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{{Advert|date=July 2012}}
{{Advert|date=July 2012}}
{{short description|3D sculpting and painting tool}}
{{Infobox software
{{Infobox software
| name = Autodesk Mudbox
| name = Autodesk Mudbox
| author = Skymatter Ltd.
| caption = A screenshot of the (old) Mudbox interface
| developer = [[Autodesk]] (Skymatter Ltd, prior to acquisition by Autodesk)
| developer = [[Autodesk]]
| latest_release_version = 2015
| latest_release_version = 2024
| latest_release_date = {{Start date and age|2023|04|11}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://help.autodesk.com/view/MBXPRO/ENU/?guid=Mudbox_ReleaseNotes_release_notes2023_html|title=Mudbox Help {{pipe}} Mudbox 2023 Release Notes {{pipe}} Autodesk|access-date=October 21, 2022}}</ref>
| latest_release_date = April 2014
| operating_system = [[Windows 7]], [[Windows 8]], [[Windows 8.1]], [[macOS|Mac OS X]], [[Red Hat Enterprise Linux]], [[Fedora Linux]], [[Cent OS]]<ref>{{cite web|title=System Requirements for Autodesk Mudbox 2015|url=http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/mudbox/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Mudbox-2015.html}}</ref>
| operating_system = [[Windows]], [[macOS]], [[Linux]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=System requirements for Autodesk Mudbox 2023 {{pipe}} Mudbox 2023 {{pipe}} Autodesk Knowledge Network|access-date=October 21, 2022|language=en|url=https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/mudbox/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Mudbox-2023.html}}</ref>
| platform = [[x86-64]]
| genre = [[3D computer graphics]]
| genre = [[3D computer graphics]]
| license = Proprietary
| license = Proprietary
| website = {{URL|http://www.autodesk.com/products/mudbox/overview}}
| website = {{URL|http://autodesk.com/mudbox}}
}}
}}


'''Mudbox''' is a proprietary computer-based [[Digital sculpting|3D sculpting]] and painting tool. {{As of | 2010 | alt = Currently}} developed by [[Autodesk]], ''Mudbox'' was created by Skymatter, founded by [[Tibor Madjar]], David Cardwell and Andrew Camenisch, former artists of [[Weta Digital]], where it was first used to produce [[King Kong 2005|the 2005 Peter Jackson remake of ''King Kong'']]. ''Mudbox's'' primary application is high-resolution digital sculpting, texture painting, and displacement and normal map creation, although it is also used as a design tool.
'''Mudbox''' is a [[Proprietary software|proprietary]] computer-based [[Digital sculpting|3D sculpting]] and painting tool.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Animal Collective screens trippy new film at Mudbox - The Eagle |url=https://www.theeagleonline.com/article/2011/02/animal-collective-screens-trippy-new-film-at-mudbox |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=www.theeagleonline.com |language=en}}</ref> {{As of | 2010 | alt = Currently}} developed by [[Autodesk]], Mudbox was created by Skymatter, founded by Tibor Madjar, David Cardwell and Andrew Camenisch, former artists of [[Weta Digital]], where the tool was first used to produce [[King Kong 2005|the 2005 Peter Jackson remake of ''King Kong'']]. Mudbox's primary application is high-resolution [[digital sculpting]], texture painting, displacement map creation, and normal map creation, although it is also used as a [[design tool]].


== History ==
== History ==


Mudbox was developed by Skymatter in [[New Zealand]] as the founders David Cardwell, Tibor Madjar and Andrew Camenisch were working on [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]] at [[Weta Digital]]. They created the software to expand their own toolsets, and was first used as a complete product on [[King Kong (2005 film)|King Kong]]. The beta was released in May 2006, followed by version 1.0 in mid-February 2007. On August 6, 2007, [[Autodesk]] announced the acquisition of Skymatter Inc.<ref>[http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?id=9931455&siteID=123112 ^ "Autodesk Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Skymatter, Makers of Mudbox 3D Brush-based Modeling Software.". Autodesk. 6 August 2007.]</ref>
Mudbox was developed by Skymatter in [[New Zealand]] as the founders David Cardwell, Tibor Madjar and Andrew Camenisch were working on [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'']] at [[Weta Digital]] circa 2001. They created the software to expand their own [[Toolset|toolsets]], and Mudbox was first used as a complete product in the 2005 film [[King Kong (2005 film)|''King Kong'']]. The beta was released in May 2006, followed by version 1.0 in mid-February 2007. On August 6, 2007, [[Autodesk]] announced the acquisition of Skymatter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://investors.autodesk.com/news-releases/news-release-details/autodesk-signs-definitive-agreement-acquire-skymatter-makers|title=Autodesk Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Skymatter, Makers of Mudbox 3D Brush-Based Modeling Software|date=August 6, 2007|website=Autodesk Investors|language=en|access-date=July 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cadalyst.com/gis/news/autodesk-completes-acquisition-skymatter-9666|title=Autodesk Completes Acquisition of Skymatter|date=October 18, 2007|website=Cadalyst|access-date=July 7, 2018}}</ref> Since 2020, no new features or bugfixes have been implemented except for new installers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Autodesk releases Mudbox 2024 {{!}} CG Channel |url=https://www.cgchannel.com/2023/04/autodesk-releases-mudbox-2024/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |language=en-US}}</ref> However, there are still new releases yearly.


