Twist Tool

Rotate extruded shapes progressively along their vertical axis to create twisted or spiral effects.

The Twist tool rotates an extruded shape progressively along its height. The bottom of the shape stays fixed while each layer above rotates slightly more, creating a spiral or twisted effect.

How twisting works

When you apply twist to a shape, the cross-section at the base remains in its original orientation. As you move up the height of the shape, each horizontal slice rotates around the shape's center. The amount of rotation increases linearly from bottom to top.

  • No twist (0): The shape extrudes straight up with no rotation
  • Positive twist: The shape rotates clockwise when viewed from above
  • Negative twist: The shape rotates counter-clockwise when viewed from above

The twist amount is proportional to the shape's height. Taller shapes show more total rotation for the same twist value.

Using the Twist tool

  1. Select the Twist tool from the 3D toolbar
  2. Select a shape in the 3D panel
  3. Drag the rotation handle left or right to adjust the twist amount

Dragging right increases the twist (clockwise rotation toward the top). Dragging left decreases it or reverses the direction. The shape updates in real time as you drag.

The rotation handle appears above the selected shape and rotates to show the current twist direction.

Twist limits

Twist values are limited to prevent extreme distortion:

  • Maximum twist: Approximately one full rotation over the shape's height
  • Minimum twist: Approximately one full rotation in the opposite direction

These limits keep the shape geometry reasonable for 3D printing.

Supported shape types

The Twist tool works with most 2D shapes:

  • Freehand paths
  • Rectangles
  • Circles
  • Stars
  • Hearts
  • Polygons
  • Text
  • Compound paths

The following shape types do not support twisting:

  • Image guides
  • Imported STL files
  • Code-generated shapes (JSCAD)
  • 3D primitives (spheres, cones, tori)

Combining twist with other tools

Twist and sculpt

Twist combines with the Sculpt tool to create more complex forms. For example:

  • Twisted taper: Apply a taper using Sculpt, then add twist for a spiral cone effect
  • Twisted pinch: Create an hourglass shape with Sculpt, then twist to make the middle section spiral

The twist rotation applies to the sculpted profile, so a tapered shape will have tighter spirals at the narrow end.

Twist and height

Increasing a shape's height while maintaining the same twist value produces more rotation from bottom to top. A short shape with twist might show only a partial turn, while a tall shape with the same twist value rotates multiple times.

Tips

  • Twist works best on shapes with asymmetric cross-sections. A twisted circle looks the same as an untwisted circle. Use rectangles, stars, or text to see the effect clearly.
  • For subtle decorative effects, use small twist values. For dramatic spirals, increase both twist and height.
  • Twist is applied per shape. Each shape stores its own twist value independently.