2.79 has been an era. This release was pretty planned out. Just adding a few boolean tools and call it a day. So I asked AR if he had something to add, expecting him to say no. He was like nah I got something major to add. After much tweaking I am proud to announce the final-ish HOps for 2.79.

It is recommended to update to the latest build via the buildbot. Users have reported issues with 2.79B. If you are having issues with 3d box crashing please try updating Blender. This has been found to resolve most of the issues.

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The next update will be for 2.8.

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Boolean Scrolling

When AMD was planning to have me test a Threadripper 2 I wanted to have some tools that could push a processor to the max with booleans stacked on booleans. In the end I was getting to 70+ booleans on a model and then found I could isolate things and tweak them to make endless variants. So in a way AMD was the cause of this shift of workflow.

Scroll Booleans / Additive Scroll / Object Scroll

Scroll Booleans – allows user to cycle through all booleans active on a model. Meshes are made visible to quickly identifying and tweaking a boolshape in an isolated state.

Additive Scroll – allows user to scroll through a series of booleans in order to rebuild a shape selectively or shape by shape.

Object Scroll – helps users locate and enable a particular boolshape or series of boolshapes. (I also use this to select a single boolshape while hiding all other then LMB and hide the shape selected)

Toggle Boolean Visibility

Allows user to toggle all booleans off. This will allow users to move parts around then re-enable for performance efficient working.

These options are part of the Q >> Operations >> BoolScroll

We plan to make them more prominent and possibly merge into 1 in future versions.

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QArray

Qarray has been updated to now support multiple objects. Also the default array is now constant instead of relative. This allows users to array multiple objects and press S (applies scale during modal) to ensure they array evenly and equally.

In the above example I also parented with ctrl + P >> Curve Deform following the array to deform and continue to tweak.

Tthick

Tthick now supports multiple objects.

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Reset Axis +

Reset axis was formerly a series of options but now it has been merged into 1 tool.

When 1 object is selected you can reset the axis globally.

When 2 objects are selected it will reset the origin according to the 2nd object.

I use reset axis quite a bit and I hope you are able to find a use out of its evolution.

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Now for the highlight of this release. We originally had this planned for 2.8, however AR bought it over to 2.79 HOPS for this release and expanded it.

Destructive / Non Destructive Mode

In the ctrl + ~ >> HOPS Helper >> Misc tab there is an option at the top for destructive / non destructive modes.

Destructive

Destructive offers the same classic behavior users have come to expect.

Modifier order is determined by user behavior. This is the way things have always been. Even in destructive ctrl + numpad minus cuts are still handled the same. And as always Q >> Csharpen will make this cut real.

Non Destructive

Non destructive is similar to an extent.

Notice that the live cut also inherited the bevel. This is what non-destructive will offer users. However it goes farther. At the moment of the gif above the bevel mod is set to angle and the boolean is first in the stack.

The shift of bevel mod from angle to weight is done by csharp as the boolean is applied allowing users to continue in a csharp state.

We plan to furter expand on these workflows and behaviors but consider this us sticking our flag in the task.

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Slice

Slice has once again received an upgrade.

There is a destructive and non destructive variant.

Destructive – behaves as before. Slices one and done.

Non Destructive –  everything is kept live. Csharp to apply.

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In closing. I am working on a robot for AMD using 2.79. I hope you check it out!

Part 2 coming soon.

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Special thanks to: AR, proxe, redfrost. Teamwork is the secret. I am thankful everytime we come together for another release. Let’s keep goin!

 

We hope you continue to enjoy HardOps and report any support issues to my email (masterxeon1001@gmail.com).

It is with great pleasure that I announce the release of Hard Ops 0095: Americium. This release is an intended update on our 2.79 support as the anticipation for 2.8 boils over. This is less event filled than Boxcutter‘s newest release but is still worthy of going over.

Operatives : In the addons tab is a link to meshmachine that will discount you on the product. Kudos to Machin3 for his kindness to the ops.

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Installation

here

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Interactive Mirror (alt + X)

Interactive mirror was added this version and we couldn’t stop fine tuning it even up to release.

It is an expansion off of the previous mirror rewrite done here.

