As its name sounds, VoxEdit is a voxel editing tool for making 3D non-fungible tokens for The Sandbox metaverse. Designing this software was essential to help artists create 3D objects faster. Also, since almost everything in The Sandbox is tokenized, VoxEdit allows artists to list their works on the asset marketplace easily.
In December 2018, The Sandbox launched the first version of the VoxEdit software. After that, it released a Beta version of the software in 2020, which serves as a one-stop tool for making NFTs in The Sandbox.
VoxEdit is the combination of two words, voxel, and edit. A voxel is a unit of information or any of the elements that comprise a three-dimensional (3D) object. This definition applies to natural and computer-generated 3D images.
So, The Sandbox VoxEdit is a software that allows creators to combine the discrete elements of a 3D object and produce creative artworks. The aim of using this tool is to either sell the artwork in The Sandbox marketplace, place it as part of a game or experience, or create wearables for avatars.
In this article, readers will learn the basics of VoxEdit, how to use it, and how creative artists have used the tool in the past.
How to get started
The Sandbox VoxEdit is a free software available for download on voxedit.io. It works on Windows (Windows 7 and others), MacOs (Mavericks and up), and Linux (Linux x64) computers. Like The Sandbox metaverse, VoxEdit is not a mobile app and does not support smartphones.
Meanwhile, there are three primary features of the software, and they have multiple tools. They form the basics of most 3D designs and help creators to produce the best artworks.
Modeler
If uniqueness is what you love, VoxEdit delivers just that. Creators who do not wish to use templates can start their designs from scratch using the modeling tool.
What it delivers:
- A box and wall where you can fill voxels to craft objects
- A color palette which you may remix to your tone or use an existing one
- Menu bar for rotating models in 3 dimensions, increasing or decreasing the number of voxels in a model, and cropping models.
- Multiple 3D file formats
Animator
After creating a model, creators may need to animate it, making it fit as a game character on The Sandbox. Doing so requires rigging your model to skeleton bones. VoxEdit animator delivers the following:
- Skeleton system
- Timeline: hierarchy system that creators will use to determine how the parts of a model move
- Cut & Rig tool
- Curves
- Keyframe Interpolation: interpolation improves how real an animation looks by adding values between consecutive keyframes.
Rigging an object means using a bone structure to manipulate a 3D model and add automated controls. This process brings life to models and applies to anything (soldiers, cars, or houses). For instance, rigging a soldier’s character allows it to have coordinated body movements like human soldiers. So, when the soldier’s leg moves, its hands also move.
Block Editor
Block Editor is a tool for creating the fundamental blocks and game terrains of The Sandbox games. Each block has six faces, size of 1m3 or 32 voxels, and may be solid or liquid. With this editor, creators can paint each side of a block, making the ground look like grass, rock, or any other available style.
The VoxEdit Block Editor is much similar to the Modeler tool. However, it has a few differences, including the following:
- Flip and rotate: this function allows you to view each side of a block individually and make needed changes.
- Duplicate faces: you can duplicate the style of an entire block (or only one of its sides) on other blocks. To do this, click on a face you intend to copy and drag it on other blocks. Block Editor also allows you to import or export blocks as PNG files.
- Pattern lock: this feature allows creators to view the 3×3 grid of blocks pattern and determine whether its design is suitable or not.
How to use VoxEdit
VoxEdit has five sections on the homepage: Modeler, Animator, Block Editor, Templates, and Tutorials. Starting with the modeler, you can create voxel arts from scratch using your preferred style and creativity.
Next, use the Animator to rig an object depending on its function. With the block editor, you will customize the terrain of a gaming area. The templates in The Sandbox VoxEdit are samples of existing projects, which you can copy when creating yours. When creating assets, it is best to maintain a size that will fill the block size of 32 voxels.
Note: To learn more about standard sizes for houses in The Sandbox environment, visit this guide. Also, The Sandbox provides a more comprehensive guide to using VoxEdit at The VoxEdit Academy.
Notable NFTs created with The Sandbox VoxEdit
Examples of voxels arts you can create with VoxEdit are the following NFTs:
- Aura – The King’s Crown: currently owned by 237 The Sandbox users.
- Shelf: a piece of sturdy furniture to store metaverse items.
- Medieval Wall Torch: a torch for lighting your way in the dark dungeons of The Sandbox.
- Halloween Pumpkin Bucket: a candy lover owned by over 72 The Sandbox players.
- Library Table: a solid desk that can accommodate about four avatars studying in the metaverse.
The Sandbox Creator Fund
This initiative provides grants to support talented digital artists who can create authentic artworks suitable for players and The Sandbox developers.
It aims to generate voxel assets for The Sandbox metaverse. Although the program is not ongoing at this time, it remains an excellent means of rewarding creators.
Benefits of the creator fund
- Artists retain the rights to their NFTs after receiving incentives and may list them on other marketplaces.
- The Sandbox will list eligible NFTs on its marketplace, and creators receive full profits after selling an asset successfully.
- Those selected for the fund can submit unlimited numbers of NFTs and get paid for them.
