New Ribbon tool available next to the other path-like tools
The new Ribbon tool is available next to the other path like tools in the interface. It can be selected either from the toolbar or from the path type shortcuts.

The Ribbon is a continuous path that works across all kinds of surfaces
ItThe Ribbon is a tool that allows to repeat or stretch a texture along a path. It works across any kind of surfaces and geometry, even when mesh parts are not connected.

Making repeating patterns and gradients
This new tool can repeat images in various ways with no seams or cuts, which is suitable for gradients and clean patterns.

Stretch images with custom start and end
The stretch between offsets setting allows to isolate parts of an image to use them as start and end sections on a path, while the middle section is stretched along the rest of the path. This can come in handy to quickly use simple bitmaps and place them along a path without distortions, like arrows.

Different corner types available
When breaking tangents to create corners, several shapes are available depending on the needs - from classic break to smooth turning.

Stretching and tiling controls
Images can easily be repeated or stretched along a Ribbon path, either automaticaly or manually.

Text along path
Font resources can be used directly on a Ribbon path. Text automatically adjusts to the path to deform along it curves. Alignments settings can be used to better adapt text for any situations.

Aspect ratio and non-square resources
Non-square resources are automatically adjusted to fit to the Ribbon path's length, which makes it ideal for elongated patterns, such as repeating decorations and trims.

Compatible with Substance dynamic strokes workflow
Ribbon paths are also compatible with the Substance based dynamic stroke system, making it possible to create complex results. One notable example is the ability to have custom start/ends and left/right corners.
Two new tool presets named Custom Ribbon Grayscale and Custom Ribbon Material are also provided to make this functionality easily accessible.

Compatible with symmetry
Like other types of tools, the Ribbon path is also compatible with the symmetry feature.

Blending modes when self-overlapping
When a Ribbon path crosses over itself, it can lead to unexpected results. The dedicated blending mode for the Alpha, Normal and Height channel can help to achieve better results.

Separate size and opacity per vertex on paths
Adjusting the size and opacity per vertex on a path is now possible and not tied to the pressure parameter anymore. These two properties are now handled separately with dedicated sliders in the interface.

Parameters grouping in the Properties window
Most tools in Painter now have collapsible groups for their parameters. This change makes it easier to hide parameters on the fly and reduce the length of the window.

New preset categories shortcuts in Properties window
A series of new buttons now sits at the top of the Properties window when using any path tools. Each button gives access to tool presets, sorted per categories. The favorites category regroups presets you chose.

Clicking on one of the buttons will give a quick access to some pre-selected presets. Clicking on Show more in Assets will reveal more path tool presets in the Assets window.

Quick switch between presets
To make switching between presets easier, clicking on a preset no longer deselect the currently edited path.

New content
75 new tool presets dedicated to the Ribbon tool have been added in this version as part of the default content. These presets are available directly inside the Assets window under the brush section or via the new categories shortcuts in the Properties window.
These presets include:

• Apparel: Improved seam puckering and topstitches presets, as well as zippers and fabric tears.
• Basic: Simple strokes such as lines and dashes, but also gradients and the Custom Ribbon presets based on the Dynamic Stroke system.
• Grunge: 3 types of cracks to simulate damages on various kind of surfaces.
• Hard surface: Grip patterns, panel and shutlines detailing, tapes and welding to use or mechanical objects.
• Organic: Bandages, both clean and dirty, to wrap around skin and other surfaces.
• Paint: brush based gradients and gouaches presets.
• Text: Quick presets to setup text along a path with the Ribbon with different alignments modes and stretching.

New tool keyword for searching in Assets window
Typing "ribbon", "paint", "path" or even "smudge" in the Assets window is now possible and can help find presets which will match the corresponding tool.

Symmetry on fill layers
When using 3D based projection modes in fill effects and layers, symmetry can now be enabled. Both mirror and radial symmetry are available.

Enable symmetry via the contextual toolbar or the Properties window
Symmetry can be activated via the contextual toolbar menu, similar to paint tools, or via the Properties window with the new dedicated section.

Flip input resource for Texts and Logos
Fill layer and effects symmetry also benefit from a new options than allows to flip the input images or the X/Y axes. This allows to mirror a text for example but still make it readable on both sides.

Improved symmetry settings interface
The interface of the symmetry settings has been reworked to be easier to read and quicker to use. Axes sliders each have their own line for example, which helps to be more precise. The radial display has also been downsized to occupy less space.

New scale unit option in displacement settings
In the Shader settings window, when adjusting the displacement intensity, there is a new scale unit settings available. This setting offers the following options:

• Normalized: default, matches the previous behavior of Painter. This size is based on the mesh bounding box inside the current project.
• Scene: uses the units stored inside the mesh file as the reference point.
• Physical size (cm): uses the project's unit defined in the Project configuration window.

Vulkan graphics API is now used instead of OpenGL on Windows and Linux
Painter now uses the Vulkan graphics API for rendering in the viewport and computing textures. This switch should improve the general performance of the application. It will also make it easier to integrate new functionalities in the future.

GPU raytracing for baking via Vulkan
DirectX raytracing (DRX) and Optix have been replaced in favor of raytracing via the Vulkan graphics API in our bakers. This change means that GPU based raytracing is now available on AMD GPUs as well as on the Linux operating system.
Switching to Vulkan also improve baking render times, especially at high resolutions.

Substance resolution override
When using Substance resources in Tools and Fill layers/effects, a new Resolution parameter group is available. These settings can be used to change the default resolution selected by the application.
This can be useful to either increase or reduce the resolution a Substance is generated at, for quality or performance reasons.

The available settings are:

• Resolution: define the mode and context used to compute the resolution. Default is Auto, but it can set to Texture Set or Custom.
• Factor: additional control over the resolution,  to create relative differences. For example: using half of the resolution of a given context.
• Output size: the final resolution computed based on the previous settings.

Performance improvements on single big triangle
Until now, Painter would struggle on very low poly meshes or meshes with very big and/or long triangles. This is no longer the case. Working with single quad meshes, for example to create tiling textures, should not be a problem anymore.

Improved default brush shape
The default brush shape has been updated with new settings to control its size and roundness while taking into account the hardness behavior.