All 4 systems (mod, symmetry, bisect, relink) have been combined into 1 easy to use modal.

This is one of my favorite tools and we even took it a step further!

In this modal you choose which side to use to overwrite the other. And it’s visual. It has come in handy for so many tasks and it was a major undertaking by AR and RF.

During the modal you can change the behavior to do other things as well depending on goals.

*it is worth noting that the bisect will create an open faced mesh which will have issues with bmesh which works best with completely manifold items. This is because Carve is gone. I hope they put it back. In the meantime I recommending checking your meshes in the event of boolean errors because Bmesh will highlight any geometrical errors with anything from crashes to geometry disappearing.

This mirror is not done.

So Machin3 also made a mirror as well for MeshMachin3. It is cool, but it’s an alternative to symmetrize so we added a level of compatibility for users using that tool as well.

To use this you will have to disable the meshmachine‘s alt + x hotkey.

Ctrl + alt + U >> User Preferences

Addons >> Search Mesh

General >> Symmetrize >> Uncheck Alt + X

If you search for 9. You’ll find Hard Ops 9.

If meshMAchine is installed you will see a Mir2 Symmetrize Type: Set to Machin3

Save User Settings

(As I type this.. we might put this in the helper next version)

Now when you use our Interactive Mirror with alt + X it will use Machin3’s symmetrize.

I just love those fading verts he does. Now keep in mind this is only for symmetrize and replacing ours with Machin3‘s.

 

edit: If the hotkey for mirror doesn’t show next to the option in the Q menu you may need to right click it and set the hotkey to alt + X and then save user prefs in the ctrl + Alt + U user prefs to set on next load. Sorry about this issue we will hardcode it in the next update. And have it show up under the hotkey of our prefs. (8-1) An update has been pushed to customers for having alt + X be interactive mirror by default)

 

Make sure your version of meshmachine is at least 0.5.13 in order to have machine’s symmetrize tools. In the meshmachine user prefs you should see hotkeys listed for machin3’s symmetrize. If they are not showing you need to get the preview.

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Ref +

This idea came about while modelling a bunch of weapons for work recently.

The issue was I kept having to exit full screen to deal with empties on images. And since Hard Ops focuses on the weird ideas…

If you have an image loaded in Blender. Via through the UV Image editor window or dragging and dropping like me and then unchecking background images in the N panel, you can press Q to bring up a unique empty q menu that can do various functions such as:

• Set Image (select image from list)
• Center Image
• Change Transparency
• Change Offset

This is worth trying out and adding to your workflow if you like dealing with references but this was something on the todo list for too long.

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MeshMachine Integration (meshmachine required)

I was floored when Machin3 showed me what was to become MeshMachine. With every update I see more into his workflow and modelling approach.

We have integrated mesh machine into menus and pies to make it easier to get used to the tool. It helps me immensely and I hope users utilize it.

I am still coming to terms with some of the features and how it opens a whole new modelling method once again. I hope everyone is at least following the development. I believe it will push Blender to untold heights and keep the other packages jealous.

Meshmachine is proof lightning can strike twice. DecalMachine has already changed the landscape on what is real.

Machin3 has made a fair deal of submissions to HOPS and is a valued supporter.

Operatives get a discount. Just check the addons tab of Hard Ops.

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Edit Mode Boolean Options

In the Q menu for edit mode there are now options for booleans in edit mode. This was added a few versions back but now has a place in the Q menu itself.

Edit mode booleans have their uses and can be used in certain situations. It is worth experimenting and implementing into your workflow.

It works great alongside Boxcutter‘s new edit mode behavior.

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Bugfixes

There’s always more bugs to fix. In this version many bugs were resolved but as always new ones are sure to come about.

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In Closing

While this was an incremental update, alot has went on underneath to prepare us for what comes next. I plan to do some final videos for this update and a public demo so stay tuned and we’ll see what the future holds.

I thank all customers for their shares, recommendations, and continued support. Even as work gets busy and I find myself modelling ancient guns and swords I cannot stop thinking about Hard Ops and what I want to do next.

An update for Fidget is coming and with that some big things. Fidget is intended to be a companion for Hard Ops and a customizable macro widget for full screen working so do give it a try and when we add templates it will become more apparent when its easily usable without pre-setup.

