How to model a smooth shape in Vectric software | Modeling Tools

Overview

This video demonstrates how to create smooth S-curved 3D components in Aspire using the Create Smooth Shape tool. It covers adjusting profile sliders, using 3D handles for height/limit/base controls, editing shapes with node editing, and applying fade/tilt effects.

Steps

1. Go to the Design tab and open the Create Smooth Shape tool.
2. Select a vector to assign it to the new component.
3. Use the Top and Base sliders to shape the profile. The 3D preview updates immediately.
4. Name the component and click Apply, then close the form. The component appears in the Component Tree and Levels tab.
5. To edit the shape later, select it and press E to reopen the Create Smooth Shape editor.
6. Use the handles in the 3D view to control height/shape properties:
   • Limit handle: Limits the component to a percentage of its height, creating a flat top. Adjust via handle or numeric field.
   • Base height handle: Adds a vertical wall/plane under the component.
   • Scale handle: Scales the height while retaining the overall profile.
   • Total height handle: Proportionally adjusts scale and base height together.
7. While still in the Create Smooth Shape tool, press N to node-edit the outline. Move nodes to alter the shape, then right-click to exit node editing. Select the shape again to continue editing.
8. For shapes with internal corners, enable the sharp-corner option in the form to preserve crisp internal corners instead of rounding them.
9. To create a smooth shape between two vectors, select both vectors and adjust the sliders. If enabled, the blend to inner vectors option sweeps the profile from the outer boundary inward and fills the center with a flat area.
10. Use the Fade option:
    • Click Set and place anchor point 1 at the fade start and anchor point 2 at the fade end.
    • Adjust the fade percentage slider. 100% completely fades the component down.
11. Use the Tilt option:
    • Set two anchor points to define the tilt direction.
    • Adjust the angle slider to create an angled base height.

Key Points / Warnings

• The created component is independent of the original vector; moving or editing the vector does not affect the component.
• Pressing E only gives you the original Create Smooth Shape settings if the component is still in its primitive form.
• If you stretch or transform the component with the regular transform handles so that it loses its primitive relationship, pressing E will open the standard Component Properties instead, and you will no longer be able to edit the original smooth-shape parameters.
• Use Delete while in the Create Smooth Shape editor to delete the current shape and start over.
• Fade and tilt require anchor points to define direction. Uncheck the option to reset/clear the effect.
• Fades and tilts are useful for creating the illusion of one component being in front of or behind another.