Wondering how you can get started in SelfCAD editor? This Simple and easy to follow guide describes the key features of SelfCAD which you can follow and use to design your models.
Table of Contents
SelfCAD is a professional online 3D modeling software. It runs on the browser, this means no need to download. All you need is access to the internet connection for launching the software and you will be ready to go. You can work on SelfCAD editor when offline too. It is one of the best 3D design software we’ve in the market right now. You can not only model and sculpt your designs in SelfCAD. But you can also generate the G-Code using the in-built Slicer. Check out this article on the Best 3D printing Slicer Software of 2019 to learn more about the slicer of SelfCAD.
In this guide, we’re going to learn how you can get started easily on the SelfCAD editor. There are links to SelfCAD video tutorials on each section to help you master everything covered.
SelfCAD Editor
SelfCAD editor is unique, simple and user-friendly. Its simplicity makes it easier for anyone, regardless of experience get started easily as compared to other traditional CAD programs. The aggregate number of tools used is less and most of them are reusable. This is
SelfCAD Editor
Creating Using Basic Shapes
There are several basic shapes in SelfCAD that you can use to create your designs from scratch. You can drag and drop to create a new shape or click on it to create a custom shape.
SelfCAD Basic Shapes
Video Link: https://bit.ly/2Plb2Rr.
There are also advanced shapes that you can use to design advanced shapes. For example, you can use the Shape Generator tool to create a vase easily.
SelfCAD Advanced Shapes
Video Link: https://bit.ly/2LWuDoK
Modifying The Basic Shapes
Modifying basic shapes isn’t hard. Easy to use tools like the selection, scale, move, etc helps you modify your designs easily.
For example, to design an Ice Cream model, we shall begin the design process with a Cone.
- Use the Rotation Tool to rotate the shape.
- Use the Polygon Selection tool to select the top section and delete it.
- Add volume to the model using the Add Thickness tool
- Place the spheres on the Cone using the Align and Magnet Tools. This image has summarized the process.
Designing An Icecream in SelfCAD.
Check out the video here. You can apply colors and materials on your model using the color and material options. These options are found in the left section of the interface. Soon rendering options will be added too.
Color And Material Options of SelfCAD
Advanced Tools Of SelfCAD
There are other advanced tools that you can use to design your models. They include the following:
Stitch And Scoop
This is one of the most useful tools in SelfCAD. There are four options in this tool. They include:
- Union
- Difference
- Exclusion
- And Intersection
Watch this video to discover more about this tool.
Stitch and Scoop tool of SelfCAD
Create With Image To 3D
The Image To 3D Tool allows you to turn any image into a 3D model easily. To cut out your model accurately from the image, you need to play around with the settings available.
Image to 3D tool
Check out this video to learn more about how to use the Image To 3D tool
Free Hand Drawing Tools
Freehand drawing tools allow you to design custom shapes with ease. You can also convert the drawing into a 3D shape at a click of a button. For example, the drawing tools were used to draw a bicycle in SelfCAD.
Free Hand Drawing Tool
Check out the video here to learn more:
3D Sketching Tools
These tools allow you to sketch profiles and convert them into 3D models with the help of other tools. For example:
Fill Polygon Tool
used the sketching tools to sketch a house and used the Fill Polygon tool to create a mesh
3D Sketch Tool
Check out the video here.
With the help of other advanced tools, one can be able to create unique designs. For example, you can combine the 3D sketching tools with the revolve tool to create a model like the one shown below.
3D Sketch And Revolve tool
See the video on this link.
The Loft Tool
The Loft tool is another great tool that you can use together with the sketching tool. It helps you turn your sketch into a 3D model. For example, the juicer shown below was created using the 3D sketch and loft tools.
The Loft Tool
Check out the video here to learn more:
The Follow Path tool
It is another tool you can use together with the 3D sketching to create your designs. It’s a multi-purpose tool just like other tools of SelfCAD. You can use it to create a model from scratch or extrude along a Profile as shown below.
Follow Path Tool
Check out this SelfCAD video tutorial to learn more.
3D Sketch tool with the help of the Pivot Tool can also be used to create trimmed objects. Many designs flow usually requires first creating profiles then trim away sections required one by one. But with SelfCAD’s Pivot tool, you can create multiple profiles easily. These profiles can then be merged and trimmed to get the final shape as shown:
Check out this SelfCAD tutorial to learn more:
The cut tool is another cool tool you can use with 3D sketch. You can wrap text into the model using the 3D sketch tool. Then use the Cut and Extrusion tool to engrave it as shown below.
The Cut Tool
There are other unique and interesting tools of SelfCAD like Sculpting, Magic Fix, Slicing and animation tools. We shall look at them in the next articles. SelfCAD is a tool that is meant for everyone. Regardless of your experience, you can get started easily. If you haven’t tried it yet, you can sign up for a free account and start designing your models today!
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