Opal13241Q: This 3D program looks really interesting.
I especially like that the tools don't seem too complicated to use.
I just wanted to ask a few questions about whether or not it contains certain features. My questions are these:
1) What file formats can we export from this program?
2) Can the 3D files that we create be imported into Blender as they are? Would they be compatible with other 3D programs like Blender?
3) Can we put multiple 3D objects together to create a scene?
4) Can we apply a filter to that scene to create a lineart effect? If yes, can we export a 2D image of that lineart with transparency preserved? I would like to export a flat image with the lineart, so I can use it in a digital painting program to create an illustration from it.
5) Are there any filters that create a cartoony look by adding lineart and cartoon shading to the 3D scene? If yes, can we export a flat image with the cartoony filter applied, and also with transparency preserved for any parts of the image that aren't colored?
6) If we decide to create models for 3D printing, precision can be important. So, are there any tools for getting precise measurements when we're modeling something? Is there a way to measure 3D objects in millimeters, centimeters, inches, or just some way that we can get mathematical precision with our measurements? Although many designs won't really need this kind of precision, I think it would be useful for getting the exact proportions that we need when we're trying to create a functional 3D model for printing.
My main interest is to use this program for artistic purposes, but I'd also definitely love to create more technical designs in order to explore the aspect of 3D printing.
Thank you!
Igor_SelfCAD
May 14, 2024A: Glad you like it :)
Now, in order:
Here's the list of supported file formats: https://www.selfcad.com/faq/other#what-file-formats-can-i-export-or-import-to-selfcad
As long as the exported file format is supported by the other software, there should be no issues.
Yes, you can. We have the Render tool for that.
I think you can. You'd have to tweak settings in the Renderer and then save it as an image.
Same as above.
We have. You can switch between units in mm and inches, and we also have quite a few precision options. For example, in Drawing, you can measure the length and angle of each line. Beyond that, we have tools to Snap and Align objects to either other objects or specific positions in the workspace, and the Measurement tool to measure and resize objects.
Hope it answers all your questions!
Thank you for answering my questions :)
I am glad that there are some render settings for getting more artistic effects, such as the lineart effect.
I will also check to see what kind of cartoon coloring effect might be possible with the render settings. I'm definitely interested in the creative possibilities of turning 3D scenes into lineart & toon shading.
I wish the export settings for the 2D images would be as flexible as possible. Exporting high quality images would be great, but also more advanced export options can be very useful, such as exporting in PSD, where the lineart & coloring would be separated into different layers. This would make it even easier for 2D renderings to be edited in a much more flexible way.
Whether or not features like these are possible in SelfCAD, I still definitely think it's a very interesting program that I'd love to try working with. It seems to have some great tools and the modeling process looks straightforward, compared to other 3D programs like Blender.
Thanks again! All the best.
Let me know how it goes! I don't do much rendering myself, and I'm curious about what you'll be able to achieve.
As for the different file formats, unfortunately, our rendering engine cannot export contours separately. The only thing it could do is create irradiance contours.
Cheers