Which modeling device can I use with Shapr3D on Windows?

You can sketch and model in Shapr3D with the pen, mouse, and touchpad. The recommended device is the pen — you need a pressure-sensitive pen, a.k.a. "active pen" or just "pen." 

What kind of pen do I need for Shapr3D?

Choose an active pen that's compatible with the device you're using. And, make sure that your device's touchscreen 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 best 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 touchscreen, 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.

What about Wacom and other pen tablets?

Shapr3D requires both pen and multi-touch inputs for pen-based interaction, but some pen tablets, including Wacom tablets, don't support multi-touch input. If you're using this kind of tablet, then please use one of these workarounds: 

• Use the pen for sketching and the mouse for view navigation.
  If you're a Wacom user, open your tablet's driver settings (Windows Tablet Properties) and turn on Use Windows Ink before you start the app. 
• Use the pen as a mouse.
  If you're a Wacom user, open Windows Tablet Properties and turn on Use Windows Ink. Then, assign the buttons on the pen to specific mouse navigation controls. If your tablet has additional buttons, you can assign them to Shapr3D's most-used keyboard shortcuts. Just make sure to complete Shapr3D's onboarding tutorial for mouse users when you first start the app.
  

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.