Soft transition between Multi/Sub Object Materials

[katho3d]

Hello,
I´m searching for a shader or material that allows me to render procedurally generated soft or irregular transitions between Multi/Sub Object Materials. Like on the attached image Multisub_transition.jpg
I know there are a few ways to do this manually, like using a vertex color mask etc but with more complex landscape scenes this approach takes some time
Maybe I´ve missed something but otherwise I would really love to see such a shader/feature in V-Ray
Thanks, Thomas

[themaxxer]

make it with vraydistancemap, you have to change your workflow a bit, but it will work perfectly.

[katho3d]

make it with vraydistancemap, you have to change your workflow a bit, but it will work perfectly.

Thanks, I've already tried this method but I will make a few more tests with vraydistancemap.
We have to deal with complex landscape scenes and an automated solution would really speed things up. I've attached an example.

[dsolod]

Have you tried free ColorEdge plugin from iToo?
https://www.itoosoft.com/freeplugins.php

There was more developed plugin "Gradient Edge" from iCube but I am not sure if they still have it

[andy51]

Have you tried free ColorEdge plugin from iToo?
https://www.itoosoft.com/freeplugins.php

There was more developed plugin "Gradient Edge" from iCube but I am not sure if they still have it

I believe yo can now get "Gradient Edge" from 3D-Kstudio https://3d-kstudio.com/product/gradiendedge/

[katho3d]

Thanks dsolod and andy51, ColorEdge from iToo looks great but unfortunately it has some limitations. We would need a plugin exactly like this one, but working with edit poly and with an option to limit the effect per Material ID. Even better would be an extra "edge ID" selector in the edit poly modifier to precisely limit and control the effect.
Gradient Edge seems to be worth a try too, but its marked with "out of stock".

[dgruwier]

I've done things like this using VRayBlendMtl masked with VRayDistanceTex following guide geometry, but I suppose what you want is to just have a simple material ID workflow and have the soft transitions take care of themselves?

[katho3d]

I've done things like this using VRayBlendMtl masked with VRayDistanceTex following guide geometry, but I suppose what you want is to just have a simple material ID workflow and have the soft transitions take care of themselves?

Correct The problem is the geometry very often changes during the project, so an automated solution would save a lot of time.
The ColorEdge plugin from iToo also has a noise feature that adds some natural irregularity to the transition, something like that with a little bit more control would be perfect.

[theedge]

Gradient Edge seems to be worth a try too, but its marked with "out of stock".

Don't buy this. I bought anoher plugin from the same developer (InsertShape) The product is great... when it works. The license stopped working every few months and I always had to ask for a new one. Last time it happened I haven't had any answer.

[katho3d]

Don't buy this. I bought anoher plugin from the same developer (InsertShape) The product is great... when it works. The license stopped working every few months and I always had to ask for a new one. Last time it happened I haven't had any answer.

Ok thats good to know, thanks for the warning. To be honest, I would prefer a solution from ChaosGroup or IToo Software, both great developers. I think such a shader would save others a lot hours of work too, because it can be used in many different areas.