Since the release of Blender 4.1, we have been eager to test its new features and improvements. So, after exploring this version, we are happy to share the five features that we consider the most significant.
Autosmooth option disappears as a mesh property
It is now possible to make edges sharper or softer through mesh attributes, using the Shade Smooth by Angle option. Similarly, the Smooth by Angle modifier has been added as a non-destructive method to achieve the same result.
Open Image Denoise through the GPU for rendering with Cycles
As we know Denoise allows to remove noise during scene preview both in the 3D window and in the final rendering, preserving the visual detail as well as possible. The fact that you can now select the OpenImageDenoise option and enable the GPU accelerator for supported hardware, will allow denoising to be available in real time in the 3D window.
Files can now be dragged directly into the 3D viewport
One of the most awaited features; being able to drag files directly to import them is now a fact.
We have tested this new feature and for now it works with .obj, .usdc (format added in this version for export) and .blend files but surely it will be possible also with .fbx very soon.
Bone collections can now be managed hierarchically
In Blender 4.1 bone collections have a hierarchical structure. Instead of being displayed as a simple list, these groupings are arranged in a tree that allows them to be rearranged and nested by drag and drop. Thus, a grouping of bones will only be visible if its predecessor is visible. In other words, if a grouping of bones is hidden, its children will also be hidden.
One-click locking of camera view
When entering the camera view, it is possible to lock the view quickly by clicking on the padlock icon directly in the interface itself, without having to enter the view properties to do so.
These features are just a few of the many improvements that Blender 4.1 offers. For more information, we invite you to explore all the new features directly at the following link. For our part, we are excited to witness how with each release, Blender continues to climb the ranks as one of the most important software in the industry.
Thanks for reading us, see you next time!
