Tutorial 5: Using Shape Presets

Building profiles from scratch is rewarding, but sometimes you want a head start. The G-code Sculptor includes a library of Shape Presets — predefined profile curves that you can load instantly and customize. In this tutorial you will explore all available presets and learn how to use them as starting points for your designs.

What you'll learn

Where to find the Shape Presets dropdown
What each preset looks like and when to use it
How to load a preset and modify it
How presets replace your current profile
How to combine preset starting points with your own edits

Prerequisites

Familiarity with adding, moving, and editing points (Tutorials 1–4).
Open a G-code Sculptor project.

Step 1

Locate the preset selector

In the Shape Curve card, look for the Presets dropdown menu near the top of the profile canvas area. Click it to see the list of available profile presets.

The presets dropdown lists all built-in shapes by name. Each one defines a complete set of control points with positions, modes (Smooth/Sharp), and handle settings.

Step 2: Load the Classic Vase preset

Step 2

Select Classic Vase

Click Classic Vase in the presets dropdown. The profile canvas updates immediately — you will see a flowing S-curve profile with a narrow base, wide belly, narrow neck, and flared rim. The 3D viewport shows a beautiful vase shape.

Step 3: Explore the available presets

Here is what each preset provides:

Preset	Description	Use Case
Classic Vase	S-curve with belly, neck, and flared rim	Organic vases and decorative vessels
Cone	Straight diagonal — wide at bottom, narrow at top	Planters, lampshades, simple geometric forms
Funnel	Inverted cone — narrow at bottom, wide at top	Funnels, flower pot shapes, wide-mouthed vessels
Cylinder	Straight vertical line — constant radius	Cups, containers, pencil holders

Step 3

Try each preset

Select each preset from the dropdown one at a time. Watch how the canvas and 3D preview change. Notice the number of control points each preset uses and their Smooth/Sharp modes.

Step 4: Customize a preset

Step 4

Modify the Classic Vase

Load the Classic Vase preset. Now customize it:
1. Drag the belly point slightly outward for a wider body
2. Drag the neck point inward for a more dramatic taper
3. Add a new point (double-click) between the neck and rim to create a more pronounced lip
4. Adjust handles on the belly point for a rounder or flatter bulge

You now have a unique vase that started from the preset but is entirely your own.

Step 5: Use presets for rapid prototyping

Step 5

Rapid iteration workflow

When exploring design ideas:
1. Load a preset that is closest to your vision
2. Make quick adjustments — drag 2–3 points
3. Preview in 3D — does it match what you imagined?
4. If not, load a different preset and try again
5. Once the silhouette is close, refine with handles and additional points

This workflow is much faster than building every profile from a blank canvas. Use presets as the skeleton and your edits as the muscle.

Step 6: Return to a simple starting point

Step 6

Reset with the Cylinder preset

If your profile becomes too complex and you want to start over, select the Cylinder preset. This gives you the simplest possible profile — two points at constant radius. From here you can build any shape from scratch.

Outcome

You now know how to leverage Shape Presets:
- Load any preset from the dropdown for an instant starting shape
- Customize the preset by moving points, adjusting handles, and adding new control points
- Use presets for rapid prototyping — iterate quickly across different base shapes
- Reset to a Cylinder when you want a clean slate

What's Next

Tutorial 6: The Profile Points Table — Learn how to use the numerical table below the canvas for precise control over point positions, dimensions, and layer mapping.