the ability to add more than one material at a time? (I'm still on 8.6 so I apologize if these have been addressed in 9).

have you tried different formats? JPG uses a lot of compression vs. tif.

I think it's a great idea. Sometimes bugs just get lost in the thick of things especially when trying to address larger changes. Rhino/McNeel does do something this. When a bug or a suggestion is reported on the forum the devs often chime in and post a link that details that specific bug/suggestion including priority, status, and target implementation. Example: https://discourse.mcneel.com/t/make-blocks-unique/27841/18 https://mcneel.myjetbrains.com/youtrack/issue/RH-59420

I think the title of the article is misleading. If Apple does away with the iMac Pro it isn't "because" of mobile tech, it's likely due to the fact that they are working on a new Mac Pro (possibly two variants), AND redesigning the iMac. Couple this with the exceptionally powerful Mac Mini and there really isn't room for an iMac Pro in the lineup. Also, there's a good chance that the specs on the redesigned iMac with Apple's M# processor will benchmark much higher than the iMac Pro anyways. https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/mac-pro/ https://www.macworld.co.uk/news/new-imac-3696859/

use the NOTE tool instead of 3D text. then it should all show up like the dimensions.

i'm fairly certain formZ is primarily written on the mac (from it's conception!) and then ported (probably not the correct term) to windows. sooo to improve efficiency between versions, it's the opposite of what you're positing lol

I haven't tried this, but if you're on a Mac you might be able to try Sidecar (if you have a spare iPad nearby) instead of purchasing a separate monitor. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210380

yes, absolutely! I know formZ version 9 changed the home interface from ALL floating palettes to snapping palettes, but from what I've read on the forum (I'm still using 8.6) it's quite cumbersome, to say the least. I realize C4D/Nemetschek is an absolute powerhouse in the industry (and therefore have teams of developers and an extensive QA stage) and ADS is a considerably smaller operation, but sometimes it seems like the formZ dev team is completely unaware of other 3D programs and have a difficult time looking beyond their own creation. Alas, that's where the community can come together like this and say "here is something a program X does better than formZ, would it be possible to try to emulate that?"

I share this sentiment. I use Cinema 4D and formZ equally in my day-to-day workflow and I find myself trying to learn how to model more effectively in Cinema simply because the UI is that much better. Criticism is fine, but constructive criticism is better. I agree with your original post that the icon design is in need of a facelift. I'd love to see a streamlined look among the icons and I allude to how C4D uses color schemes to identify toolsets. Purple for modifiers, blue for primitives, and green for... mograph? I'm not sure what to call this toolset. The basic functions are all orange (select, move, rotate, point/line/poly). In formZ, the generate toolset is pretty solid, and I would argue that the subdivision edit tools are pretty effective only using one extra color for the icons. If I were to change these, I would dial back on the "shine" of the icon objects. they can still be 3D, but the whole gradient from white to dark blue is unnecessary and makes small icons look too busy. When you get into other toolsets (modify, measure, modify NURBS) there's a lot of other colors going on and it loses a sense of uniformity among the interface. It would be cool to see all "generate" "shapes" "primitives" so have one color scheme, modifiers to have another, and then all the editing tools just use the two color scheme like subD edit. I would also like to see formZ ditch the "depressed icon" look that you see in the tool dock and the tool options. it's a pretty antiquated appearance and wastes precious pixels that could be used for larger, clearer icons. I think Cinema also nails this by just highlighting the active tool/functions in blue. it's super clean and easy to spot. Same with the red outline in the tool dock. Other programs probably use this approach as well, but I don't have them at my disposal to show as an example. I know that these are simply cosmetic issues and 100% do NOT effect the functions of the program, which is why I don't spend much time posting about it. HOWEVER, I have tried other 3D software and I'm immediately repulsed by the cluttered UI (lookin' at you 3DS Max) which makes me never want to open that program again. I would suspect that formZ might have the same issue for new users who are borderline OCD designers that put a LOT of stock in aesthetic such as myself, but I could be wrong. SO.... is it imperative that formZ updates the interface to keep users? I don't think so. Would an interface overhaul help gather new users? I don't know the answer, but it's definitely worth a shot. After all "good designers copy, great designers steal"

i think you're looking for the controlled rounding tool? but the objects need to be union'd first.

I found the change log that was posted in the 9.1 forum post by tech. I'm not sure if it's my fault that I didn't find it, or maybe I should stop assuming these updates should be listed somewhere on the main formZ page. http://www.formz.com/fzsite1219/products/9.x_change_log.pdf