Maker Mode

Maker Mode provides a focused interface for adjusting parameters on parametric objects. When you enter Maker Mode, the 3D view expands to full screen and the parameter panel displays controls for customizing the object.

What is a parametric object?

Parametric objects are 3D models with adjustable properties. Instead of manually editing geometry, you modify parameters like size, shape, or count, and the object regenerates automatically. Examples include:

• Objects from the Design Library
• Code objects with defined parameters
• 3D primitives (Sphere, Torus, Cone)

Entering Maker Mode

From the Design Library

1. Open the Design Library
2. Click a design tile to add it to your scene
3. Maker Mode activates automatically with the parameter panel visible

From an existing parametric object

1. Select a parametric object in the 3D view
2. Right-click to open the context menu
3. Select "Enter Maker Mode"

Alternatively, when a design contains only a single parametric object and you open that design, Maker Mode activates automatically.

The Maker Mode interface

When Maker Mode is active:

• The 3D panel expands to full screen
• The parameter panel appears on the right side
• An orange "Exit Maker Mode" button appears in the top-left corner
• For code objects, an "Edit Source Code" button appears next to the exit button

Parameter panel

The parameter panel displays controls for each adjustable property on the object. The available controls depend on how the object was designed.

Common parameter types:

Control	Description
Slider	Drag to adjust numeric values within a range
Number input	Enter a specific numeric value
Text input	Enter text (for labels, inscriptions, etc.)
Dropdown	Select from a list of options
Toggle	Switch a feature on or off
Color picker	Choose a color
Button grid	Select from visual options

Update and Reset buttons

At the top of the parameter panel:

• Update: Apply your parameter changes to regenerate the object. Some objects update automatically as you adjust parameters; others require clicking Update.
• Reset: Restore all parameters to their default values.

Adjusting parameters

1. Locate the parameter you want to change in the panel
2. Use the appropriate control (slider, input, dropdown, etc.) to set the new value
3. The 3D preview updates to show your changes

For objects with instant update enabled, changes apply immediately as you adjust values. For other objects, click the Update button after making changes.

Exporting from Maker Mode

Some parametric objects include custom export options. When available, export buttons appear at the bottom of the parameter panel. Click an export button to download the object in that format.

Standard STL and 3MF exports are always available from the main export menu, regardless of custom exporters.

Exiting Maker Mode

Click the orange "Exit Maker Mode" button in the top-left corner. This returns you to the standard split view with both 2D and 3D panels visible.

When you exit Maker Mode:

• The object remains in your scene with its current parameter values
• You can select and transform the object normally
• You can re-enter Maker Mode by selecting the object and choosing "Enter Maker Mode" from the context menu

Editing source code

For code objects created with the code editor, an "Edit Source Code" button appears next to the exit button. Clicking this button:

1. Exits Maker Mode
2. Opens Code Mode with the object's source code
3. Allows you to modify the code that generates the object

This is useful when you want to make changes beyond what the parameters allow.

Tips

• Use the 3D view controls (rotate, zoom, pan) to inspect your object from different angles while adjusting parameters
• Parameter changes are preserved when you save your design
• Combine multiple parametric objects by exiting Maker Mode, adding another object, then re-entering Maker Mode as needed