Solid Editor

Solid Editor is a voxel graphics editor built into the Solid Engine asset pipeline, aimed at producing game-ready 3D voxel assets. It suits indie developers who want to shape voxels directly inside a real-time renderer, provided they use an Nvidia-equipped Windows or Linux machine. Its free release is appealing for experimentation, while the early-version status and missing production features make it a cautious choice for finished pipelines.

Overview

Solid Editor puts voxel creation and scene presentation in the same workspace. Solid Engine’s path tracer renders the scene in real time, so lighting is evaluated while you edit rather than only after export. That is useful when the look of an asset depends on realistic illumination, but it also ties the editor to a specific graphics environment: only Nvidia cards are supported, with a GeForce GTX 1080 or better recommended.

The editor is natively compatible with Solid Engine, making it most relevant to teams already using that engine. It is part of a project developed by Oskar Gustafsson, whose broader Solid Engine audience is small teams of programmers and creatives.

Key features

Direct 3D voxel editing

Voxels can be edited directly in 3D with a brightly colored ball used as the pointing device. The optional Ball Pointer requires a webcam, but the editor remains usable without it. This gives creators a distinctive interaction option without making extra hardware mandatory.

Single-tool selection workflow

Solid Editor centers work around one versatile Selection tool. Effects are applied to the selected voxels and previewed in real time, which should make iterative shaping easier to judge before committing changes. The focused workflow may appeal to artists who prefer fewer tools, although users expecting a broad modeling toolkit may find the approach narrow.

Rendering and roadmap

Real-time path-traced rendering is the standout presentation feature. Animation tools are not included, and MagicaVoxel .vox import and export, animation support, scene layers and polygon-model import are planned rather than available now. A signed Windows executable is also planned to reduce security warnings. Those omissions matter if your pipeline depends on interchange, animated assets or layered scene organization.

Pricing

The free plan is the practical starting point because the editor itself costs nothing and there is no trial period to manage. It is best for evaluating the workflow or making small-team prototypes, with the explicit risk that this early release may crash or glitch. The one-time Pro user payment buys support priority and a 48-hour reply target, not additional editing features, so it suits users who need responsive contact with the project rather than those seeking expanded functionality.

Platforms

Solid Editor runs on 64-bit Windows 10 or newer and 64-bit Linux. Nvidia graphics are required; a GeForce GTX 1080 or better is recommended but not mandatory. The Ball Pointer additionally needs a webcam. Windows and Linux downloads are version 0.1.0, and questions, bug reports and feature requests go through the editor’s GitHub issue tracker.

Who it's for

Choose Solid Editor if you are an indie developer or technical artist working with Solid Engine and want to see path-traced lighting while sculpting voxels. It is also a low-cost way to explore a direct 3D, selection-centered workflow. Look elsewhere if you need animation today, broad import and export support, macOS or mobile compatibility, or a mature release suitable for dependable production without crash risk.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Real-time path tracing: lighting can be judged during editing, useful for assets whose appearance depends on realistic illumination.
• Direct 3D manipulation: voxel edits happen in the scene, with an optional webcam-driven Ball Pointer.
• Free entry plan: Windows and Linux users can download the editor without a subscription or trial deadline.
• Engine compatibility: native Solid Engine support keeps assets aligned with that engine’s pipeline.

Cons

• Nvidia-only hardware: users on AMD or Intel graphics cannot meet the stated requirement.
• Early release: version 0.1.0 may crash or glitch, which limits confidence for production work.
• No animation tools: animated voxel assets require another solution until roadmap work arrives.
• Planned, not present, interchange features: MagicaVoxel files, polygon imports and scene layers are not yet part of the current toolset.

Alternatives

Goxel is the stronger fit for broad device coverage, with free desktop software for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows; its desktop scene size is described as unlimited.

Vengi VoxEdit is a free, open-source option for users who want Linux, macOS, web and Windows support while accepting that it is under development.

Blockhammer suits users seeking a free voxel editor on macOS, Windows or Linux, with downloads identified as early access.

Facet is preferable for browser-based work or Windows users who want a $10 one-time full version with one-click OBJ export; its free demo saves and reloads JSON projects.

Mega Voxels targets Android and iOS users, offering a free app and optional premium content licensing.

Qubicle Voxel Editor is a Windows and macOS alternative with a free demo and a paid product.

Sproxel is a free, open-source project for Linux, macOS and Windows.

The Sandbox Game Maker is a free macOS and Windows tool for personal, educational and commercial projects, with LAND ownership required for publishing to virtual LAND.

Browse the Voxel Editors list for more choices.

Verdict

Solid Editor is best for Nvidia-equipped indie teams already invested in Solid Engine and interested in real-time, path-traced voxel editing at no software cost. Its focused selection workflow and direct 3D manipulation are compelling reasons to try it. Choose another editor if you need a stable production release, animation, wider hardware support or currently available interchange features.