Epic Games has recently released version 2026.1 of its real-time visualization software Twinmotion. This update introduces several highly requested features, including Auto Soft Edges, alongside improvements to existing tools and overall workflow efficiency.
This article provides an overview of the software and highlights the key features introduced in the Twinmotion 2026.1 update.
A More Accessible Yet Powerful Visualization Tool
Twinmotion is a real-time visualization software powered by Unreal Engine, designed to help architects, designers, and filmmakers quickly produce high-quality images, panoramas, VR content, and interactive presentations.
One of its main strengths is its balance between ease of use and performance. Thanks to technologies such as Lumen and the Path Tracer, users can choose between real-time rendering and more physically accurate results. As a result, Twinmotion is widely regarded as beginner-friendly while still offering enough flexibility for professional use.
Auto Soft Edges
One of the most requested features introduced in Twinmotion 2026.1 is Auto Soft Edges.
This tool improves visual realism by automatically smoothing hard edges on imported models. It effectively applies bevel-like shading without requiring manual adjustments in external software.
Auto Soft Edges works with both Lumen and the Path Tracer, making it a valuable time-saving feature for improving render quality directly inside Twinmotion.
Improved Particle System
The update also brings significant improvements to the particle system.
Effects such as fire, fog, smoke, and water have been reworked to offer better performance and enhanced visual quality. In addition, users now have access to more parameters, allowing greater control over particle behavior and appearance.
Photo Matching
Twinmotion 2026.1 introduces a new Photo Matching feature, designed to integrate 3D models into real-world images.
The system automatically detects vanishing points and adjusts the camera position and focal length to match the perspective of the background image. It also provides controls for shadow alignment, helping achieve more convincing compositing results.
This feature is particularly useful for architectural visualization, especially when presenting projects within real-world contexts.
Lighting Channels
Another important addition is Lighting Channels, a feature that allows users to control how lights interact with specific objects.
Only objects and lights assigned to the same channel will influence each other. This makes it possible to isolate lighting effects and create more controlled compositions.
This feature is especially useful in product and fashion visualization, where precise lighting control is essential. However, it is currently not fully supported in certain Lumen ray lighting modes.
New Camera and Lens Effects
The update also expands Twinmotion’s camera and lens capabilities.
The new Auto Focus system simulates eye-like focus behavior, allowing users to define focal points and control how quickly focus transitions occur. In addition, new bokeh settings and lens distortion controls make it easier to replicate real-world camera effects.
These improvements provide greater flexibility when fine-tuning the visual style of a scene.
Persistent File Management
Finally, Twinmotion 2026.1 introduces improvements to file and asset management.
Users can now store libraries, including custom assets and user-generated content, within a persistent folder structure. This allows assets to be reused across different versions of the software, improving long-term workflow efficiency.
To find out more, visit the Twinmotion Site.
– article by G. D’Ambrogio
