Drone Show Creator 2026.1.1 Update: Faster Visual Design, Smarter Image Tools, and Universal Data Compatibility

Turn Images into Drone Formations in Seconds

One of the biggest improvements in this release is the enhanced Image Node, which now includes new distribution modes that automatically convert visual content into drone formations. The new Dots distribution feature detects points in an image and automatically positions drones at those locations. Instead of manually placing drones to recreate logos, text, or pixel-style graphics, designers can now generate formations almost instantly. This dramatically speeds up the creation of brand logos, pixel-art graphics, text and typography, stylized visual symbols For more structured visuals, the new Even Grid Hex distribution allows drones to be arranged in a hexagonal grid pattern, which is especially useful for high-density formations and smooth visual transitions. Together, these tools make it easier to transform graphic ideas into drone formations while maintaining precise control over spacing and layout.

Built-in Drawing Tools for Formation Design

Drone Show Creator now includes a new Image View toolbar with built-in drawing tools that help refine drone distributions directly inside the editor. The toolbar includes Brush, Line, Circle, Rectangle, and Eraser, allowing creators to shape formations visually without relying on external software. These tools support distance control between drones, shift-key snapping for precision and automatic collision prevention This allows designers to prototype and refine drone formations directly within the software, simplifying the workflow and speeding up show design.

Universal Import and Export for Drone Show Data

Another major improvement in this release is expanded support for CSV import and export inside Path nodes. Designers can now import folders containing CSV trajectory files and use them directly as show assets. The same format can also be exported for use in other systems. This provides a flexible, universal data exchange format that improves compatibility with different drone platforms, simulation tools, and external workflows. For teams working with custom drone hardware or mixed fleets, this feature simplifies the process of moving trajectory data between tools and systems without complex conversions.

Enhanced 3D Visualization

The Projection Modifier now displays image and video projection textures directly in the 3D scene, allowing designers to preview how visual content will appear in space during the show. The opacity of projection textures can also be adjusted, helping align drone formations with projected imagery. Both the Projection Modifier and Wave Modifier now support local coordinate systems, giving designers more precise control over transformations and animation effects within complex scenes.

Professional Show Reports in One Click

Drone Show Creator now supports PDF show report export, making it easier to share technical information about a show with production teams, operators, or clients. The generated reports include fleet statistics, drone position plots, velocity and acceleration charts and drone model legend tables. This helps teams quickly document and communicate important technical parameters for show planning, validation, and review.

Workflow Improvements for Larger Projects

Several improvements in this update make working with larger projects and asset libraries more efficient. Users can now select multiple assets using Shift/Ctrl and move or delete them together. Multiple assets can also be dragged from the Asset Library directly into the Node Editor at once. Anchor group management has also been improved with a new “Select Anchors” option in the context menu, making it easier to work with large sets of reference points.

Ready to explore the new capabilities of Drone Show Creator 2026.1.1?

Start designing drone shows faster with the latest tools for image-based formations, flexible data import/export, and improved visualization. Get your Drone Show Creator trial or annual license, and learn the basics step by step in SPH Academy Course.

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