Disappointing to see the decline in Shapr3D. I have been seeing a steady decline in all aspects of the software since I first began using it over a year ago. Constant updates that seemingly never improve anything, just worsen the experience. Further to this, responses from the team regarding feature requests are non existent despite great support and engagement from the fellow community and users.
The latest in ‘how Shapr3D is worse’ comes in the form in the drastically ruined section view tool. No longer can you use the view cube to select a view, then simply select the section view to cut the model. There’s this horrendous mechanic that requires you to select a small little faded square instead to cut the view. Then upon closing the section view, and clicking the view cube and reselecting the section view, the previous section view remains, requiring you to select a very odd bin icon to delete the previous view. There is no evidence, or icon, or status to show which direction or view you’re currently in, instead there’s just a bin icon to delete the current one. It is another example of a workflow jamming procedure that kills speed and modelling efficiency.
Would be really great to know if anyone actually likes the new section view tool and wanted it to be like this??
Yes and no, I think Shapr right now is not being innovative but chasing features with the competition.
But as far as this feature goes, I personally don’t know why they got rid of the old way, they could have added this new feature and kept the old, I can live with the current version, its fine.
Thanks for your response, although I would love to know whether you come across the same issues as I? With its lack of intuitive nature with the deletion of current section views and whether you miss being able to select the view cube to quickly section a model?
May I also ask what you use Shapr3D for? eg hobby or professional?
I never have problems with this kind of things. It only takes a couple of minutes to get used to the new version. And I really like the ability to move the section view.
Everything at once! I use it a lot to create 3D models for household items — I 3D print them. I also design custom furniture for my home, model custom cases for LiFePO4 batteries I build for people, create metal constructions for welding, and so on…
Sometimes I model some useless thing just for fun like these on photos:
I can see how this would be confusing relative to the previous implementation but I don’t have an issue with it. The new design may require more clicks than the previous implementation the way you were using it.
There’s this horrendous mechanic that requires you to select a small little faded square instead to cut the view.
By this, do you mean the orthogonal planes? This is actually beneficial as it’s consistent with other workflows in the UI. And while it may require you to move the view (zoom/rotate) to accurately make a selection, it’s clearer than using the cube.
There is no evidence, or icon, or status to show which direction…
When in Section View edit mode, the “gizmo” shows the orientation. However, if the view is orthogonal to the Section View plane, the gizmo is not visible. This is a problem.
It would be helpful to show the gizmo as maybe a green circle with a dot in the center to indicate that you need to change the view in order to manipulate it.
An ability to freeze the the dynamic increment of movement of the cut so you may zoom out but keep the granularity.
(Locked with a locked grid?)
When looking perpendicular to the cut, flip the gizmo to a for a sidewise control, left-right movement to move the cut.
(As any movement becomes impossible for now.)
In my work environment this would make the section view really useful!
When in section view and no parts other that the cut is visible it would be efficient to be able to klick att the ‘cut surface’ for any activated tool. Now nothing happen (or the section is activated at no tool). Then you dont have to leave the present view.
Thanks for your response. Might be the most comprehensive respond yet! You clearly understand what I am on about which is great regarding the extra clicks, although the new functionality outweighs this drawback for you, which is fair.
I would the appreciate extra functionality, without such drastic change to the architecture of the tool.
It’s good to see your models, they look great. They also help me understand your expectation from the software and I can see that what I require is different and more comprehensive.
That’s why we have differing opinions on the software and changes like this impact us differently.
I understand your point of view — you see yourself as a super professional, and me as just a hobbyist. Well, I won’t try to change your mind. Think whatever you like.
I use it a lot to create 3D models for household items — I 3D print them. I also design custom furniture for my home, model custom cases for LiFePO4 batteries I build for people, create metal constructions for welding, and so on…
