Das Element, the asset library built for the needs of VFX and animation studios, announces the release of version 2.2, an update that strengthens support for 3D workflows, introduces new permission controls and expands the software’s customization capabilities.
This release puts a spotlight on 3D library support, making Das Element an even more powerful solution for teams handling complex 3D models, 3D scenes, as well as materials and textures.
Why It Matters
Das Element 2.2 now delivers a more complete solution for teams managing complex, multi-file assets. Combined with custom action hooks, studios can tailor the software to their exact pipeline requirements, from permissions-based access to fully automated library setup.
Deeper 3D Pipeline Integration
Entire folders can be ingested, displayed and managed as native assets, simplifying the handling of complex 3D project structures. Artists can now manage entire scenes, materials and texture libraries as unified asset entities, streamlining multi-file dependencies and nested resources.
UDIM sequences are now supported as a dedicated media type, and a new media type for 3D materials has been added, ensuring seamless integration with USD and texture-heavy workflows.
With these improvements, 3D assets in Das Element can now reach any level of complexity. Whether managing large-scale environments, detailed material setups or deeply layered texture networks, Das Element can handle anything you throw at it.
Stronger Control with Permissions
The new element-level permission settings give studios precise control over who can view, use or manage assets directly in the library. This ensures sensitive or project-specific materials are only accessible to the right teams.
Studios can now define the permissions and restrictions dynamically through a Python hook file, allowing access rules to be tailored to production needs, from open, unrestricted use to limitations by show, series, client, as well as any custom restrictions a facility requires.
Customization Through Action Hooks
With the introduction of action hooks, studios can now extend Das Element even further by adding custom buttons to the interface that trigger Python scripts. These actions can also be run on a collection to add elements to an external DCC, review software or similar.
Pipeline Integration with CLI Additions
Das Element 2.2 introduces new CLI functionality, including the ability to create a new library, config and database directly from the command line. This improvement enables deeper integration into studio pipelines, allowing facilities to automate setups, customize configurations and adapt the asset library seamlessly to their existing workflows.
License Management
The new version introduces a new License Manager that simplifies activation for individual users. Whether using a local license file or connecting to a license server, artists can now manage their setup more easily without relying on technical support, making onboarding smoother and reducing setup friction.
Improved Gallery & Ingest Workflows
The new version streamlines asset handling with upgrades to both gallery view and ingest phase. Metadata can now be used dynamically as path values, gallery navigation is faster with local image caching, clearer visual indicators and improved filter controls.
Previews display transparent regions on a checkerboard background and users can choose to delete only proxies without touching the original files. The ingest process has been reorganized for clarity, defining colorspace and media type for additional files. These enhancements make day-to-day asset management more efficient, accurate and artist-friendly.
About das element
First released in 2021 by a Munich-based company, Das Element is the asset library software designed specifically for the needs of visual effects and animation studios. Built from years of experience developing and maintaining asset libraries, it meets high industry standards, works fully offline for secure environments and is flexible enough for use across VFX, commercials, games and even architectural visualization. Today, Das Element is already trusted by 50 studios worldwide from small boutiques to large multi-facility VFX houses.
Find out more by visiting www.das-element.com
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