Cascadeur, the AI-driven 3D animation software, has received an update. Nekki, the company behind its development, states that the new 2024.1 version is a significant update, introducing functionality designed to improve users animation projects and streamline the workflow.
One of the key additions in this release is animation unbaking, allowing you to convert baked (fully keyframed) animations into regular ones with fewer keyframes and various types of interpolation set automatically.
AutoPosing has also been improved with additional points and props for more detailed posing, including finger autoposing and layout customization.
Furthermore, Cascadeur now features enhanced physics, enabling seamless interaction with the environment for more dynamic and realistic animations.
The Advanced Retargeting and Auto-Interpolation feature, currently in an alpha state, now enables smoother transitions and easier adaptation of animations across different character rigs.
Other additions include the detachment of viewports, particularly useful for multi-monitor setups, rigging improvements, redesigned Node Editor and Timeline interfaces, and more.
Additionally, this release includes multiple bug fixes, solving various issues associated with the FBX file format.
Along with the new version comes a new licensing structure with four tiers: Free, Indie, Pro, and Teams. Nekki has stated that this provides users with access to their tools at a level that best suits their needs.
The free tier gives you access to features such as Animation Unbaking and layout customization, but animations are saved only in the proprietary .CASC format.
The Indie license, priced at $99 per year, provides unrestricted animation exports at less than a third of the cost of the previous Pro option.
For professional animators and studios, Cascadeur Pro grants access to advanced features like Scene Linking, Animation Retargeting, and Enhanced Environmental Interaction in Physics. This plan is available for $399 per year or $49 per month.
Additionally, the Teams plan includes the same features as the Pro plan but with added support.
It's important to note that if users choose the annual payment option, every Pro, Indie, or Teams license automatically becomes a perpetual license after one year. This means that even if you cancel your subscription after the first year, you can still use the last version released during your subscription period to its full extent, without any time restrictions.
As a final note, users of Cascadeur Basic who registered before March 1, 2024, are eligible for a free upgrade. The offer is for two years of the Indie License, valued at nearly $200 according to current pricing.
For more information about Cascadeur and its respective licensing plans, make sure to visit the Cascadeur website.
