ArmorPaint vs Quixel Mixer: Which Meets Your Needs?

For beginners and enthusiasts, ArmorPaint with its low-cost, open-source character and node-based texture system is a solid choice. However, professionals seeking industry-standard tools should opt for Quixel Mixer, despite its subscription-based model and reliance on external bakers.

Key Differences Between ArmorPaint and Quixel Mixer

• Coding: ArmorPaint is open-source with detailed GitHub instructions while Quixel Mixer is closed source.
• Cost: ArmorPaint is free to compile or costs approximately $18 for compiled binaries. Quixel Mixer is free within Unreal Engine but costs $19/month for other uses.
• Integration: ArmorPaint offers live link plugins for Unreal Engine and Unity while Quixel Mixer integrates with Unreal Engine and Blender.
• Support: ArmorPaint provides ergonomic support for iPads and touchscreen devices, whereas Quixel Mixer supports mostly standard input devices.
• Textures: ArmorPaint provides PBR texture map creation, while Quixel Mixer allows for real-time 3D curvature, displacement sculpting, and seamless texture projection.

What Is ArmorPaint and Who’s It For?

ArmorPaint is an open-source 3D painting software developed by the Armory team, offering an affordable, highly capable alternative to Adobe’s Substance Painter. Launched in 2018, ArmorPaint prides itself on its advanced features like PBR texture maps creation, node-based material editors, and a variety of tools including basic paintbrush, eraser, fill, and clone. This impressive toolset is crafted for game developers, 3D artists, and creative enthusiasts who seek to elevate their 3D texturing game.

The software is GPU-based providing a seamless experience for 16K texture painting on high-end graphics cards. ArmorPaint’s compatibility extends across Windows, Linux and unsigned macOS builds. For a superior experience, it’s recommended to use Apple Pencil, though mouse and keyboard are supported. Continuing to evolve, ArmorPaint is currently in active development with exciting new features announced frequently.

Pros of ArmorPaint

• Open-source and affordable
• Hardware-accelerated baking on Nvidia RTX graphics
• Versatile import and export options
• Integration of a plugin system for enhanced functionality
• Continuous development and improvement

Cons of ArmorPaint

• App experience can be improved, with touch controls being a reported issue
• Despite regular updates, the software still has some rough edges, notably a sometimes confusing UI

What Is Quixel Mixer and Who’s It For?

Quixel Mixer is a leading-edge 3D texturing tool designed for simplicity, versatility, and quality. Users rave about it for individual artistic style accommodation and impressive integration features. Competing with Adobe’s Substance 3D Painter, Quixel Mixer has carved its niche among 3D artists, game developers, and hobbyist painters who want high-quality textures with minimal complexity.

Among its standout features are multi-channel 3D painting, real-time 3D curvature, displacement sculpting, and seamless texture projection. Its alliance with Unreal Engine sets it comfortably within the 3D design ecosystem, thus empowering creators with more flexibility. Although the tool lacks a built-in baker, it compensates by offering materials based on scan data.

Pros of Quixel Mixer

• Advanced features like multi-channel 3D painting and displacement sculpting
• Integrated with Unreal Engine, offering more flexibility for creators
• Megascans library and procedural masks for enhanced creation
• Free to use within Unreal Engine

Cons of Quixel Mixer

• No built-in baker; reliance on external bakers
• The interface may be confusing for beginners
• More limited customizability with materials based on scan data

ArmorPaint vs Quixel Mixer: Pricing

ArmorPaint offers source-compiled binaries free or under $20, while Quixel Mixer operates on a subscription basis at $19 per month.

ArmorPaint

The open-source 3D painting tool ArmorPaint offers its basic software free of charge for source-compiled binaries. However, compiled binaries via Gumroad have a one-time cost of €16 or around $20. Once purchased, all further updates to the software are free. The ArmorPaint app, specifically for iPad, is priced at $17.99.

Quixel Mixer

Quixel Mixer employs a subscription-based model. For freelance and hobbyist artists, the service charges a monthly fee of $19. The tool is available free of charge within the Unreal Engine environment.

ArmorPaint vs Quixel Mixer: The Verdict Revealed

Let’s discern the optimal choice between ArmorPaint and Quixel Mixer for your specific needs and preferences.

Digital Artists and Hobbyists

ArmorPaint, with its procedural materials painting and GPU-accelerated ray-traced baking, is a desirable tool for artists wanting a smooth 4K painting experience. Notably, its affordability at $18 coupled with continual free updates post-purchase makes it a fiscal win.

Developers and AR/VR Creators

For developers and AR/VR creators, Quixel Mixer takes the crown. Its multichannel 3D painting, displacement sculpting, and real-time 3D curvature align perfectly with these high-end demands. Albeit, the dependence on external bakers could be a slight drawback.

Game Makers

Game Makers might lean towards ArmorPaint due to its live link plugins for Unreal Engine and Unity. Correspondingly, its node-based material editor facilitates complex, game-ready PBR texture maps creation.

Industry Professionals

Industry professionals are swayed by Quixel Mixer’s robustness. Despite the lack of a built-in baker, its seamless texture projection, ID masking and a free of charge deal within Unreal Engine are real competitive edges.

ArmorPaint champions affordability and an impressive suite of features, albeit lesser known. Conversely, Quixel Mixer resonates with its industry-standard toolset, despite its higher cost. Decide based on your budget and requisite capabilities.