3dSynth concepts

These definitions match the product UI. They are the vocabulary used in modules, FAQ, and the documentation.

Profile

A profile is a 2D height-versus-radius curve that describes a wall in G-code Sculptor (and a related silhouette in Mesh Sculptor). Height is Z; radius is distance from the center. It is not a CAD sketch of a solid assembly.

Modulator

A modulator (also called an effect) transforms the generated wall or mesh. Examples: Z-ripple, noise, caps, bump maps. Each modulator has parameters and an optional growth curve.

Modulator stack

The modulator stack is the ordered list of effects. Order matters: the top of the list runs first. Free export and save in G-code Sculptor allow up to two effects in the stack; Premium removes that cap. You can still preview deeper stacks on Free.

Toolpath

A toolpath is the sequence of nozzle moves (and extrusion) the printer will perform. 3dSynth previews it in 3D. Preview may skip the collision buffer; export still enforces it for generated G-code.

G-code

G-code is the machine instruction file. Direct-G-code modules write it from the engine. Custom G-code treats an existing file as the source of truth. Output is standard FDM-oriented G-code plus your printer profile’s start and end sequences.

Mesh

A mesh is a triangle surface. Mesh Sculptor and Texturize export STL for an external slicer. Some modules can also export a mesh of the preview path (STL / OBJ / glTF) where the export caps allow it—that is not the same as slicing infill.

Node graph

A node graph (Node Sculptor) is a network of typed nodes. Wires carry geometry, numbers, or toolpath data into an Output. Invalid socket pairings are rejected.

SynthBlocks program

A SynthBlocks program is a Scratch-style block workspace that generates a toolpath. Free users can author and preview; export and workspace save are Premium.

Printer profile

A printer profile (machine profile) defines build volume, origin, firmware dialect, and start/end G-code. Hundreds of built-in JSON profiles ship with the app. Compatibility is “standard G-code for this class of FDM machine,” not an OEM partnership.

Material profile

A material profile stores temperatures, speeds, and retraction that travel with the project.

Nozzle profile

A nozzle profile stores diameter and related extrusion context. Changing nozzle size recalculates the toolpath.

Project

A project is the in-memory workbench: design modules, Print settings, and viewer state. Premium can save it as a .3dsynth file.

.3dsynth

.3dsynth is the project file format (JSON-based, versioned). Saving and importing it is a Premium workflow feature.

Direct G-code

Direct G-code means the module writes printer instructions without sending a mesh through PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, Cura, or similar. G-code Sculptor, SynthBlocks, Node Sculptor (toolpath mode), Fabric Sculpt, Hex Grid, Predefined models, and Custom G-code use this path. Mesh Sculptor and Texturize do not.

Mesh export

Mesh export writes STL (and sometimes OBJ / glTF). Use it when a slicer should own supports, infill, and plates. Mesh Sculptor and Texturize are mesh-first. Other modules may export a mesh of the preview for inspection, not as a full slice substitute.

Spiral / vase printing

Spiral (vase) mode is a continuous Z-rising single-wall path. G-code Sculptor also offers Layer mode (flat layers, optional extra perimeters) and Contour Wave. Julia Stack is a Premium outline generator.

See also Learn map · FAQ · Getting started.