Tuesday, September 24th, 2013 Posted by Jim Thacker

Aartform releases Curvy 3D 3.0

Curvy 3D 3.0 in action. The latest version of Aartform’s sketch-based modelling tool adds features that should make it easier to use it in professional work, including improved mesh subdivision and decimation.


Aartform has released Curvy 3D 3.0, the latest version of its idiosyncratic sketch-based modelling tool, adding new mesh subdivision and decimation systems along the lines of those found in ZBrush and 3D-Coat.

The toolsets may increase the appeal of the software – previously usually regarded as an inexpensive, intuitive tool for hobbyists – to professional CG artists.

As well as its existing user base in the Poser community and among content creators for Second Life, Aartform notes that Curvy 3D is “increasingly used to generate basemesh geometry for hi-resolution sculpting”.

An unusual workflow
Unlike conventional modelling packages, Curvy 3D’s workflow is sketch-based.

The software enables users to sketch profiles of shapes in 3D, then lathes the profiles to form 3D geometry. Parts can be joined together to form a single mesh, then details added with basic sculpting tools.

The resulting geometry can be exported in OBJ or 3DS format.

New mesh subdivision and decimation systems
The new Adaptive Subdivision Mesh system dynamically divides the mesh as it is sculpted, creating new triangles where they are needed, in the same way as ZBrush’s DynaMesh system, or 3D-Coat’s Live Clay.

In addition, version 3.0 adds new Weld and Fit to Child commands for joining geometry; soft-selection and masked selections while editing meshes; a mesh-decimation system; and support for direct 3D painting.

The UI has been overhauled, and the viewport now supports ambient shadows.

Fast, inexpensive – but Windows-only
While the new tools won’t rival those of a dedicated sculpting package, they do make Curvy 3D a more viable proposition for quickly roughing out organic forms.

A price point similar to that of many plugins doesn’t hurt, either: Curvy 3D 3.0 is available at a MSRP of £65 plus tax (around $125), and Aartform is currently offering a further 25% launch discount.

However, you do have to be a Windows user. While Curvy 3D 2.0 Pro for OS X remains available for purchase, “there are no plans to release 3.0 on OS X”.


Read a full list of features in Curvy 3D 3.0 in the online documentation

Visit the Curvy 3D website

Download a 30-day trial edition of Curvy 3D 3.0