Tutorial 2: Cross-Section Shapes

Step 1

Locate the cross-section settings

In the Sculpt tab, find the Cross-Section card. It shows preset buttons for each shape type and additional parameters that appear based on the selected preset.

Step 2

Select Circle

Click the Circle button (usually selected by default). The mesh has a round cross-section at every height — the classic vase shape. This is the most common starting point.

Step 3

Switch to Square

Click the Square button. The mesh transforms into a squared-off shape — four flat sides with sharp corners. The profile spline still controls the radius, but the cross-section is now rectangular.

Step 4

Adjust Corner Radius

Drag the Corner Radius slider from 0 to its maximum. Watch the mesh corners transition from sharp to fully rounded. Find a value that matches your design intent.

Step 5

Try Triangle

Click Triangle for a 3-sided cross-section. The Corner Radius slider applies the same fillet rounding to all three corners. This is excellent for geometric planters or decorative holders.

Step 6

Try Hexagon

Click Hexagon for a 6-sided cross-section. Hexagonal shapes are popular for containers, pen holders, and decorative objects. Use Corner Radius to soften the edges.

Step 7

Use the Polygon preset

Click the Polygon button. A Sides slider appears (range 3–16). Set it to different values:
- 3 = Triangle
- 5 = Pentagon
- 8 = Octagon
- 12 = Dodecagon (nearly circular)
- 16 = 16-sided polygon (very smooth)

Corner Radius works on all polygon presets.

Step 8

Switch to Sine

Click the Sine button. Four parameters appear:
1. Lobes — the number of wave cycles around the circumference (like petals on a flower). Try values from 3 to 12.
2. Amplitude — the depth of the deformation. Low values create subtle scalloping; high values create deep valleys between lobes.
3. Harmonics — additional overtones that add complexity to the waveform. At 1, the shape is a simple sine. Higher values create richer, more complex profiles.
4. Pinch — controls the asymmetry between valleys and peaks. Adjust this to create narrow valleys with broad peaks, or vice versa.

Step 9

Create a flower shape

Set Lobes to 6, Amplitude to a moderate value, and Harmonics to 1. You should see a 6-petaled flower cross-section. Increase Harmonics to 3 for a more complex edge pattern.

Step 10

Switch to Koch

Click the Koch button, then click Edit Koch Snowflake to open the editor. Two parameters control the fractal:
1. Iterations (0–5) — depth of the fractal subdivision. At 0, it is a plain triangle. Each iteration adds triangular bumps to every edge.
2. Smoothing (0–1) — applies Chaikin corner-cutting to round the fractal corners. At 0, the shape is sharp and angular. At 1, it is fully organic.

Click Done to apply.

Step 11

Create a rounded snowflake

Set Iterations to 3 and Smoothing to 0.3. The result is a detailed fractal with slightly rounded edges — excellent for decorative vases.

Step 12

Open the Custom cross-section editor

Click the Custom button, then click Edit Shape. A modal editor opens with a Bézier curve on a 2D canvas. You can:
- Drag points to reshape
- Double-click to add new points
- Right-click to delete points (minimum 3)
- Toggle Smooth/Sharp mode per point
- Load Presets (Circle, Square, Star, Teardrop, etc.)
- Set the Resolution multiplier (1x–4x)

Step 13

Create a custom shape

Load the Star preset from the presets dropdown. Modify a few of the inner points to make an asymmetric star. Switch some points to Smooth mode for organic curves. Click Done to apply.