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JMathews
Community Manager
Community Manager
July 26, 2024

Adobe Dimension 4.0 is now available!

  • July 26, 2024
  • 76 replies
  • 57329 views

Hello everyone!  Adobe Dimension 4.0 is now available for download from Creative Cloud!

 

Adobe Dimension 4.0 is being updated to incorporate some of the same underlying code components as Adobe Substance 3D Stager, particularly in areas like rendering, lighting, and material handling. This update puts Dimension on a more modern and maintainable codebase, ensuring the application is more stable and secure for users. Consequently, users will see some changes in the software – most notably in rendering capabilities and material workflow, as well as minor functionality and quality improvements throughout the application.

 

Here is an FAQ with more details on the changes:

https://helpx.adobe.com/dimension/whats-new.html

The Adobe Dimension and Substance 3D Stager comparison FAQ page has also been updated:
https://www.substance3d.com/dimension-stager-faq/

 

    76 replies

    Participant
    August 8, 2024

    I'm experiencing a heating issue on my MacBook Pro 128gb. while using Adobe Dimension. =(

    Known Participant
    August 10, 2024

    The following are 15 dimension tutorials. From Adobe. There about 4 are old from 2017. The rest are all new as of August 2024

    you can find them by clicking Tutorials on the left of the screen as you open Dimension or from Dimension Help menu.

    https://creativecloud.adobe.com/cc/learn/app/dimension

     

    April 2020

    Export in 3D for web, AR & more 3 min.

    But not relevant unless they bring back this feature

     

    August 2024

    Move and Arrange Objects 3 min.

    No mention of on screen type in values, please bring back

     

    August 2024

    Overview of 3D Asset types and Substance 3D Assets 3 min.

     

    Known Participant
    August 10, 2024

    August 2024

     Edit the look of objects with materials. 3 min.

    It has Parametric materials

     

    August 2024

    Change the Camera View 2 min.

     

     

    Participant
    August 8, 2024

    Hmm. At first I thought — GREAT! But opening a current project I'm working on (with a deadline closing in) I'm thinking not so great, and prolly also have to downgrade. I can no longer edit Materials??!! 

    Participating Frequently
    August 8, 2024

    Yeah, they gave us bunch of materials knowing we can't edit them. For me it was more flexible with editable materials and less materials. Maybe they could make a button to switch between legacy and new materials. But I think what they should do is go back to the drawing board and just do better work with interface. In my view, this update is a miss. I see what they are doing but they are doing it in a way that causes more harm.

    Participating Frequently
    August 8, 2024

    Reading the posts on this forum, (some of which I've written), it’s all very negative, which I guess is what this forum is for - feedback about what's not working as it should, and if everything was perfect - why would you post…

     

    But I just wanted to say that I love, LOVE, Dimensions. It's the best 3D program I have used, and I have used quite a few (Infini-D, Strata Studios, even tried Blender) and all are way to complicated, especially as I only need static modelling and simple mock-ups, no animation.

     

    My point is Dimensions is great, it's just that version 4 doesn't feel like an upgrade...

     

    ...I hope this changes soon, untill then, I will keep using Version 3 happily

    Participating Frequently
    August 8, 2024

    If I'm not mistaken the negative posts were about V4. Dimension enabled me to take our product photography and bump up to professional level for a miniscule fraction of the costs to either have the products shot professionally or to put together a in house photo studio.

    Participating Frequently
    August 8, 2024

    That's what I am saying, Dimension is defiantly needed, low cost, simple to use, and perfect for mock-ups.

     

    With the negative feedback I have see - I just don't want Adobe to drop it.

     

    Just make V4 better and more usable.

    Participating Frequently
    August 8, 2024

    Firstly, I want to express that I’m genuinely trying to approach this update with an open mind, but several issues are making it difficult to fully embrace Adobe Dimensions v4. Some of these problems have persisted from previous versions, while others are entirely new. Below, I’ve outlined the key issues I’ve encountered. I’d appreciate hearing if others have faced similar challenges or if there are known solutions. My main concern with Dimension at the moment is its reliability. I often find myself questioning whether I’ve accidentally moved something or how the final render will turn out. While I can eventually adjust to the new camera system and figure out the rendering quirks, the small inconsistencies that disrupt my workflow and slow me down are harder to overlook.

