Installation, requirements and help
How to install Cloth neXt and the solver, what your system needs, what to do when a bake fails, and how to reach PolyWorks.
Install the add-on and the solver
- Install the add-on. Download Cloth neXt from your Superhive account and install it through Blender's extension system. Use the Stable channel unless you want to test upcoming changes.
- Install the solver. In the Cloth neXt add-on preferences, install or select the PPF Contact Solver and confirm the official source. Cloth neXt verifies that the solver version is compatible.
- Assign and bake. Enable Cloth neXt physics on your objects, choose their roles, pick a material, validate and bake.
System requirements
| Blender | 5.0 or newer. The Superhive listing names 5.0 to 5.2 as compatible. |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows x64, Linux x64 |
| GPU acceleration | Supported NVIDIA GPU (CUDA) |
| Without a supported GPU | CPU backend |
| AMD GPUs | In development, not yet supported |
| Solver | PPF Contact Solver, installed separately from the add-on preferences |
| Scene capacity | Depends on topology, contact count, animated samples, quality, VRAM, RAM and frame count |
When a bake fails
Start with the first clear error instead of changing several settings at once.
- 1 · ReadNote the exact CNX code and message of the first error
- 2 · SolverCheck solver health; if it fails, fix the installation first
- 3 · ReduceUse a short range and remove unrelated objects until the failure is isolated
- 4 · ReportExport a privacy-safe diagnostics report for support
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an NVIDIA graphics card?
For GPU acceleration, yes: CUDA on a supported NVIDIA GPU. Without one, Cloth neXt can bake on the CPU backend. AMD GPU support is in development.
Does Cloth neXt run on Linux?
Yes. Cloth neXt supports Blender on Windows x64 and Linux x64.
Is the solver included?
No. The PPF Contact Solver is developed by ST Tech / ZOZO and installed separately from the Cloth neXt add-on preferences. Cloth neXt guides the installation and checks compatibility.
How is Cloth neXt licensed?
Cloth neXt is a commercial product sold through Superhive with Personal and Commercial licenses. The Blender add-on code is licensed under the GPL, version 3 or later, and the PPF Contact Solver under the Apache License 2.0. See licensing for details.
Can Cloth neXt simulate cloth in water?
Not in a current release. Fluid-driven cloth is experimental GAIA research with one-way coupling only. See GAIA.
Do I need a PolyWorks account?
Not today. PolyWorks accounts for managing licenses and devices are being prepared and are not open yet.
Can I bake in the cloud?
No. Cloud Bakes is a planned PolyWorks service and is not available.
Contact PolyWorks
Message on Superhive
Sign in to Superhive and use the message option on the Cloth neXt page. Include your order number for license questions.
Report on GitHub
File reproducible problems as GitHub issues with your Blender version, operating system, GPU and the diagnostics report.
Read the docs
Most setup questions are answered in the documentation and tutorials, including every setting and error code.