Check out streamlined free 3D modeling tool SDF Modeler
Need a way to quickly rough out hard surface assets, or to explore shapes during concept design work? New lightweight 3D modeling tool SDF Modeler may be what you need.
The promising experimental cross-platform SDF modeling software makes it possible to create 3D assets via a non-destructive workflow, using a streamlined, intuitive interface.
SDFs: an alternative to polygonal modeling for quickly building up 3D forms
Unlike conventional 3D modeling tools, which represent the surface of a form using polygons or NURBS, SDF-based apps represent the entire 3D volume using Signed Distance Fields.
The format lends itself to Boolean modeling, making it possible to build up 3D models non-destructively by combining sets of simpler shapes.
A toy Godzilla model created by 3D artist Metin Seven using SDF Modeler. The video shows every element in the Boolean modeling hierarchy being activated one by one.
SDF Modeler: a streamlined tool for concept design and hard surface modeling
SDF Modeler itself supports a range of Boolean operations, including standard ones like addition, subtraction and intersection, and more unusual ones like push, avoid, and emboss.
It also provides a number of ways to create the base forms, including readymade 3D primitives, shape modifiers like bevel and smooth, and a spline tool for creating more complex curves.
Source objects can be arranged into Boolean subgroups, helping to keep complex Boolean hierarchies organized.
For previewing models, SDF Modeler includes its own path tracing renderer, with support for transparent, metallic and emissive materials, and HDRI environment lighting.
The final asset can then be exported to other DCC software: currently only in PLY format, although support for more standard 3D formats is planned.
Recent user feedback suggests that it is a fast, intuitive way to explore designs, primarily for hard surface assets, although the high poly count of exported models means they are not well suited to games and real-time applications without additional retopology.
A fast-evolving addition to the new wave of SDF modeling applications
There are now quite a few SDF modelers available, including commercial apps like Substance 3D Modeler and Uniform, and other work-in-progress free tools like Clavicula and ConjureSDF.
However, SDF Modeler has been getting good feedback recently, both on social media and community websites like BlenderArtists.org.
Its creator, Sascha Rode, has a proven background in developing software for AEC and game development, having previously worked for games studio Deck13 Interactive.
The software is also evolving quickly: since its public release in 2023, it has had regular updates, many quite major, with version 0.5.2 adding support for macOS as well as Windows and Linux.
3D artist and illustrator Metin Seven, who has tested SDF Modeler extensively, and who created the demo images shown in this story, maintains a regularly updated personal feature wishlist, which goes into more detail on what has been added, and what is left to add.
There isn’t currently a lot of online documentation, but if you want to check out the software for yourself, it has an active Discord server.
License and system requirements
SDF Modeler is compatible with Windows, Linux and macOS, with native Apple Silicon support. It is GPU-accelerated via OpenGL and Metal, so it should support any manufacturer’s GPUs.
The software is currently still in development: at the time of writing, the latest release is version 0.5.3. It’s a free download.
Download free 3D modeling tool SDF Modeler
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