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Thanks

As always I must thank AR and RedFrost who were immense this release. As we cycle between tools with different thoughts and goals it can get confusing so I admire the teamsters who are able to keep up with my madness.

Machin3 is and has been an invaluable resource during this adventure. As he shows us more of his workflow and style I feel the whole hard surface landscape shake.

I cannot recommend his latest tool and previous tool enough.

MeshMachine / DecalMachine

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H9 Videos / Docs / Gumroad / BlenderMarket /

THIS RELEASE IS FOR VERSION 2.79(official) and higher. Not the bevel build yet however, I do look forward to it and recommend trying it.

It is with great pleasure that I announce the release of Hard Ops 093 Neptunium.

This version is a small update with a few enhancements to catch users up to 2.79. With 2.8 around the corner we are looking to the future of what Hard Ops could become. Even while working full time on historical re-enactments Hard Ops still plays an integral role in my life even if its less robots and more cannons for the time being. So without further ado lets get into the update.

Gumroad customers can log into their account on the site and access the sales page in order to get the update. The latest file is always at the top.

BlenderMarket customers just have to log in and it should be under My Account.

 

Installation –

This guide has always been the recommended method. Using install from file can be risky so it is not recommended.

After installation simply enable it in preferences (ctrl +alt + u).

And with no error you are good to go.

Whats New? –

Cut In Operator –

This operator is similar to the boolean subtract option except that it cuts and is done. Currently there is not transition to wire on the cut in mode but this may be expanded in the future.

To properly show this I will duplicate my default cube and change the shading to wire. Otherwise in solid it can’t be shown well.

And with both selected I will just use the Q menu option for cut in that is in the two-object boolean submenu.

This option will also csharp if present after the operation as shown above.

This was created with intention on allowing for csharp objects to be cut into each other as well so there is additional depth that goes beyond the usual boolean operation.

In the above example you might be able to notice that the bevel from the csharp didn’t get cut into the object and was allowed to translate as a marked sharp to the prime object. This comes in handy for operations requiring fitting of objects. I recommend testing it out to find if it can fit in your workflow.

Cut In Expanded –

I use cut in as a way to also deal with shape cutters quickly. Below I have added a few more examples.

So here I’ll set things up.

And basically using this wire cylinder I can quickly snap and cut to quickly get holes on the shape.

 

Adaptive Bevel Width –

This one was added by Machin3 at the last moment for this release who also happened to have updated Decal Machine to version 1.4 allowing for decals to be exported everywhere which is always exciting to hear.

This tool is best shown visually.

This is bwidth by default. There is also a help option that can be brought up with H on all modals.

Pressing A will enable adaptive bevel width.

I suspect this tool will work good for workflows involving using the bevel for blocking and scale. I am not rolling the mouse in the above example. It is adjusting the segments according to the width dynamically. I plan to do video content explaining it in depth as well however I believe this gives an idea of what to expect.

Material Helper Glitch –

This one was personal but quite annoying.

In the Hard Ops 8/9 material helper if you assigned a new material, it would not be selected like the default blender material panel.

Expected and typical behaviors is a stickler of mine so it with great pleasure that proxe has managed to solve it.

Proxe has been a major part of this release as has AR and Machine. It’s the teamwork that keeps it going.

 

Clean Mesh Update –

Clean mesh was something that I felt had more of a future than the initial implementation. Clean mesh did it’s job well but it showed no mercy.

In this quick example I’ll make something simple.

So at the top of it I added some geo just for kicks.

Here is the default behavior of clean mesh. Which also only worked in object mode which made it limited but sometimes useful.

Having all your geometry dissolved isn’t the best outcome so with tweaks it now has flexibility that has optimized it for hard surface needs of the 21st century modeller.

Since my ssharpen is marking seams on top of sharps + bweight. I can select regions in edit mode with L.

Even making this gif impressed me. Proxe as really created a very smart and versataile mesh cleaner that can work from edit mode now. This is something worth experimenting with and the options for mesh visible and selected you can find a way to clean up specific areas for additional booling.

