What is Sketch Carving in VCarve Pro & Aspire, and how do I use it to create a V-carved sketch effect from a photo or 3D model?

Overview

Sketch Carving is a V12 feature that uses the differences in contrast across a bitmap image or a 3D model to create a toolpath in a sketching style, producing a carved outline-style design from a photo or model. It is available in both VCarve Pro and Aspire. The result can look like a hand-drawn sketch, pencil drawing or etching, and it is usually much quicker to machine than a full 3D relief toolpath.

What It Produces

Sketch Carving works from the contrast in the source image or model and carves lines that follow those contrast edges. The output looks like someone drew the image in pencil directly on the wood, then carved along the lines.

This is different from:

• 3D Relief: Machines the full depth variation of the model (slow, complex)
• Bitmap Trace + Profile: Creates outline vectors for 2.5D carving
• Standard V-Carve: Carves based on vector width and bit angle

Workflow

Option A: From a Photo

1. Import the photo into the 2D view (File > Import Bitmap)
2. Select the bitmap in the 2D view
3. Open the Toolpaths tab, then Sketch Carving
4. In the Selection section choose Bitmap
5. Select your tool from the Tool Database (see Tool Choice below)
6. Adjust the settings (Start Depth, Flat Depth, Machine Limit Boundary, Line Thickness)
7. Check the green highlighted area, which shows what will be cut, then click Calculate

Option B: From a 3D Model

1. Have a 3D model in the job (supported formats include STL, V3M, 3DM, SKP, RLF, 3DS, ASC, PRJ, X, DXF, LWO, WRL and OBJ)
2. Open the Sketch Carving toolpath and choose 3D Model in the Selection section
3. Configure the settings and calculate

Key Settings

• Start Depth: The depth the toolpath is calculated from. Usually 0.0. Enter the pocket depth if carving into the bottom of a pocket or stepped region
• Flat Depth: Checking this limits the depth the tools will machine to. With no Flat Depth, the carve goes as deep as the tool geometry allows where the cutting edge meets the boundary, in increments of the tool's Pass Depth. The Line Thickness also affects the total cut depth when no Flat Depth is set
• Machine Limit Boundary: The outer boundary of the toolpath: the Bitmap/Model Boundary, a Selected Vector (hold Shift and pick the boundary vector after selecting the bitmap or model), or a Selected Level
• Boundary Offset: Extends the machining limit outside the chosen boundary by the distance entered (default 0)
• Line Thickness (0 to 100): Adjusts the weighting of the sketch lines. A higher value gives thicker, heavier lines and picks out less fine detail. A lower value picks out more of the finer details. The green highlight in the view previews the result before you calculate
• Project toolpath onto 3D Model: Available when a 3D model has been defined in the job

Tool Choice

Sketch Carving is designed for radiused ball nose, tapered ball nose, and angled V-bit and engraving tools. Only those tool types can be selected. A narrower V-bit angle generally makes finer lines than a wide one, because the line width at depth depends on the bit angle.

Best Results

• Works best with high-contrast photos or images with clear edge definition
• Portraits, wildlife photos, and detailed illustrations can produce dramatic results
• Works well on light-colored woods where the carved lines create visible contrast
• Can be combined with background textures or 3D relief components for layered effects

When to Use vs Full 3D

Sketch Carving is a good fit for quick portrait signs, recognition plaques, nature scenes, and any project where an artistic sketch look is more appropriate than a deep relief.