Wings 3D Development Forum - All Forums

MatCaps support for light shading

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:35:11 +0000

Using a suggestion from a user on Discord (in April), I’ve been working since last month on changes to include the MatCaps light shader. I just finished it and have already applied it to the main repository.

There are dozens of MatCaps available out there, and they’re a great resource that lets us add different lighting styles to our workspace.

It was moved some View options to the submenu Show to open room to the new way to choose the light shaders. They are options we usually don't touch them frequently:

The new light shader options are now a selectable option (before was a combination of check and toggle):

The new MatCap option added to the View Settings:

Here is an updated screenshot of the View Settings window after I had added the option to blend the matcap shader with the diffuse/albedo texture map (normal map is enabled all the time):

and here the options in action:

.wings file won't open

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 18:25:48 +0000

Double clicking any ".wings" file just opens Wings3D window and doesn't load file itself. You have to use "File -> Open..." dialog to load a project.
"Wings3D Log" window is not showing any additional or different information compared to just opening the program.

Wings3D 2.4.1
macOS 15.7.7

Bevel command

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:26:07 +0000

Hello dear administrators.
I would like to raise the following issue. Would it be possible for you to consider changing the behavior of the bevel command? I find it inconvenient that when executed on an edge loop, it modifies the hardness of the affected transverse edges at the beginning and end of the loop. The new transverse edges at the beginning and end always appear smooth, but the intermediate transverse edges of the loop remain unchanged. Do you think it would be beneficial (or even possible) to change this? Thank you in advance.

Voting for Splash Screen Contest (May/2026)

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:27:05 +0000

It's voting time!

Hey users, the Splash Screen Contest poll will be opening soon:
- GMT: 11:00 PM
- EST: 6:00 PM

…and it finishes on June 5th.
- GMT: 6:00 PM
- EST: 1:00 PM

Here is the link: https://eu.surveymars.com/q/iXMEYOi3t
or via QR code:

feature request: perpendicular

Thu, 28 May 2026 09:34:47 +0000

Is it possible to make a new operation: connect (make a new edge) a vertex and an edge by perpendicular to the edge? Or, at least, cut an edge in the appropriate place.
Both must belong to the same face.

P.S. I know how to do it with "plane cut" but a dedicated operation must be much more convenient...

[closed] Splash Screen contest (Apr/2026) - Entries

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:39:24 +0000

Only the contest entries must be posted here - no questions.
Please, check the contest rules first: Splash Screen contest (Apr/2026) - Guidelines

...and don't forget, The contest deadline is 11:00pm WET (UTC+0) on May 31st, 2026. After that the poll will be available for 48h. Time extended!

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Splash Screen contest (Apr/2026) - Guidelines

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:34:12 +0000

Specific rules

It must to be made entirely in Wings3D (but, you can use any image software to create the textures);
You can use old works or make completely new ones;
Submissions must to include two images (mandatory):
1. a screenshot of your work in Flat shader mode with wires (any size; use the option Tools->ScreenShot for that);
2. the splash screen image with size of 620x348 (16:9 aspect ratio; The image can be a screenshot of the Geometry window, but respecting that dimensions);
The rendered image must not include any Wings3D's logo and it can be in JPG or PNG format (good quality!);
A minor post production is allowed, like a background inclusion, color adjustment, but you are not allowed to include other elements in the scene in this step;
The winner will be chosen by the Wings3D's community using a link that will be shared here and in our social media;
The winner image will be seen on the Wings3D's splash screen as soon as the next version be released after the voting has been ended.

General rules

In order to make your submissions, you must be a registered user at Wings3D's forum or Discord, so you can use it to manage your submissions;
All uploaded images must be either Public Domain or licensed under the GPL-2 (with “or later” option). By making an entry you are agreeing these license will be automatically applied;
Any upload made after the deadline will not be eligible for the voting;
The images must to be uploaded to an image host since the forum doesn't provide enough room for that;
You are allowed to update any render as you wish before the contest deadline;
There is no prize to be claimed. The winner image will be shown on the Wings3D"s splash screen.

Extra Information

You can make as many submissions as you want (different subject, please);
Textures is not mandatory, but it can turn your scene more attractive;
We require the project (scene) to be done using Wings3D, but you can render it outside Wings3D since it doesn't have a native render - Although we would to appreciate a screenshot when using the PBR materials.

What we don't want are elements created by other software than Wings3D. If you go to Blender, Maya, 3DS, ... , then use just the render engine. Don't go to Sculptris, ZBrush, .. to sculpt;
You are allowed to add your own logo, email or web address on the final image. In this case, put it in a corner on the bottom trying to make it proportional to the image (the attention must to be on the image);
In case you 3D print your model or use it for any other external work you can also upload a picture of it;
Why to restrict post processing:
We just don't want an image that is far from what any user would get by using a render tool. That would not be fair with those with less ability to use any post processing tool. As Wings3D is about modelling, we think that promote this skill is better than the "aesthetic" one.

