What are all the ways to create a 3D component in Aspire, and when should I use each method?

Overview

Applies to: Aspire 12.5. Several of these methods (the modeling tools, Create Component from Bitmap, Create Texture Area, Create Component from Visible Model, Split Component) are Aspire only. VCarve Pro can import clipart and 3D models, but it cannot build components from vectors.

Aspire gives you six fundamentally different ways to get a 3D component into your project. Choosing the right method for the job determines how much control you have, how editable the result is, and how much time it takes. This guide summarizes all six methods with a decision framework.

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The Six Methods

Method 1: Modeling Tools (from 2D Vectors)

Create components by applying a modeling tool to vector shapes you have drawn or imported.

Tools: Create Round, Flat, Angled, Smooth and Custom Shape, Two Rail Sweep, Extrude and Weave, Turn and Spin

When to use:

• You are building custom shapes specific to your design (signs, borders, custom letters)
• You want full creative control over the 3D profile and height
• The shape can be described by a vector boundary or a driven path

Best for: Custom sign domes, swept moldings, architectural elements, original artwork

Editability: High. Shapes retain their creation properties in V12 and later and can be re-edited

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Method 2: Import a Pre-Created 3D Model (STL, V3M, 3DCLIP, CRV3D and others)

Import a model from an external source: downloaded clipart, a marketplace purchase, a model from another 3D app, or a file created in a previous Aspire project.

Supported formats: CRV3D, 3DCLIP and V3M, plus third-party 3D formats such as STL, DXF, 3DS, OBJ and SKP (these open the Orientate Model form first)

When to use:

• Adding decorative clipart from the software's clipart library or from Design and Make
• Using purchased 3D models from online marketplaces
• Reusing components from a previous project
• Bringing in models from ZBrush, Blender, or other 3D software

Import steps:

1. Modeling tab, Import a Component or 3D Model
2. Orient the model in the import form (choose the face-up orientation)
3. Set the scale, and if the model needs cutting into machinable chunks use the Segment button on the import form (3D Segmenting, Aspire only)
4. The model becomes a component in the Component Tree

Editability: Medium. You can adjust Component Properties (height, fade, tilt, combine mode), but the shape itself cannot be regenerated from within Aspire. Sculpting tools can modify it after import.

Key tip: For STL imports, check that the model is oriented with the flat back facing down. If you need to change the orientation, size or position later, right-click a component of the imported model in the Component Tree and choose Reimport instead of starting over.

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Method 3: Create Component from Bitmap (Grayscale Heightmap)

Convert a grayscale image directly into a 3D component: white is the tallest, black is zero height.

When to use:

• You have a depth or heightmap image from ZBrush, Blender, or a scanner
• Creating lithophanes from photographs
• Using a grayscale carving design (sold by many online designers)
• Converting a photo to a sculptural relief

Format tip: For best quality, use a 16-bit TIFF. An 8-bit image has only 256 height levels, which can show as contour-like stair-steps in the 3D model, while 16-bit gives 65,536 levels for smooth gradients.

Workflow tip: Do not import the bitmap first and then convert it. Instead, click the "Create Component from Bitmap" icon with no bitmap selected in the 2D view. This opens a file dialog that converts the file directly, bypassing the color reduction that happens on a standard bitmap import. This is especially important for 16-bit images.

After creation: The component is automatically scaled and set to the Add combine mode. Use Component Properties to set height and combine mode, and the Transform tools to size and position it.

Editability: Low for the shape, because it is a heightmap built from pixels. Use Smooth Components and Sculpting to refine.

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Method 4: Create Texture Area (Tiled Component)

Tile a single component repeatedly across an area to create a repeating pattern background.

When to use:

• Creating decorative background fills (basket weave, brick, floral repeat, scales)
• Applying a repeating pattern to a panel or sign background
• Tiling any component you have built or imported

How it works: Select the component to tile, optionally select closed vectors to limit the area (otherwise the tiling fills the whole job), then adjust spacing, shift and reflection.

Result: A special Texture Area component that remembers it was created with this tool. To edit it later, select it and open Create Texture Area again.

Editability: High, until baked.

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Method 5: Create Component from Visible Model

Creates a single component that is a copy of the composite model shown in the 3D view, placed on the active level.

When to use:

• You want to sculpt or bake a model whose components lie on different levels, without losing the original structure
• You want a snapshot of the current assembly mid-project to use as a new base
• You want to "lock in" a base before continuing to build on top of it

How it differs from Bake: Bake permanently commits existing components into one. Create from Visible creates a new standalone component representing the composite without altering the originals.

Editability: Low for the shape (it is a baked snapshot). The source components remain intact and editable.

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Method 6: Split Component

Break an existing component into two independent components using a vector as the cutting boundary.

When to use:

• Splitting a large component to work on individual pieces separately
• Creating assembly sections for a layered project
• Cookie-cutting a component to isolate a specific region

Editability: Medium. The resulting pieces are standard components and can be modified with any tool.

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Quick Decision Guide