How to model an angled shape in Aspire in Vectric software | Modeling Tools

Overview

This tutorial demonstrates how to create and edit an angled shape in Aspire using closed vectors. It covers the Create Angled Shape tool, including angle control, base height, limit height, scale, preserve internal corners, multi-vector shapes, and fade/tilt options.

Steps

1. Go to the Design tab and open the Create Angled Shape tool.
2. Select or assign a closed vector. You can select multiple vectors to create an angled shape between them.
3. With the vector selected, use the angle profile handle:
   • Click and drag up to create a positive wall angle.
   • Drag down to create a negative angle.
   • Type an exact angle in the field and press Enter to set a precise value.
4. Adjust the base height if needed:
   • Drag the base height handle to add a flat area beneath the angled shape.
   • Double-click the base height handle to reset it to zero.
5. Use the additional handles to refine the shape:
   • Limit height: Drag to flatten the top of the shape with a horizontal plane.
   • Scale factor: Drag or enter a percentage to scale the angled shape.
   • Total height: Adjusts the overall height; scale and base height update proportionally.
6. Optionally enter a component name, then click Apply and close the form.
7. Review the result:
   • The component appears in the level dropdown and in the Components tab.
   • Toggle visibility from the Components tab if required.
8. To make further edits:
   • Select the shape and press E to reopen the angled shape handles.
   • Press N to enter node edit mode; drag nodes to reshape the vector-based profile.
   • Right-click to exit node edit mode.
9. Duplicate the shape if needed using Ctrl + drag, then edit the copy independently.
10. For a shape between two vectors, select both vectors and drag the angle profile handle to create the angled transition.
11. For sharp internal corners:
    • Enable Preserve internal corners in the form.
    • This is useful for stars, letters, and other shapes with tight internal details.
12. Use Fade to fade the component down across a custom direction:
    • Check Fade, click Set, then click the first and second anchor points.
    • Use the fade percentage slider to control the fade amount.
13. Use Tilt to apply an angled base height:
    • Check Tilt, click Set, then define the tilt direction with two anchor points.
    • Use the Tilt angle slider to control the angled base.

Key Points / Warnings

• Once created, the angled component is independent of the vector it was created from. Moving or deleting the original vector does not affect the component.
• If you transform the component later, such as stretching it, you lose access to the original angled shape editing handles. Pressing E will open the Component Properties tool instead.
• After an angled shape loses its original primitive state, only basic options such as total height, scale, and base height remain available.
• Press E while a shape is selected to edit the angled shape; press N to enter node edit mode.
• Double-click the base height handle to quickly reset it to zero.
• Type exact values in the numeric fields instead of dragging handles for precise control.
• Use Preserve internal corners when creating angled shapes from stars, letters, or any vector with sharp internal details.
• Selecting two closed vectors creates an angled shape that blends between them.
• Fade and tilt options are useful for creating the illusion that one component sits in front of or behind another.