Blender has just dropped Blender 4.5 LTS (Long Term Support), a crucial update focusing on performance, stability, and workflow enhancements. This version will receive ongoing support for the next two years, making it a reliable choice for artists and studios.
Key Highlights:
- Vulkan Acceleration: Continued integration of Vulkan brings significant performance and stability gains for real-time and viewport rendering, paving the way for a faster Blender experience.
- Geometry Nodes Evolution: New nodes and enhanced functionalities like “Mesh to Curve” streamline procedural content creation, making complex setups more efficient. Hair dynamics are also a major focus for future node-based simulation.
- Modeling & Sculpting Refinements: “Manifold Booleans” offer more reliable sculpting operations, while “Bevel Gizmos” provide precise interactive bevel control. New painting operators like “Mask by Color” enhance creative freedom.
- Rendering Improvements: Cycles sees refined Adaptive Subdivision and better bump correction, while EEVEE boasts improved shadow handling and reduced light leaking for more realistic real-time renders.
- Compositor Boost: The Compositor gains several new nodes mirroring those in Shading and Geometry Nodes, offering a more consistent and powerful post-processing workflow.