Introduction: SelfCAD Quick Quide-How to Get Started

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About: I am Sammy, passionate in 3D Modeling.

SelfCAD is a professional online 3D modeling software. Because it runs on the browser it means no need to download, rather all you need is access to the internet connection for launching the software and you will be ready to go. SelfCAD is one of the best 3D design software we’ve in the market right now. You can not only model and sculpt your designs in this program but you can also slice them using the in-built Slicer of SelfCAD. You can check out this article on the Best 3D printing Slicer Software of 2019 to learn more about the slicer of SelfCAD.

In this guide, we’re going to learn how you can get started easily in SelfCAD. There are links to video tutorials on each section to help you master everything covered.

Step 1: SelfCAD Editor

SelfCAD has a unique, simple interface that can help you get started quite easily as compared to the traditional CAD programs out there. It has simplified 3D modeling and every person can get started easily regardless of their experience in CAD software.

Step 2: Creating Using Basic Shapes

There are several basic shapes in SelfCAD that you can use to create your designs from scratch. You can drag and drop to create a new shape or click on it to create a custom shape. There are also advanced shapes that you can use to design advanced shapes. For example, you can use the Shape Generator tool to create a vase easily.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_3o4aYDtYg&feature=youtu.be.

Step 3: Modifying the Basic Shapes

Modifying basic shapes isn’t hard. With the help of other easy to use tools like the selection, scale, move, and other tools you can easily modify your designs to suit your needs.

For example, to design an Ice Cream model, we shall begin the design process with a Cone. Use the Rotation tool to rotate the shape and use the polygon selection tool to select the top section and delete it. Add volume to the model using the Add Thickness tool and place the spheres on the Cone using the Align and Magnet tools. The first image has summarized the process.

Check out the video here. https://bit.ly/36xJ5vg.
You can apply colors and materials on Your model using the color and material options found in the left section of the interface. Soon rendering options will be added too.

Step 4: Advanced Tools of SelfCAD- Stitch and Scoop

This is one of the most useful tools in SelfCAD. There are four options in this tool. They include:

Union Difference Exclusion And Intersection Watch this video to discover more about this tool. https://bit.ly/38tRGB0.

Step 5: Image to 3D Tool

The Image To 3D Tool allows you to turn any image into a 3D model easily. To cut out your model accurately from the image, you need to play around with the settings available.

Check out this video to learn more about how to use the Image To 3D tool. https://bit.ly/2PjLZyf.

Step 6: Free Hand Drawing Tools

Freehand drawing tools allow you to design custom shapes with ease. You can also convert the drawing into a 3D shape at a click of a button. For example, the drawing tools were used to draw a bicycle in SelfCAD.

Check out the video here to learn more: https://bit.ly/2Pk6gnl/

Step 7: 3D Sketching Tools

These tools allow you to sketch profiles and convert them into 3D models with the help of other tools. For example, we used the sketching tools to sketch a house and used the Fill Polygon tool to create a mesh.

Check out the video here. https://youtu.be/HxcrwhYPjj8.

With the help of other advanced tools, one can be able to create unique designs. For example, you can combine the 3D sketching tools with the revolve tool to create a model like the one shown in the second image above.

See the video on this link: https://youtu.be/-_TaTX2q2jU/ to learn more.
The Loft tool is another great tool that you can use together with the sketching tool. It helps you turn your sketch into a 3D model. For example, the juicer shown in the third image above was created using the 3D sketch and loft tools. See this video https://youtu.be/PKPXFWRzyYo.

Step 8: the Follow Path Tool

The Follow Path tool is another tool you can use together with the 3D sketching to create your designs. It’s a multi-purpose tool just like other tools of SelfCAD. You can use it to create a model from scratch or extrude along a profile as shown in the first image above.

See the video here https://youtu.be/tTWtUwhmqIM.

Step 9: 3D Sketch and Pivot Tools

3D Sketch tool with the help of the Pivot Tool can also be used to create trimmed objects. Many designs flow usually requires first creating profiles then trim away sections required one by one. But with SelfCAD’s Pivot tool of the Copy offset, you can create multiple profiles easily, merge and trim to find the final shape as demonstrated below:

Check out this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/h0R48UaFXqs.

Step 10: Cut Tool

The cut tool is another cool tool you can use with 3D sketch. You can wrap text into the model using the 3D sketch tool and cut it out using the Cut tool and Extrusion tool to engrave it as shown below.

See this video here: https://youtu.be/eDp1_K6Sz00.

There are other unique and interesting tools of SelfCAD like Sculpting, Magic Fix, Slicing and animation tools. We shall look at them in the following articles. SelfCAD is a tool that is meant for everyone. Regardless of your experience, you can get started easily.