Hey Reader,

Zach here,

With a new collection of news, inspiration, and resources from the 3D world.

The main news today is the new Blender 4.5 release, followed by our update to the Shortcut PDF. I’ll also share a fun 2D vs 3D animated short and a free UV packing tool for Blender.

Let’s dive in.

​Blender 4.5 LTS released with new Features!​

The new Blender 4.5 version was released this week. It is an LTS (Long Term Support) release, which means it should be more stable and will be carefully maintained for at least 2 years (so it’s recommended for use in bigger projects and productions).

There’s a ton of cool new features coming with this release, including: a new Boolean solver called Manifold (works also for sculpting tools), improved microdisplacement, Vulcan support for faster viewport performance, Grease Pencil layer pass for compositing, and lots of speed and quality of life improvements.

Check out all the new features explained in this video by CG Cookie.

If you want a shorter, compact overview, you can watch this video by SouthernShotty.

​CG Boost Shortcut PDF Update​

Along with the new Blender release, we’ve updated our handy Hotkey Sheet PDF. You can learn all the useful shortcuts to boost your productivity in Blender.

The shortcuts are divided into sections for each mode and workspace, with a convenient clickable menu in digital form, or you can print the sheet to use offline.

​"3D2B" - A Battle between 2D and 3D Animation​

​This funny animation shows the intense tension between the two worlds of animation - 2D and 3D. Both have their superpowers, tools, weapons, and tricks. Which one will prevail, or can they coexist and collaborate peacefully (like in Blender)?

I don't know if this film will give you the ultimate answer, but it surely shows a great blend of both styles.

​Free auto UV Packing Tool for Blender​

Blender’s internal UV packing tools are far from optimal, so if you need a more efficient tool for this (especially for big, complex models), you’ll be glad to hear about a new version of Packer-IO.

It is a free, standalone UV packing program with a neat Blender integration via an add-on called Unwrella Connect that allows you to use the advanced UV auto-packing tools straight from Blender. You need to install both the app and the add-on to make it work.

​This video guides you through the installation process.

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That’s all from me today, have a great weekend, and till next time.

~Zach