Cascadeur 2022.1EA introduces Python Scripting and Node Editor
Apr 15, 2022
We’re excited to announce that Cascadeur’s version 2022.1EA is now available to download!
With this release, Nekki's physics-based animation software gets three new major features:
A Node Editor, Python scripting and fully Customizable Viewport Controls.
Moreover many existing Cascadeur features receive improvements and an expanded range of functions: The reworked AutoPosing tool shows a huge performance boost in the new version. AutoPosing now also utilizes a brand new IK-based system, producing visibly better results compared to previous releases. On top of that we added tween-machine support for the controllers and a new direction controller for setting the character’s line of sight.
Cascadeur 2022.1EA introduces an alpha version of the long-awaited Constraints Feature, which has has the potential to significantly streamline the process of animating complex motions, especially those that involve things like tools or weapons.
Cascadeur’s Physics Engine has also undergone some significant improvements: Now there is an option to smooth down the Character’s rotation speed, and an improved Secondary Motion tool, which offers new customization options and generally produces more natural-looking results. Animation Cycles now move along with the corresponding parts of the Timeline in the Track. And with the Stretching Mode you can regulate the length of an Animation Cycle without having to recreate it.
Eventually most of the reported compatibility issues in Cascadeur’s FBX Support have been fixed, and the FBX import of DAZ Studio characters is now fully supported.
+++ New Expert Features +++
Node Editor
The Node Editor is a versatile instrument that allows animators to access the inner structure of character rigs and fully customize them. With access to these scripts advanced users will be able to change almost every aspect of a character. An illustrative example of the practical use of the Node Editor can be seen in the 2022.1EA teaser between 01m:35s and 01m:45s: The weapon shown there was dynamically connected to the character's hand just using the Node Editor and Python Scripting!
Python Scripting
Cascadeur’s new built-in Python API enables advanced animators to write their own command scripts and automate many operations. So if Cascadeur’s already built-in functionality isn't versatile enough for your needs, you can now either write simple scripts inside Cascadeur - or just paste complex Python scripts from external editors into the command console.
Customizable Viewport Controls
The new Input Settings window gives you an option to rebind any action - selecting objects, pan, zoom and so on - to a different key or set of keys.You can now apply the same control scheme to Cascadeur that you are used to when working with other 3D software. Especially for Blender users we even added a preset!
For a more detailed description of the listed changes, as well as an overview of the many other updates and bug fixes, please refer to the official 2022.1EA release notes.
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