LightWave Digital Previewed LightWave 3D 2025

The 3D animation and rendering software software's current owner, LightWave Digital, has revealed new features that will be included in the upcoming major version of LightWave 3D, set to launch later this spring.

A key highlight is the Real-Time Interactive Preview Renderer (RIPR), which enables HDR-illuminated pre-visualization. This system allows users to effortlessly switch between the Viewport Preview Renderer (VPR), RIPR, and OpenGL previews, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted creative process.

Another new addition is LW Construct, an instant generator with an intuitive interface for creating stairways, bookshelves, and decks. With just a few clicks, users can quickly design indoor or outdoor stairs, customize spindles, adjust landing sizes, and tweak handrails.

Building on the Rhiggit character rigging system from the previous release, LightWave 2025 brings three new powerful tools: Steppit, Handdit, and Pickkit. These tools offer automated walk cycles with keyframing, intuitive hand animation, and an improved joint selection system. For artists aiming for a non-photorealistic look, LightWave 2025 introduces a new cel shader. This post-shading tool, visible in VPR, provides enhanced control over object and surface shading, allowing for a stylized finish with ease.

Check out LightWave Digital's preview livestream on YouTube below and join the official LightWave 3D Discord server for the full details.

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