Which modeling device can I use with Shapr3D on Windows?
You can sketch and model in Shapr3D with the pen, mouse, and touchpad. As Shapr3D’s user interface has been designed with digital pen input in mind from the beginning, the recommended device is the pen (preferably a pressure-sensitive pen, a.k.a. "active pen" or just "pen"), but we made sure it is easy to design with other input methods as well.
What kind of touch device do I need for Shapr3D?
Navigating in 3D space is especially intuitive and quick in Shapr3D with touch gestures, so displays with multi-touch input bring the best experience. But it is also possible to use Shapr3D without touch input.
Touch input in Shapr3D is only useful in combination with a pen: you can’t use Shapr3D only with touch. Most touchscreens, however, don’t support using a pressure-sensitive pen – check the specifications of your device to see if it does.
On the flip side, not all pen-enabled screens support multi-touch input. It’s not a problem: it is possible to use Shapr3D with a pen only.
We don’t currently support touch on input-only devices like pen tablets.
How do I choose a pen?
Choose an active pen that's compatible with the device you're using. And, make sure that your device is compatible with pressure-sensitive, high-definition pens because not all Windows-running devices are guaranteed to be compatible that way.
If Shapr3D does not detect your pen and you think it should be compatible, please submit a support ticket here. Make sure to detail the exact make and model of your pen and device.
What's the best pen?
It's difficult to declare which active pen is the most suitable because that depends on the paired device you're using. However, one thing is clear: Passive pens, often called "styluses," are not recommended for Shapr3D. Although these styluses are usually more affordable than active pens and compatible with any touch-sensitive device, they don't offer the level of precision needed for touch input with Shapr3D.
Before you purchase a pen, make sure you check the pen's compatibility with your device on the vendor's website. Popular pens from major vendors include Microsoft's Surface Pen, Lenovo's Active Pen, Dell's series of Active Pens, and Samsung's S Pen. Some third-party vendors sell high-quality pens that are compatible with devices from multiple brands, such as the popular Wacom Bamboo Ink.
Which Wacom device can I use?
As Wacom offers a wide variety of devices, we detailed our recommendations in our dedicated page here.
Can I customize the Surface Pen for Shapr3D?
Yes, you can customize your pen's pressure sensitivity with the free Surface app. In the app, you can open Pen from the left panel and drag the slider at the bottom to adjust the pen pressure.
The lighter the pressure, the easier it will be to place spline points.
How do I set up mouse or touchpad input?
Download and install app version 5.10 from the Microsoft Store or the Shapr3D website. Then, open the updated app. The following dialog will appear on screen and you can customize your input method there:
An onboarding tutorial will automatically start so you can familiarize yourself with the gestures.
If you need any pointers on touch and touchpad gestures, check out Microsoft's documentation for Windows 10 and 11. And if you need any tips for a malfunctioning touchpad, follow these tips by CNET.