The e-on software developed VUE, PlantFactory and PlantCatalog CG applications have just been made completely free. VUE is an application for creating virtual worlds and landscapes similar to Gaea or Terragen, while PlantFactory is more akin to SpeedTree. Owner Bentley Systems have decided to cease development on these applications and instead of dropping them completely it has been released for free for Windows and Mac users.
Details from the Bentley announcement:
e-on software products have served the media and entertainment industry for over 27 years. Following its acquisition by Bentley Systems in 2015, e-on software’s technologies have been integrated into various Bentley products and have been used by valued customers and partners world-wide.
For over 39 years, Bentley’s focus has been to serve engineers and other professionals responsible for designing, constructing, and operating sustainable infrastructure. To keep our focus, we have decided to end sales for VUE, PlantFactory, and PlantCatalog. These products will not be further developed, and support will be limited to critical security patches.
However, we are offering free downloads and usage of VUE, PlantFactory, and PlantCatalog as perpetual versions to anyone interested in continuing to utilize these products and technologies! Simply download the product and acknowledge the new end-user-license-agreement (EULA) agreeing to using the software without support.
Click the Download button below to gain access to these products or see the FAQ for more details. Thank you for your support and understanding.
One obvious question is, can this software be used commercially and that is covered in the FAQ section:
Am I allowed to use VUE, PlantFactory, and PlantCatalog for commercial projects?
Yes, you may use the products commercially. This includes any renderings created with the software or assets exported from the software. You may retexture, remodel and resell any of the stock content which ships with VUE and PlantFactory. This includes both meshes and textures.
However, please be aware that you may not sell any content derived from PlantCatalog models (see the next question).
Key Links
e-on VUE, Plantfactory and PlantCatalog Download
VUE overview from Wayback Machine
Plantfactory from Wayback Machine
PlantCatalog from Wayback Machine
You can learn more about Vue, PlantFactory and PlantCatalog and Bentley Systems ceasing development of e-on software in the video below.