Shapelab Lite is billed as the first polygon-based 3D sculpting app for some of the best VR headsets, Meta Quest 3S, Quest 3, and Quest Pro. Now available in early access, it brings professional-grade 3D sculpting to standalone VR, offering an affordable and portable solution that's suitable for beginners and creators without access to PC equipment.
The options for 3D modelling continue to expand rapidly on top of the core tools we recommend in our pick of the best 3D modelling software, opening access to more people. VR is now bringing an extra dimension to the area, opening up new workflows, and Shapelab Lite is one of the newest releases.
Shapelab VR sculpting tips | Presets and templates - YouTube
Shapelab Lite brings essential features from the Shapelab PCVR app to standalone VR at a more accessible price. Adapted for devices with lower processing power, it's designed for immersive 3D sculpting using an intuitive interface that allows users to freely shape ideas in 3D space with enhanced control.
Users can create props, characters, and digital concepts for applications, games, and virtual worlds, from basic forms to complex designs. Shapelab reckons VR sculpting can provide a faster workflow and greater precision.
"We’re excited to bring the core features of Shapelab PCVR to standalone VR users, empowering a new wave of creators," commented Daniel Andrassy, Chief Product Officer of Shapelab. at launch. "This is just the beginning of what we envision for the future of Shapelab Lite. As an early-access software, we’re actively listening to user feedback to guide future updates and ensure the app meets the needs of our community."
(Image credit: Shapelab)
The app is based on a polygon mesh foundation, and also includes dynamic topology, enabling on-the-fly adjustments of detail by tessellating or decimating polygons, adding flexibility where detail is needed. Shapelab notes that on standalone devices, users may notice performance limitations, with framerate drops around 1.5 million polygons. It recommends reducing polygon counts with low-resolution brushes or decimating the model using the Mesh Density tab to maintain performance.
The full list of new features in Shapelab Lite are explained below:
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● Polygon Mesh-Based Foundation: Built on a powerful polygon-based framework, Shapelab Lite offers unmatched precision and control for crafting detailed 3D assets.
● Optional Dynamic Topology Mode: Dynamically adjust detail levels by tessellating or decimating polygons, allowing flexibility and precision when working on complex designs.
● Intuitive Controls: Model and navigate effortlessly in 3D space to create props, characters, and digital concepts for games, applications, and virtual worlds.
● Standalone Optimization: Tailored for standalone VR headsets, Shapelab Lite delivers a smooth and immersive experience without requiring a PC.
● Accessible for All Skill Levels: Designed for both beginners and professionals, Shapelab Lite makes high-quality 3D modelling available to everyone.
Shapelab Lite is available from the Meta store priced at $14.99. See Meta Quest prices below if you don't yet have a headset.
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Joe is a regular freelance journalist and editor at Creative Bloq. He writes news, features and buying guides and keeps track of the best equipment and software for creatives, from video editing programs to monitors and accessories. A veteran news writer and photographer, he now works as a project manager at the London and Buenos Aires-based design, production and branding agency Hermana Creatives. There he manages a team of designers, photographers and video editors who specialise in producing visual content and design assets for the hospitality sector. He also dances Argentine tango.