== Features ==
== Features ==


The ''Mudbox'' [[user interface]] is a 3D environment that allows the creation of movable [[camera]]s that can be [[Internet bookmark|bookmarked]]. [[3d model|Models]] created within the program typically start as a [[polygon mesh]] that can be manipulated with a variety of different tools. A model can be [[Subdivision surface|subdivided]] to increase its resolution and the number of [[polygon]]s available to sculpt with. 3D [[2D computer graphics#Layers|layers]] allow the user to store different detail passes, blending them with multiplier sliders and layer masks. Using layers the user is able to sculpt and mould their 3D model without making permanent changes.
Mudbox's [[user interface]] is a 3D environment that allows the creation of movable [[camera]]s that can be [[Internet bookmark|bookmarked]]. [[3d model|Models]] created within the program typically start as a [[polygon mesh]] that can be manipulated with a variety of different tools. A model can be [[Subdivision surface|subdivided]] to increase its resolution and the number of [[polygon]]s available to sculpt with. 3D [[2D computer graphics#Layers|layers]] allow the user to store different detail passes, blending them with multiplier sliders and layer masks. Using layers, the user is able to sculpt and mold their 3D model without making permanent changes.


As a detailing app, ''Mudbox'' can import and export .obj, .fbx, and .bio files, as well as its own .mud format. A typical workflow is to create a relatively simple (low polygon count) model in a 3D modeling application and then import it to Mudbox for sculpting. Subdivision of models occurs using the [[Catmull-Clark subdivision]] algorithm.
As a detailing app, Mudbox can import and export .obj, .fbx, and .bio files, as well as its own .mud format. A typical workflow is to create a relatively simple (low polygon count) model in a 3D modeling application and then import it to Mudbox for sculpting. Subdivision of models occurs using the [[Catmull-Clark subdivision]] algorithm.


The sculpting tool set contains an assortment of brushes with adjustable falloffs.
The sculpting tool set contains an assortment of brushes with adjustable falloffs.


The use of 3D layers allows for design visualization, non-destructive sculpting, and high polygon counts. Since the layers combine additively, their ordering is unimportant for the final model and may be created arbitrarily. Curves can be created and projected on a mesh for use as precise masking. All of the standard transform and selection tools are here as well. Paint layers were added in Mudbox 2009.
The use of 3D layers allows for design visualization, non-destructive sculpting, and high polygon counts. Since the layers combine additively, their ordering is unimportant for the final model and may be created arbitrarily. Curves can be created and projected on a mesh for use as precise masking. Standard transform and selection tools are included. Paint layers were added in Mudbox 2009.


Design visualization plays an important role in ''Mudbox's'' production value. Simple poly primitives can be created from within ''Mudbox'', facilitating the creation of busts, props, terrain, etc.
Design visualization plays an important role in Mudbox's production value. Simple poly primitives can be created from within Mudbox, facilitating the creation of busts, props, terrain, etc.


''Mudbox'' also includes stamps and stencils. Stencils work by overlaying a grayscale, or "alpha channel" image, such as a bump map, over the mesh. The artist can then project part or all of the image's detail onto the mesh through brush strokes, providing a method to quickly sculpt surface detail.
Mudbox also includes stamps and stencils. Stencils work by overlaying a [[grayscale]], or "alpha channel" image, such as a [[Bump mapping|bump map]], over the mesh. The artist can then project part or all of the image's detail onto the mesh through brush strokes, providing a method to quickly sculpt surface detail.


The underlying architecture of Mudbox was updated in Mudbox 2009 to allow the sculpting of models with larger polygon counts compared to earlier versions. In Mudbox 2009 3D painting and texturing features were introduced to allow artists to paint directly on their models in 3D. In addition, features to display the model with depth of field and ambient occlusion were added for the release.
The underlying architecture of Mudbox was updated in Mudbox 2009, to allow the sculpting of models with larger polygon counts compared to earlier versions. In Mudbox 2009, 3D painting and texturing features were introduced to allow artists to paint directly on their models in 3D. In addition, features to display the model with a depth of field and [[ambient occlusion]] were added for the release.


