Description map: 1. newest update -> introduction -> how to install -> preset scenes demo -> old updates

Check documentation and FAQ for info and how to use the shader and the addon. If unsure about something, message me. (To message click on message creator on the right side under the product variation/price list).

May 2025 UWS3D 4.2.0 "Dynamic update"

Cycles viewport showing the new ripples in real time. Ideal for shores, making the water look more interactive and helps its edges blend in with the environment. Addon/shaders/preset scenes work from Blender 4.0 up to latest Blender 4.5.

1. Dynamic ripples, based on geometry nodes.

2. Dynamic edge foam, based on geometry nodes. Supports underwater view! All foam updated with animations. Can be enabled for a selected collection.

3. Updated UI regarding Mini Waves. And added option for Waves so it can be turned on/off easily. This is an additional way of setting up the strength/height of waves separate from the new ripples. Added changeable IOR for underside refraction.

4. Better/more accurate Eevee & Eevee next preview (Eevee still not supported, this is meant to be for preview/viewport).

5. A new preset scene added: Underwater Deep.

6. Waves 2 internal adjustments, fixing the rarely visible "too sharp waves look". Ocean scenes updated with better settings, Displacement + Bump mode preferred and changed over "Displacement only" mode. Eevee material preview transparent by default from now. Other small adjustments. 

7. Additional v4.2.1 mini update for Preset Scenes: made the Ocean Adaptive Subd water waves look better with diff. settings.

April 2025 UWS3D 4.0.0 "Underwater update"

Huge milestone update. Exciting new features!

1. New "calm waves" and "calm caustics" animations: New type of animations available. The old way of animating created a river-like flow and slightly "static" animations. The new animations create dynamic multi-directional wave and caustic effects, especially good for lakes, pool, or other still water scenes. Using both the new and old animations at the same time can create better looking river/ocean animations.

-> Old animations renamed to "Flow animation", new animation is "Calm water/caustic animation". You can adjust these animations independently, but "Calm" animations are advised to be always turned on.

2. New "mini waves": Gives additional detail, a sort of "micro displacement" except it doesn't need additional geometry.

3. Caustics overhaul: Now UWS3D has the best looking, most versatile fake caustics! Part of the shader, no additional scene/object setup needed.

4. Water underside overhaul: No more double light source effect underwater, volumetric sunrays come from the light sources. Completely different special underside for physically accurate surface properties, working from all angles.

5. Dispersion fixed and OFF by default now.

6. Internal node adjustments, different default settings. 

7. Preset scene blend file water shaders now have the updated UI tabs like the shader that can be added via the addon

8. Preset scenes re-confirued, fixed visible horizon line underwater, other adjustments

9. 2 more preset scenes: Deep water, Pool water

10. New, better, shorter, simpler product page, updated documentation, additional info and help.

ADDON UI: Left is v4.0.0 (v3.0-3.1 very similar, fewer settings) VS Right is outdated/old shader UI from v1.0-1.3 (also part of former Lite version)

OLD UPDATES LIST:

August 2024 UWS3D 3.1.0 "UI update"

July 2023 UWS3D 3.0.0 "Water tint" 

May 2023 UWS3D 2.6.0 "Foam update"

December 2022 update: Example scene/presets added for UWS Lite (v1.3.0) and UWS3D Legacy/Lite for Cycles & Eevee, including a new river base object

Sept 2021 update: now the shader comes with an installable addon

1.0-1.3 - OLD OBSOLATE SHADER VERSION, no addon.

Blender \ edit \ preferences \ add-ons \ select downloaded zip file \ enable. Then go to the uShader tab and add the water shader you wish.