    Issue: 3D Gizmo Functionality

    In Adobe Dimensions v4, the 3D gizmo includes colored arrows for each axis, squares for scaling and circles for for rotation. While the dragging functionality works, clicking on these elements does not trigger the expected input windows. Previously, in version 3, users could for example click on an axis arrow and open a window for precise input of movement or rotation values, including negative values. This feature is no longer functional in v4, leading to unintended micro-drags that move the object without user intent. Restoring the ability to open input windows by clicking on these gizmo elements would greatly enhance precision and usability.

    Issue: Unintended Object Movement Due to Micro-Drag Detection

    In Adobe Dimensions v4, selecting an object sometimes results in unintended micro-drags, causing the object to move unintentionally. This significantly impacts workflow speed, as users must work slowly and carefully to avoid accidental movements. The problem is further exacerbated by the issue that clicking on the 3D gizmo arrows or rotation squares does not open the input window for precise movement or rotation values. Instead, these clicks are often detected as dragging, leading to unintentional movement or rotation. Implementing a solution to differentiate between a click and a micro-drag more effectively, and restoring the functionality of the input windows, would greatly enhance user efficiency and accuracy.

    Issue: Unintended Dragging When Editing Value Fields

    In Adobe Dimensions v4, clicking on editable value fields to adjust settings often results in unintended drag motions instead of allowing for precise value entry. This issue mirrors the problem experienced with the 3D gizmo and object selection, where clicks are sometimes detected as drags. Additionally, the drag motion can become stuck, causing unintentional changes to values and disrupting scene composition. Users are forced to click away to stop the dragging action and reselect the value field to input the desired number. This inconsistency significantly impacts workflow efficiency and accuracy. Improving the distinction between click and drag actions in editable value fields would greatly enhance user experience.

    Issue: Materials Library Organization

    With the significant update to materials in Adobe Dimensions v4, the number of material groups and variations within each group has greatly increased. Previously, there were only two groups of materials, but now there are numerous groups, each containing many different variations. This results in a lengthy list that users must scroll through, without any option to collapse or expand all groups simultaneously. Implementing a feature to collapse or expand all material groups at the top of the materials tool window would greatly improve navigation and usability.

    Issue: Similar Materials Organization

    In Adobe Dimensions v4, the materials library includes many similar materials that do not justify having separate clickable entries. Materials that are very similar in nature should be grouped with a sub-selection feature, allowing users to choose different color presets or slight texture variations within a single entry. This would significantly shorten the materials list and enhance usability. Additionally, the sub-selection menu should be accessible both during material selection and after a material has been applied to an object, allowing for easy adjustments and changes to the sub-choices.

     

    Issue: Missing Transform, Object, and Material Properties

     

    Occasionally, when selecting an object in Adobe Dimensions v4, the transform, object, and material properties fields are missing, resulting in a blank area with no fillable fields or options. This issue disrupts the workflow and makes it difficult to adjust object properties efficiently. Ensuring that these properties consistently appear when an object is selected would greatly improve usability and productivity. Restarting the program fixes this issue, but it still happens ocasionally.

     

    Issue: Inconsistent Application of Transform Values

     

    In both Adobe Dimensions v3 and v4, there is an issue where certain transform values do not apply correctly to an object, even though the fields display the updated values. For example, after changing the size and entering the correct dimensions, pressing tab to move tho the next transform field, the previous transform field shows the intended value, but the object itself does not reflect these changes. Upon deselecting and reselecting the object, the size value reverts to the previous dimensions, indicating that the field did not registered the input and failed to apply it. This problem persists despite verifying that the correct input method was used and affects workflow consistency and accuracy.

    Issue: Inconsistent Compatibility with Version 3 Files

    When opening Adobe Dimensions v3 files in v4, the results are inconsistent and unpredictable. Sometimes additional camera angles appear, materials may not display correctly, objects can be displaced in random directions, or all of these issues occur simultaneously. This unpredictability makes it difficult to transition projects from v3 to v4. More work is needed to ensure compatibility with older files, so users can confidently migrate their projects without encountering these issues.

    Issue: Group Locking Ineffectiveness

    In Adobe Dimensions v4, locking a group does not prevent individual objects within that group from being moved or having their properties changed. This undermines the purpose of locking a group, as users expect that all objects within a locked group would be protected from accidental adjustments. Ensuring that locking a group effectively prevents any modifications to the objects within it would significantly enhance control and reduce the risk of unintended changes.

    These are the biggest issues for me personally. I would like to hear from the community about their experience.

