Tutorial 1: Your First Profile Shape
Welcome to the G-code Sculptor! In this tutorial you will create your very first profile shape — a simple tapered vase. You will learn how the editor works, what the axes mean, and how to move control points to define a silhouette.
What you'll learn
- How to open the G-code Sculptor module
- What the canvas axes represent (radius vs height)
- How to drag control points to shape a profile
- How to preview your shape in the 3D viewport
Prerequisites
- Open 3dSynth — no prior projects needed.
Step 1: Create a new G-code Sculptor project
Step 1
Open the G-code Sculptor module
On the empty canvas, click G-code Sculptor. A new project opens with a default cylinder profile — two control points forming a straight vertical line.
When the editor loads, you will see the Shape Curve panel on the left side of the screen. This panel contains the profile editor canvas — an SVG area where you draw the silhouette of your object.
Step 2: Understand the canvas
The profile canvas has two axes:
- Horizontal axis (X) — represents the radius from the centerline of your object. Larger values push the wall farther from the center.
- Vertical axis (Y) — represents the height from bottom to top. The bottom of the canvas is the base of your print; the top is the rim.
A center reference line runs vertically through the canvas. To the right of this line is the actual profile curve. To the left you will see a mirrored ghost — this gives you a preview of the full cross-section as if you are looking at the object from the side.
Step 2
Identify the default profile
The default profile is a cylinder — two points at the same radius, one at the bottom and one at the top. The mirrored ghost on the left confirms this: you should see a simple rectangular outline.
Step 3: Move a control point
Step 3
Drag the top point outward
Click and hold the top control point (the circle at the top of the curve). Drag it to the right to increase the radius at the rim. Release when the mirrored ghost shows a shape that flares outward at the top — like a simple vase.
Notice how the 3D viewport updates in real time as you drag. The shape changes from a cylinder to a cone-like form that is wider at the top.
Step 4: Move the bottom point
Step 4
Drag the bottom point inward
Click and hold the bottom control point. Drag it slightly to the left to make the base narrower. This creates a tapered vase shape — narrow at the bottom, wide at the top.
Your profile should now show a diagonal line going from a small radius at the bottom to a larger radius at the top. The 3D viewport shows a conical vase shape.
Step 5: Set the total height
Step 5
Adjust the Total Height
In the Shape Curve card above the canvas, find the Total Height field. The default is usually around 50 mm. Change it to 80 for a taller vase. The 3D preview updates to show the new proportions.
Total Height controls how tall the printed object will be in millimeters. The profile canvas always maps from 0% (bottom) to 100% (top) of whatever height you set.
Step 6: Preview the result
Step 6
Orbit the 3D viewport
Click and drag in the 3D viewport to orbit around your shape. You should see a smooth conical vase. The line width in the preview represents your nozzle diameter — this is how the actual printed wall will look.
Step 7: Edit on the model itself (in-viewport overlay)
While you orbit, you'll notice the same control points and curve drawn directly on the silhouette of the 3D model. This is the in-viewport overlay — a second editor that's automatically active whenever the Create or Effects tab is open.
Step 7
Drag a point on the model
Move your cursor over the 3D viewer until you find one of the overlay control points sitting on the model's silhouette. Click and drag it. The side-panel canvas updates in lock-step — both editors are always in sync because they share the same data.
The overlay tracks the camera-facing side of your model. As you orbit, pan, or zoom, the curve stays glued to the silhouette in real time. Tilt close to a top-down view (within ~5° of the Z axis) and the overlay smoothly fades out — the silhouette becomes degenerate at that angle. Tilt back and it returns.
Step 8: Understand the stroke coloring
Look at the profile curve — in the side panel and on the model. The line is colored differently along its length:
- Theme accent color (your chosen Accent Primary) — safe overhang. The wall is nearly vertical and will print cleanly.
- Yellow / amber — moderate overhang (45°–60°). Printing is possible but may show artifacts.
- Red — steep overhang (above 60°). The wall is nearly horizontal and may fail to print without support.
The same color is used for the spline anchors and handles, so the line and the dots always read as one consistent element. Both editors share the same coloring, so what you see in the side panel and on the model tell the same printability story.
Outcome
You have created your first profile shape — a tapered vase with a narrow base and a wider rim. You understand the canvas axes, how to drag control points, and how to set the total height.
What's Next
Tutorial 2: Adding, Moving, and Deleting Points — Learn how to add new control points to create more complex curves like vases with necks, shoulders, and flared rims.