Gravity Sketch releases Gravity Sketch VR
Originally posted on 16 January 2017. Scroll down for news of the commercial release.
London-based startup Gravity Sketch has released a public beta of Gravity Sketch VR, its new virtual reality design and sketching tool.
The software is intended to enable users to create quick 3D mockups of designs in VR space, using an HTC Vive or Oculus Rift headset, then export them to standard CAD or DCC applications.
Create 3D surfaces in virtual reality using an HTC Vive or Oculus Rift
Founded in 2014 by graduates from the UK’s Royal College of Art and Imperial College London, Gravity Sketch’s first public release was a free iOS 3D sketching app, also called Gravity Sketch.
Gravity Sketch VR builds on the iPad app’s non-destructive solid modelling capabilities, enabling “designers, architects and engineers” to create quick 3D mockups in virtual reality space.
In demo videos, the software comes over as a cross between Oculus Medium or Google’s Tilt Brush – described by the developers as a “great companion” for it – and a more conventional 3D modelling app.
It includes a range of basic tools for generating and editing 3D surfaces, including the option to draw straight lines and planes, revolve strokes to create lathed surfaces, and symmetrical modelling.
According to the feature list, it is also possible to sketch directly onto a 3D surface.
Gravity Sketch VR imports and exports geometry in a range of standard 3D file formats, making it possible to export models for 3D printing, or in order to refine them in other 3D applications.
The software also exports directly to online model viewing services Sketchfab, where you can see quite a diverse gallery of models created by beta testers.
Updated 4 August 2017: Gravity Sketch VR is now shipping via Steam. The software is still officially in early access, with a final release scheduled for “late 2018”.
There are also now three editions of the software. The Basic edition is intended for indie users with revenues under $10,000/year, and supports OBJ export and up to four model layers.
The Pro and Studio editons are intended for users with revenues of up to $100,000/year and over $100,000/year respectively and also support FBX and IGES export, and up to 12 layers.
Pricing and availability
Gravity Sketch VR is available in early access for Windows 7 and above. You will need an Oculus Rift CV1 headset and Touch controllers or an HTC Vive headset to make use of it.
The Basic edition costs $24.99 for a perpetual licence; the Pro and Studio editions are rental-only, and cost $29.99/month and $99.99/month.
Read more about Gravity Sketch VR on the Gravity Sketch website
Read a fuller list of features on the Gravity Sketch VR Steam page