The contest deadline is 11:00pm WET (UTC+0) on May 20th, 2026

Lets keep this thread clean! Post here only your questions about the contest;
The entries must be made in this thread: Splash Screen contest (Apr/2026)

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feature request: parametrize vs. coordinate value

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:47:43 +0000

It is easier to make an example instead of explaining this feature:

Create a solid, e.g. a vertical cylinder.
Cut vertical edges in 4 parts, then connect.
Select all lateral nodes.
Scale Radial >Radial Y > TAB

At this point, edit "50*Y" in the text box should scale radially the cylinder lateral nodes at 50% multiplied by their Y coordinate.

This would allow the creation of bodies, shaped as function of their nodes coordinates.

wings3d_2026-02-20 20-43-03.png (Size: 44.01 KB / Downloads: 2)
For example, the solid shown could be obtained by radial Y scaling by 50%*exp(Y)

ver.2.4.1 does not start

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 14:09:50 +0000

Hii all!

OS: Debian 13

I installed Wings3d from .desktop launcher, with no effect.
I run Wings3d from shell, obtaining a long crash report:

Code:
antonio@antonio-m32cd4k:~/wings-2.4.1$ ./wings

=CRASH REPORT==== 14-Feb-2026::15:04:24.913229 ===

  crasher:

    initial call: wxe_master:init/1

    pid: <0.86.0>

    registered_name: []

    exception error: {error,

                         {load_failed,

                             "Failed to load NIF library /home/antonio/wings-2.4.1/lib/wx-2.4.3/priv/wxe_driver: 'libwx_gtk3u_gl-3.2.so.0: cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory'"}}

      in function  wxe_master:init/1 (wxe_master.erl, line 121)

      in call from gen_server:init_it/2 (gen_server.erl, line 2229)

      in call from gen_server:init_it/6 (gen_server.erl, line 2184)

    ancestors: [<0.85.0>,wings_sup,<0.83.0>]

    message_queue_len: 0

    messages: []

    links: []

    dictionary: []

    trap_exit: true

    status: running

    heap_size: 987

    stack_size: 29

    reductions: 2678

  neighbours:

=CRASH REPORT==== 14-Feb-2026::15:04:24.936989 ===

  crasher:

    initial call: wxe_server:init/1

    pid: <0.85.0>

    registered_name: []

    exception error: {error,

                         {load_failed,

                             "Failed to load NIF library /home/antonio/wings-2.4.1/lib/wx-2.4.3/priv/wxe_driver: 'libwx_gtk3u_gl-3.2.so.0: cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory'"}}

      in function  wxe_master:init/1 (wxe_master.erl, line 121)

      in call from gen_server:init_it/2 (gen_server.erl, line 2229)

      in call from gen_server:init_it/6 (gen_server.erl, line 2184)

    ancestors: [wings_sup,<0.83.0>]

    message_queue_len: 0

    messages: []

    links: []

    dictionary: []

    trap_exit: false

    status: running

    heap_size: 610

    stack_size: 29

    reductions: 1547

  neighbours:

=CRASH REPORT==== 14-Feb-2026::15:04:24.937273 ===

  crasher:

    initial call: supervisor:wings_sup/1

    pid: <0.84.0>

    registered_name: []

    exception error: {error,

                         {load_failed,

                             "Failed to load NIF library /home/antonio/wings-2.4.1/lib/wx-2.4.3/priv/wxe_driver: 'libwx_gtk3u_gl-3.2.so.0: cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory'"}}

      in function  wxe_server:start/1 (wxe_server.erl, line 66)

      in call from wx:new/1 (wx.erl, line 206)

      in call from wings_sup:init/1 (wings_sup.erl, line 78)

      in call from supervisor:init/1 (supervisor.erl, line 869)

      in call from gen_server:init_it/2 (gen_server.erl, line 2229)

      in call from gen_server:init_it/6 (gen_server.erl, line 2184)

    ancestors: [<0.83.0>]

    message_queue_len: 0

    messages: []

    links: [<0.83.0>]

    dictionary: []

    trap_exit: true

    status: running

    heap_size: 987

    stack_size: 29

    reductions: 4429

  neighbours:

=INFO REPORT==== 14-Feb-2026::15:04:24.937699 ===

    application: wings

    exited: {{{error,{load_failed,"Failed to load NIF library /home/antonio/wings-2.4.1/lib/wx-2.4.3/priv/wxe_driver: 'libwx_gtk3u_gl-3.2.so.0: cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory'"}},