In Mudbox 2010, an [[application programming interface]] (API) was introduced via a [[software development kit]] (SDK). In addition, functionality to improve file interoperability with other 3D applications (Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max etc.) was added via the FBX file format.
In Mudbox 2010, an [[application programming interface]] (API) was introduced via a [[software development kit]] (SDK). In addition, functionality to improve file interoperability with other 3D applications (Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max etc.) was added via the FBX file format.


== Interface ==
== Interface ==
Mudbox's interface includes menus, tabbed windows, and tool trays, and can be customized to a limited extent. It also provides keyboard shortcuts. The navigation in the 3D view is similar to that of [[Autodesk Maya]].
Mudbox's interface includes menus, tabbed windows, tool trays, [[Keyboard shortcut|keyboard shortcuts]], and can be customized to a limited extent. The navigation in the 3D view is similar to that of [[Autodesk Maya]].

== Platforms ==
Earlier versions of Mudbox operate on Windows XP (32 and 64 bit), Windows Vista (32 and 64 bit), Windows 7 Professional (32 and 64 bit), Linux 64-bit and Mac OS X. The current version (Mudbox 2014) is 64 bit only, and has dropped support for Windows XP.


== Awards ==
== Awards ==


On February 15, 2014, Canadians Andrew Camenisch, David Cardwell and Canadian-Hungarian Tibor Madjar were honored by the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] with an [[Academy Award for Technical Achievement]] for scientific and technical achievement for the concept and design, along with the two Hungarians, educated at [[Debrecen University]], [[Csaba Kőhegyi]] and [[Imre Major]] for the implementation of the Mudbox software.<ref>{{cite web|title=Scientific & Technical Awards Winners|url=http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2014/20140108.html}}</ref>
On February 15, 2014, Canadians Andrew Camenisch, David Cardwell and Canadian-Hungarian Tibor Madjar were honored by the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] with an [[Academy Award for Technical Achievement]] for scientific and technical achievement on the concept and design, along with Csaba Kőhegyi and Imre Major, two Hungarians educated at [[Debrecen University]], for implementation of the Mudbox software.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.oscars.org/news/19-scientific-and-technical-achievements-be-honored-academy-awardsr|title=19 Scientific And Technical Achievements To Be Honored With Academy Awards|date=January 8, 2014|work=[[Academy Awards|Oscars]]|access-date=July 7, 2018|language=en}}</ref>

==Releases ==


==See also==
* October 2007, Autodesk released version 1.07 of ''Mudbox''.
*[[Blender (software)|Blender]]
* October 2008, Autodesk released Mudbox 2009 (v2) of ''Mudbox''.
*[[ZBrush]]
* August 2009, Autodesk released Mudbox 2010 (v3) of ''Mudbox''.
* March 2010, Autodesk released Mudbox 2011 (v4) of ''Mudbox''.
* September 2010, Autodesk released Mudbox 2011 SAP (v4.5) of ''Mudbox''.
* April 2011, Autodesk released Mudbox 2012 (v5) of ''Mudbox''.
* April 2012, Autodesk released Mudbox 2013 (v6) of ''Mudbox''.
* April 2013, Autodesk released Mudbox 2014 (v7) of ''Mudbox''.
* April 2014, Autodesk released Mudbox 2015 (v8) of ''Mudbox''.
* April 2015, Autodesk released Mudbox 2016 (v9) of ''Mudbox''.


== References ==
== References ==
Line 64: Line 54:
==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.autodesk.com/products/mudbox/overview Autodesk Mudbox Homepage]
*[http://www.autodesk.com/products/mudbox/overview Autodesk Mudbox Homepage]
*[forums.autodesk.com/t5/Mudbox/ct-p/area-c3 Mudbox Forums]
*[https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/mudbox/ct-p/area-c3 Mudbox Forums]
*[http://mudboxcentral.com/ MudboxCentral Tutorials, News and Jobs]
*[http://mudboxcentral.com/ MudboxCentral Tutorials, News and Jobs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326014408/http://mudboxcentral.com/ |date=2012-03-26 }}
*[http://www.mudbox.ru/ Mudbox Russian Community]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100426163932/http://www.mudbox.ru/ Mudbox Russian Community]
*[http://www.dizmir.com/?page_id=2546/ Mudbox video tutorials]
*[http://www.dizmir.com/?page_id=2546/ Mudbox video tutorials]


Latest revision as of 08:00, 6 April 2024

Autodesk Mudbox
Original author(s)Skymatter Ltd.
Developer(s)Autodesk
Stable release
2024 / April 11, 2023; 20 months ago (2023-04-11)[1]
Operating systemWindows, macOS, Linux[2]
Platformx86-64
Type3D computer graphics
LicenseProprietary
Websiteautodesk.com/mudbox

Mudbox is a proprietary computer-based 3D sculpting and painting tool.[3] Currently developed by Autodesk, Mudbox was created by Skymatter, founded by Tibor Madjar, David Cardwell and Andrew Camenisch, former artists of Weta Digital, where the tool was first used to produce the 2005 Peter Jackson remake of King Kong. Mudbox's primary application is high-resolution digital sculpting, texture painting, displacement map creation, and normal map creation, although it is also used as a design tool.

