Hi gang!
So... a few weeks ago (last month?) my PC blew up on me (PSU) and unfortunately too much damage was done, so I had to resort to a spare backup. It'll do for now, but I'm already working on replacement (I'm seriously considering to build my own PC again).
Anywhoo... this resulted in me having to reinstall some software and that also resulted in me re-evaluating my setup. In specific I began to grow weary with Bryce 7 and wondered if I could find some kind of replacement. In case you're not aware: Bryce 7 is a terrain builder that's sold by Daz3d but they essentially abandoned it and now it's seriously outdated.
Well, what I discovered totally blew me away!
TerraGen
I was looking for a terrain builder which could also be used to build up some kind of atmosphere, which is when I discovered Planetside's TerraGen. Now, the funny thing is that TerraGen is actually more of a world rather than terrain builder: it's fully geared towards creating procedural generated terrains that encompass the entirety of a planet (so: a planet-sized sphere). So building and editing is actually done by setting up generators and then applying shaders to them to customize that terrain.
But that's not all... this software can also be used to generate sky sceneries. Adding cloud layers and applying specifc kinds of light sources... no problem at all.
Always wanted to create a sunset with clouds turning a red(dish) color? This software has you covered.
The best part? There's a free to use demo version available. However, do keep one thing in mind: it has a bit of a learning curve and of course: the demo ("free") version has some limitations. Even so... I easily managed to set up a fun looking terrain, render it and then save the render as a TIFF file, which I then used as backdrop in Daz Studio (using the Environment tab?).
Gaea
As much as I love working with TerraGen... it's not that easy to add specific types of content. If I want to add a mountain or volcano then I can't "just" set that up. It can be done, sure, but you'll have to work around quite a few (fractal) generators and formulas to set it up.
So whenever I need a specific structure I came to enjoy QuadSpinners Gaea a lot. And once again: they also provide a free to use version which can be freely used for non-commercial purposes. Sure, it has a few limitations (such as the maximum dimension of the terrain you can work with) but omg... even the free edition is super useful!
Gaea is fully node based; so whenever you're building terrains you're actually adding nodes ("building blocks") that "do" something. Adding a volcano? You start with a volcano node, then optionally an 'Adjust' node to apply some more specific customizations. Then an 'Erosion' node to make the rocky environment look more realistic and once that has been set up you can start texturing it.
It may sound complicated but it's honestly quite easy to use once you get your hands behind the basics.
E-On's Vue is now totally free!
What is Vue I hear some people wonder? Vue is a world builder in the biggest sense of the word. You can set up landscapes by adding & editing terrain, you can set up vegetation (including effects such as movement from wind), add & edit props and finally it provides an insane amount of control for atmospheric sceneries, including support for adding rain and/or snow!
Adding terrain? You can take your pick: heightfield, procedurally generated, even real world imports! Rocks, clouds, plants, objects... even particles. Build your own terrain and set up a whole ecosystem. Export & import into Daz Studio and you're done.
Oh.. always wanted a cool HDR scenery ("Iray dome")? Vue has you covered with panoramic rendering, stereoscoping rendering.. you're in full control!
But wait... there's more! => PlantFactory!
See, here's the thing... as much as I love working with Vue to set up terrains you will notice a big difference between editing a (new) terrain in Vue, or building up a new custom terrain in either Gaea and/or TerraGen. Generally speaking there will always be a (big) difference between software that 'also' provides a certain feature (such as terrain editing in this case) or software that was specifically designed for that one, single, purpose feature.
The E-On company also realized as much, which is why they made PlantFactory.
PlantFactory is a program that allows you to build your own vegetation from the ground up. Trees, plants, foliage.. whatever you need. And of course: once you have your plant(s) set up it won't be too difficult to send it right back into Vue so that you can use it in your projects. You see.. both programs share a so called "Plant catalogue" which is basically a (huge) collection of tons of foliage. Trees, grass, ferns, bushes, mushrooms... And palms ;) Ready to add to your world in Vue, or to be used as a starting asset in PlantFactory for further customizations.
This is huge!
In conclusion...
If you ever started working on a cool Daz Studio scenery and then wondered what you should use as backdrop or background... then these software environments can probably help you out with that. Now, this forum has a strict rule against links towards external locations (and there's IMO a very good reason for that!), but no worries...
- TerraGen => Complete world builder, ideal for procedurally generated terrain. If you google for "Planetside TerraGen" you're bound to find the main website, and the free demo version.
- Gaea => If you need to build a specific type of terrain.. this can be the solution. Search for "Quadspinner Gaea" and I'm sure you'll get there. There is an (official!) free demo version but do keep in mind that it's for non-commercial use only.
- E-On's Vue & PlantFactory => If you ask me then this is the "holy grail" for Daz Studio users. If you're still using Bryce 7 then... sorry to say but IMO you're doing it wrong! This is both a world and vegetation builder and while it does have a bit of a learning curve... if you check the included documentation or the official YouTube channel you'll be setting up sceneries in no time. This software obliterates Bryce 7. Search for "E-On Vue" and you should soon find the download page hosted by the Bentley Systems company.
And best of all? Each to their own of course (!), but I think that all these software environments are a lot of fun to work with, which is an extremely important detail for me.
At the time of writing I'm working on building a nice (custom) beach in Vue, and I can't wait to add it to my Daz Studio library and have Sukai 8 walking around there in one of the awesome bikinis that are available on this website (like the cyber bikini! <3).
Edited by user Friday, July 25, 2025 8:10:32 AM(UTC)
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