              [{wxe_server,start,1,[{file,"wxe_server.erl"},{line,66}]},

               {wx,new,1,[{file,"wx.erl"},{line,206}]},

               {wings_sup,init,1,[{file,"wings_sup.erl"},{line,78}]},

               {supervisor,init,1,[{file,"supervisor.erl"},{line,869}]},

               {gen_server,init_it,2,[{file,"gen_server.erl"},{line,2229}]},

               {gen_server,init_it,6,[{file,"gen_server.erl"},{line,2184}]},

               {proc_lib,init_p_do_apply,3,

                         [{file,"proc_lib.erl"},{line,329}]}]},

             {wings_sup,start,[normal,[]]}}

    type: temporary

=CRASH REPORT==== 14-Feb-2026::15:04:24.937727 ===

  crasher:

    initial call: application_master:init/3

    pid: <0.82.0>

    registered_name: []

    exception exit: {{{error,

                          {load_failed,

                              "Failed to load NIF library /home/antonio/wings-2.4.1/lib/wx-2.4.3/priv/wxe_driver: 'libwx_gtk3u_gl-3.2.so.0: cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory'"}},

                      [{wxe_server,start,1,

                           [{file,"wxe_server.erl"},{line,66}]},

                       {wx,new,1,[{file,"wx.erl"},{line,206}]},

                       {wings_sup,init,1,[{file,"wings_sup.erl"},{line,78}]},

                       {supervisor,init,1,

                           [{file,"supervisor.erl"},{line,869}]},

                       {gen_server,init_it,2,

                           [{file,"gen_server.erl"},{line,2229}]},

                       {gen_server,init_it,6,

                           [{file,"gen_server.erl"},{line,2184}]},

                       {proc_lib,init_p_do_apply,3,

                           [{file,"proc_lib.erl"},{line,329}]}]},

                     {wings_sup,start,[normal,[]]}}

      in function  application_master:init/3 (application_master.erl, line 143)

    ancestors: [application_controller,<0.10.0>]

    message_queue_len: 1

    messages: [{'EXIT',<0.83.0>,normal}]

    links: [<0.45.0>]

    dictionary: []

    trap_exit: true

    status: running

    heap_size: 987

    stack_size: 29

    reductions: 137

  neighbours:

What's wrong?
Do I need something installed?
Thank you in advance.

Making a shape like the JWST's mirror

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:01:54 +0000

At Discord, an user asked for a way to make a shape like the JWST mirrors.
Despite other simple approaches, I come with this one intending to show the use of Magnet with Move, as well as the use of Put On [RMB] to create the "array".

Inset error on AMD Ryzen (Wings version 2.2.7)

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 13:24:55 +0000

Hi,

have issues with Inset (right mouse button) command

on Intel i5 1345U its all OK
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZZYg4amCzJcXmPHw9

but on my AMD Ryzen 5 1600 i have deformations in corners
i tested this on 2.2.7 / 2.4 / 2.2.9 versions of Wings 3D
https://photos.app.goo.gl/1EpgGtWQS8dDz8ry6

thanks for reply

My models using as 3D printed objects

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:54:34 +0000

Hi,
from a long time, post here som of my works in 3D print ready models (all modeled in Wings)
last three years fall in love to 3D print, make tons of prints and actually fall in Battletech (wargaming) creations

these can be free downloaded from Cults (some for FDM some for SLA 3D printer)
All the 3D models of olve3dtlac・Cults

FDM

SLA

and more, cca 100 models

Enjoy!

File type is not preserved upon gltf export

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:00:59 +0000

File type is not preserved upon gltf export

When you export glTF you have an option to save in .glb or .gltf file. Then, when you click “OK” button, “Save” window appears where you need to set name and tags for a file, along with path to save the file. At the bottom of the window there is also “file type” drop down menu, which is set to “All Files(*.*)” by default, so you have to click this menu and select “gtlf binary (*.glb)” or “gl Transmission Format (*.gltf)”, depending on which one you chose in the very first window. Otherwise you will get a file without extension.

Mac mini M4, macOS Sequoia 15.7.2
Wings3D 2.4.1

OD_CopyPasteExternal: support added via plugin

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:25:27 +0000

OD_CopyPasteExternal Wrote:OD_CopyPasteExternal
Easily copying and pasting of geometry and common attributes across 3D Applications, perfect for quick iterations between them, without concerns about file management

You can find more information at OD_CopyPasteExternal

It mainly exchanges vertices, polygons, UVs, and material names between many 3d softwares, without to pass by export/import process. We just Copy (to external) and Past (from external) - that works for one object each time.
You can install it using Install Plugins & Patch and after restart Wings3D the option will be available via main menu Edit option.

Flüfy Nũrbs (Discord user) helped with the update of original code to Blender 4.5 (I already tested it with v5.0) and Houdini 21.0 (on his repository) since the main project has not been updated for recent versions.

Just notice that the texture image doesn't goes through the Copy/Past process. Only the material. So, we need to select the image and assign to it in order to get it applied in the other 3D software.

Download from my GDrive: wpc_od_copy_paste.beam

Ambient Occlusion (AO): New option

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:24:06 +0000

Added an option to apply ambient occlusion (AO) blending with vertex colors.

To enable a different action via the application menu, the CTRL modifier key was used to trigger a secondary option for the AO command.
This is a useful feature for those who paint vertex objects for use in games.

Here is the result:

Let's hope it can be approved.