Layer Mode vs vase / spiral
Classic vase / spiral printing is a continuous wall: Z rises while the nozzle follows one perimeter. Layer Mode in G-code Sculptor is a different motion on the same profile and effect stack: stacked layers instead of a single spiral. It is not a general slicer plate with infill and supports.
The problem this answers
You want to know when to leave spiral vase for Layer Mode—thicker walls, optional infill-style passes, or a look that stacked layers give you—without switching to CAD plus a slicer.
How people do it without 3dSynth
Slicer vase mode (spiralize) versus normal layer slicing of an STL. Those are two slicer presets on a mesh. 3dSynth’s choice is motion on a profile, not a mesh silhouette.
How 3dSynth does it
Open G-code Sculptor, keep the profile and modulators, switch spiral versus Layer Mode. Docs: Layer Mode, spiral / vase printing. Contour Wave is another alternative on the same stack. Hex Grid can flow painted tiles into a vase-style path separately.
Example
A lamp shade that must be a seamless spiral stays in vase motion. A planter that needs a more layered wall or Layer Mode infill stays on the same profile with Layer Mode enabled. Tutorial: your first profile shape.
When it works
When the object is still a profile-driven shell and you only need a different layering strategy—not multi-part plates or tree supports.
When another tool is better
If you need conventional infill, supports, or several STLs on one plate, export a mesh from Mesh Sculptor or Texturize and slice. Layer Mode does not turn 3dSynth into Cura. See vase-mode G-code and vase-mode effects.
Related: G-code Sculptor · direct G-code · all guides