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3D Preview Mode

View your patterns as 3D folded objects.

Enabling 3D Mode​

Toggle 3D Preview​

Access 3D mode from the sidebar.

  • Button in main sidebar
  • Automatically folds pattern based on:
    • Fold lines
    • Shape topology
    • Seam connections

View Modes​

Floating Window​

3D preview in a separate floating window.

  • Draggable window
  • Resize by dragging edges
  • Can position anywhere on screen
  • Closes with X button

Split View​

Side-by-side view with 2D editor.

  • 2D pattern on left
  • 3D preview on right
  • Changes in 2D update 3D in real-time
  • Good for simultaneous editing

3D Navigation​

Rotate View​

Control camera angle.

  • Click and drag to rotate
  • Orbit around the 3D model
  • View from any angle

Zoom​

Adjust distance to model.

  • Scroll wheel to zoom in/out
  • Pinch gesture on touchscreens
  • Get close-up or full view

Reset Camera​

Return to default view.

  • Reset camera button
  • Returns to initial angle
  • Re-centers the model

3D Display Options​

Fold Simulation​

How the pattern is folded in 3D.

  • Based on fold lines in 2D
  • Automatic topology detection
  • Respects seam connections
  • Updates when you edit folds

Material Display​

Show fabrics in 3D.

  • Uses assigned fabric colors
  • Material mode affects 3D view
  • Helps visualize final product

Lighting​

3D scene lighting.

  • Automatic lighting setup
  • Shows depth and form
  • Highlights edges and folds

3D Mode Controls​

When 3D mode is active, sidebar shows:

  • View mode toggle (floating/split)
  • Camera reset button
  • Close 3D mode button

Tips for Using 3D Mode​

  1. Add Fold Lines First: Define folds in 2D before viewing in 3D
  2. Use Split View: See both 2D and 3D while editing
  3. Rotate to Inspect: Check all angles for accuracy
  4. Connect Seams: Line connections affect 3D folding
  5. Material Mode: Enable to see realistic colors

Limitations​

  • Works best with simple to medium complexity patterns
  • Very complex patterns may fold unpredictably
  • 3D is a preview - not a physics simulation
  • Some shapes may require manual fold line adjustment

Use Cases​

Pattern Verification​

Check if your pattern will fold correctly.

  • Verify seam alignment
  • Check fold directions
  • Spot design issues early

Presentation​

Show your pattern in 3D.

  • Better visualization for clients
  • Community patterns look more engaging
  • Helps explain construction

Learning Tool​

Understand how 2D patterns become 3D.

  • See the relationship between flat and folded
  • Learn pattern construction
  • Experiment with different folds