If you aren’t familial with the ctrl + ~ helper it is a favorite of mine for fullscreen working. The mesh clean options are there for setting prior to tool usage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relink –

Relink has been floating around for a minute without a proper way to introduce it or integrate it’s workflow to the one we have used up until now. But in short. Group Mirroring. But not even group just group… based?

In the above example I used automirror to split it quickly but using relink as a mirror is different than using a mirror modifier. This is due to the other side now being a group instance so no clipping or merge like youre used to with mirror. I have been using this on larger projects to share large group pro assets like arms and boots. This also works on meshes. This is something I recommend testing for yourself but if you use group pro this will come in handy. Just don’t ever edit the group instance. Sounds silly but I did it once. Never again…

This tool is hard to explain in use however it is for the larger of workflows. I sometimes have to lie in my viewport to keep the navigation fluid. Larger objects can turn a PC into a beeping mess.

Final Notes –

Fun Fact everytime we try to make “HOPS mode” a new tool is made. It just can’t happen. Because of that I feel the helper is the next best thing to keeping my UI less workflow moving forward. I do hope everyone tries that Bevel build I mentioned at the beginning. I hope that someday that will also integrate with our work but it would be a cycles only thing so more limiting in that regard. You know me I’m cycles for life but evee is on the horizon. I would love a realtime experience.

So back to HOPS mode. It didn’t work again haha so now we are working on this upcoming thing that HOPS customers will be hearing about first once it’s stable.

So hopefully soon on that. There’s also an easter egg in HOPS that is unfinished and possibly dangerous so I won’t get into that but as of this posting

Hard Ops 0093: Neptunium is live.

So until next time. That is all.

support: masterxeon1001@gmail.com

Also BoxCutter. Updates soon.

 

Randomness:

Boxcutter is the darling of Hard Ops. It’s the thing we mess with when we want a break from Hard Ops. (redacted) I want to make this tool unique. And this version takes us a little closer to the next level of cutting.

I am pleased to announce Boxcutter 6.5 Symslice.

Gumroad Customers: The top file is always the latest version.

Blender Market Customers: the file….

Here is what happened in the last version. MaterialScythe

I will go over each of the enhancements you can expect in this version.

View Alignment V1 –

It’s v1 because this is just the start.

When you start boxcutter there is a border. If you press alt + shift + mmb on a face. The view will align to that face. This is something I wanted to add to hard ops as well but differently however that may come at a later time.

This tool is invaluable to making angled cuts and and comes in handy for alignment related issues. I use this all the time and cant wait for it’s next level.

Mirror –

Boxcutter now has mirror. This is a big enhancement and was a welcome addition to Boxcutter. In the D menu you can select the axis (holding shift) and select multiple axis.

Before I would cut on one side and mirror to the other using Hard Ops (alt + x).

Enabling the a mirror axis on the D menu will allow mirror cutting.

Non Destructive Changes –

There have also been changes to the format of the D menu. This should make it easier to understand / use.

Rotation –

Pressing R during drawing will rotate the object the amount of degrees specified in the D menu.

This was also in the last version but has been improved for this version.

Additional Notes –

• logo fixes
• Hard Ops connection improvements
• faster boolean method than previous
• fix for cutting to cursor in local view
• fix for cutting with distant origin
• bugfixes

 

Support Notes –

There appeared to be some issues with this release due to changes between Blender versions 2.78c/2.79/2.8.

Sometimes pressing D will get you a menu like this.

If this happens there is a hotfix version released(4/30/17) to markets containing an additional option.

There is also a known issue where the menu can have issues refreshing and displaying correctly if the window draw method is not set to triple buffer.

When drawing a box I get this error.

Reinstall boxcutter using the latest fix from the sales page. This is a resolved issue.

Unable To Install –

Do not use install from file. I recommend installing things as per the 008 guide. Just put the contents of the zip in your add on directory. Replace the previous folders or rename them to keep classic versions.

Pie Not Showing Symmetry –

If you use fix for Pie. This will require you also utilize the T panel for symmetry.

This is due to differences between blender 2.79 and 2.78 and lower and the support the pie menus now have. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope this becomes more normalized come 2.79 official.

There is more in the release_log.md in the zip file.

Enjoy!