History

[edit]

Mudbox was developed by Skymatter in New Zealand as the founders David Cardwell, Tibor Madjar and Andrew Camenisch were working on The Lord of the Rings at Weta Digital circa 2001. They created the software to expand their own toolsets, and Mudbox was first used as a complete product in the 2005 film King Kong. The beta was released in May 2006, followed by version 1.0 in mid-February 2007. On August 6, 2007, Autodesk announced the acquisition of Skymatter.[4][5] Since 2020, no new features or bugfixes have been implemented except for new installers.[6] However, there are still new releases yearly.

Features

[edit]

Mudbox's user interface is a 3D environment that allows the creation of movable cameras that can be bookmarked. Models created within the program typically start as a polygon mesh that can be manipulated with a variety of different tools. A model can be subdivided to increase its resolution and the number of polygons available to sculpt with. 3D layers allow the user to store different detail passes, blending them with multiplier sliders and layer masks. Using layers, the user is able to sculpt and mold their 3D model without making permanent changes.

As a detailing app, Mudbox can import and export .obj, .fbx, and .bio files, as well as its own .mud format. A typical workflow is to create a relatively simple (low polygon count) model in a 3D modeling application and then import it to Mudbox for sculpting. Subdivision of models occurs using the Catmull-Clark subdivision algorithm.

The sculpting tool set contains an assortment of brushes with adjustable falloffs.

The use of 3D layers allows for design visualization, non-destructive sculpting, and high polygon counts. Since the layers combine additively, their ordering is unimportant for the final model and may be created arbitrarily. Curves can be created and projected on a mesh for use as precise masking. Standard transform and selection tools are included. Paint layers were added in Mudbox 2009.

Design visualization plays an important role in Mudbox's production value. Simple poly primitives can be created from within Mudbox, facilitating the creation of busts, props, terrain, etc.

Mudbox also includes stamps and stencils. Stencils work by overlaying a grayscale, or "alpha channel" image, such as a bump map, over the mesh. The artist can then project part or all of the image's detail onto the mesh through brush strokes, providing a method to quickly sculpt surface detail.

The underlying architecture of Mudbox was updated in Mudbox 2009, to allow the sculpting of models with larger polygon counts compared to earlier versions. In Mudbox 2009, 3D painting and texturing features were introduced to allow artists to paint directly on their models in 3D. In addition, features to display the model with a depth of field and ambient occlusion were added for the release.

In Mudbox 2010, an application programming interface (API) was introduced via a software development kit (SDK). In addition, functionality to improve file interoperability with other 3D applications (Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max etc.) was added via the FBX file format.

Interface

[edit]

Mudbox's interface includes menus, tabbed windows, tool trays, keyboard shortcuts, and can be customized to a limited extent. The navigation in the 3D view is similar to that of Autodesk Maya.

Awards

[edit]

On February 15, 2014, Canadians Andrew Camenisch, David Cardwell and Canadian-Hungarian Tibor Madjar were honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with an Academy Award for Technical Achievement for scientific and technical achievement on the concept and design, along with Csaba Kőhegyi and Imre Major, two Hungarians educated at Debrecen University, for implementation of the Mudbox software.[7]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Mudbox Help | Mudbox 2023 Release Notes | Autodesk". Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  2. ^ "System requirements for Autodesk Mudbox 2023 | Mudbox 2023 | Autodesk Knowledge Network". Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  3. ^ "Animal Collective screens trippy new film at Mudbox - The Eagle". www.theeagleonline.com. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  4. ^ "Autodesk Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Skymatter, Makers of Mudbox 3D Brush-Based Modeling Software". Autodesk Investors. August 6, 2007. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  5. ^ "Autodesk Completes Acquisition of Skymatter". Cadalyst. October 18, 2007. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  6. ^ "Autodesk releases Mudbox 2024 | CG Channel". Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  7. ^ "19 Scientific And Technical Achievements To Be Honored With Academy Awards". Oscars. January 8, 2014. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
[edit]
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