    Participating Frequently
    August 8, 2024

    I was looking forward to using the new updated version (V4), especialy because I though Adobe was planning to ditch Dimensions. It really is a great little program, perfect for my needs... However as soon as I stated to use the new version the problems started, to the point where I had to uninstall and go back to Version 3.

     

    Model building - the new half render as you work - doesn't work for me... It's slow and clunky, much prefered the old model build interface, even if you have to do a quick render every so often, to see the way it will actually turn out.

     

    Shapes, Models and Material - I do appreciate the extra Models and Material, but I agree a 'collapse or expand all material groups' button is definitely needed. Also not happy that the other Shape that used to be under the Models 'Pipe / Pyramid / Boil / Arch etc. are now gone - please put them back!!!

     

    Main Problem - Models built in V3 are not compatable with NEW V4. When I opened a file I was working on in V3, in V4 objects moved out of alignment, so many that couldn't justify spending that much time to fix it... Also every camera I added then delated (because I didnt need them), re-appeared... very annoying. Especially as you end up with about 3 or 4 of them named camera 2, so you have to go though everyone to fine the one you actually want... maddening!

     

    ...So I have gone back to V3 and will stay with this untill there is a major update to V4, then maybe I will try again.

     

    Additional - No way to set the resolution on final render... why!

    Known Participant
    August 8, 2024

    This is what I recommend for the 500 plus materials. Having a floating pallets with collapsible buttons. There are 16 categories, it can be devided in two horizontal rows. see attached graphic I submitted.

     

    Known Participant
    August 8, 2024

    What is going on with the annoying saving issue, its impossible to work like this, please patch it up it is basic I am sure.

    keep up the good work the rendering working fast and amazing with my RTX 3060

    It feels like Dimension is finally going to a good direction once you'll fix the bugs

     

    Thank you

     

    Participant
    August 8, 2024

    It seems the new update isn't exporting GLB properly for some reason. They import back into Dimension just fine but any other software has issues 😞 is there a fix for this on the horizon?

    Participating Frequently
    August 7, 2024

    Can I downgrade to the previous version? Apparently I have automatic updates which I need to change.

    The new version changes the angle and camera view of my objects, home view no longer available, the models are locked and I cannot unlock them.

    I use Dimension to create product images so the lighting, angle, coloration need to stay consistent. I have no clue what this new version is doing to any of my models.

    Participating Frequently
    August 7, 2024

    Nobody knows what they did in the version 4, but nothing works the same, so we just need to deal with it where and if possible and hope that they are willing to consider feedback from the community. To downgrade to previous version open the Creative Cloud application, navigate to the "All apps" section, and locate Adobe Dimension. Click on the three dots next to the "Open" button, select "Other versions," and choose the latest version 3 or any prior version you prefer.

    Participating Frequently
    August 7, 2024

    Thank you so so much. I spent months tweaking all the aspects of my models and that's not counting the time and effort I spent to convince the higher paychecks to let me proceed with turning our image library to 3D renders.

    Participant
    August 7, 2024

    After the July upgrade, I am unable to work on Dimension. Every action takes ages. The program is sluggish as if I were working on a calculator. I see that no one else has this problem. Up until now, the program has worked smoothly, it has never stuttered like this. What could be the cause? Can I go back to the previous version?

    Participating Frequently
    August 7, 2024

    Some users may encounter performance issues with the recent update to version 4, as it has introduced significant changes and contains several bugs. If you are experiencing difficulties, you can revert to an earlier version of Adobe Dimension. To do this, open the Creative Cloud application, navigate to the "All apps" section, and locate Adobe Dimension. Click on the three dots next to the "Open" button, select "Other versions," and choose the latest version 3 or any prior version you prefer.

    Mike Mtrshk
    Participant
    August 6, 2024

    Hello Community, Adobe Team Members,

    It seems like a great update, however all my work projects done with previous versions simply stopped working. I have tried to find tutorials to understand this new version and the workspace, but at the moment there is no support material that can solve my doubts... The only option is to work on previous versions with the fear that at some point they will stop working.

    Participating Frequently
    August 7, 2024

    I am also experiencing significant issues with the new interface logic and difficulties opening older files. For now, the only viable option is to revert to the latest version 3 and wait for Adobe to release a more stable version 4. You can even revert to version 2, so I don't believe its end-of-life is imminent.

    marina14215263
    Participating Frequently
    August 6, 2024

    Adobe Dimension has a protocol problem.
    file import error.

    the update is not finished.