Tutorial 7: Shape Modes — Spiral, Layer, Contour Wave, and Julia Stack
The profile curve defines what your object looks like from the side, but the Shape Mode determines how the printer builds it. Each mode creates a fundamentally different toolpath from the same profile. In this tutorial you will explore all four modes and understand when to use each one.
What you'll learn
- What Shape Mode does and where to find it
- How Spiral mode creates seamless vase-mode prints
- How Layer Mode enables multi-perimeter walls
- How Contour Wave creates woven lattice structures
- How Julia Stack generates fractal boundary shapes
- How to switch modes without losing your profile
Prerequisites
- A G-code Sculptor project with a shaped profile (any shape from previous tutorials works).
- Understanding of control points and handles (Tutorials 1–4).
Step 1: Find the Shape Mode selector
Step 1
Locate the Shape Mode dropdown
In the dock panel, look for the Shape Mode dropdown (usually in the main settings area or the Print tab). It shows the currently active mode — Spiral by default.
Step 2: Spiral Mode (default)
Spiral is the default and most common mode. It creates a continuous Z-spiral — the nozzle rises smoothly as it traces the profile, producing a seamless single-wall print with no visible layer seam.
Step 2
Activate Spiral mode
Select Spiral from the dropdown (if not already selected). Look at the 3D preview — the toolpath traces a continuous helix from bottom to top. There is no visible Z-seam because the nozzle never returns to the same point.
When to use Spiral mode:
- Vases, vessels, and decorative objects where surface finish matters
- Single-wall prints where you want no visible seam
- Designs where continuous extrusion produces the smoothest result
Step 3: Layer Mode
Layer Mode prints discrete horizontal layers — each layer is a closed loop at a fixed Z height, then the nozzle steps up to the next layer. This is the traditional approach used by slicers.
Step 3
Switch to Layer Mode
Select Layer from the dropdown. The 3D preview changes — instead of a continuous spiral, you see stacked horizontal rings. Each ring is a complete closed perimeter at one height.
Layer Mode unlocks additional settings:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Perimeter Count | Number of wall loops per layer (1–10). More perimeters = thicker walls. |
| Seam Placement | Where the start/end of each loop falls. Options include aligned (straight seam), random, or nearest. |
Step 4
Set multiple perimeters
Change the Perimeter Count to 3. The 3D preview now shows three concentric loops per layer. This creates a thick-walled vessel suitable for holding water or heavy use.
When to use Layer Mode:
- Functional prints that need thick, strong walls
- Objects where you want to control seam placement
- Designs where multi-perimeter walls are more important than surface smoothness
Step 4: Contour Wave Mode
Contour Wave creates a woven lattice structure where layers undulate up and down in Z, interlocking with each other. The result is a textured, basket-weave-like surface.
Step 5
Switch to Contour Wave
Select Contour Wave from the dropdown. The 3D preview changes dramatically — the toolpath now shows wavy, interlocking paths that create a lattice or woven texture on the surface.
Contour Wave mode follows your profile curve for the overall shape, but each "layer" oscillates vertically, creating visible wave patterns on the wall surface.
When to use Contour Wave:
- Decorative objects where a woven or textured surface is the goal
- Lampshades and light covers (the lattice lets light through)
- Artistic prints that break from traditional smooth surfaces
Step 5: Julia Stack Mode
Julia Stack generates shapes based on Julia set fractal mathematics. Instead of a simple circle at each height, the cross-section is a fractal boundary that creates complex, organic shapes.
Step 6
Switch to Julia Stack
Select Julia Stack from the dropdown. The profile editor canvas may be replaced by the Julia Panel with fractal-specific parameters. The 3D preview shows a completely different kind of object — a fractal shape with intricate, self-similar boundaries.
When to use Julia Stack:
- Mathematical art prints
- Exploring fractal geometry in physical form
- Creating unique, impossible-to-model-by-hand shapes
Step 6: Compare modes side by side
Step 7
Rapid mode switching
With the same profile shape loaded, switch through all four modes one at a time. Watch how the 3D preview transforms:
1. Spiral — smooth, seamless helix
2. Layer — stacked horizontal rings
3. Contour Wave — undulating, interlocking waves
4. Julia Stack — fractal boundary shape
Each mode generates a completely different object from the same profile silhouette.
Step 7: Choose the right mode for your project
| Goal | Best Mode |
|---|---|
| Beautiful surface finish, no seam | Spiral |
| Strong, thick walls for functional use | Layer (with multiple perimeters) |
| Decorative texture, woven appearance | Contour Wave |
| Mathematical / fractal art | Julia Stack |
Outcome
You now understand all four Shape Modes:
- Spiral — continuous single-wall vase mode (the go-to for most prints)
- Layer — discrete layers with multi-perimeter support
- Contour Wave — woven lattice with interlocking wave patterns
- Julia Stack — fractal geometry from mathematical functions
Your profile curve works across all modes — design the silhouette once, then experiment with different construction methods.
What's Next
Tutorial 8: Adding Effects to Your Profile — Learn how to stack procedural effects (ripples, noise, blobs, and more) on top of your base profile for rich surface textures.