Meet Vectary, an online platform for creating and managing interactive 3D and AR designs that inspire, educate and solve problems. ‍No downloads, no-code: all in the browser.

Projects created in Vectary run seamlessly across all devices and operating systems through WebGL 2.0 in the browser.

Minimum Hardware Requirements for Vectary Studio:

• 2.0 GHz multi-core processor

• 8 GB of RAM or higher

• Graphics card with at least 1 GB of dedicated or shared video memory

We highly recommend using the Google Chrome browser for the best possible experience, due to the limitations on key technologies used by Vectary in other browsers.

Vectary Studio is not optimized or intended for use on mobile devices. However, certain actions can still be performed from mobile devices if the browser is set to desktop mode. Please note that the experience will be significantly limited. It is recommended to use a computer for the best results.

Overview

The Ground Plane is a virtual surface that helps integrate 3D objects into a scene by providing a base for casting shadows. It enhances realism by ensuring objects appear grounded rather than floating in space.

Dynamic shadows

Dynamic Shadows adjust in real time based on scene lighting, ensuring accurate interaction with moving elements.

Baked shadow

Pre-rendered shadows that remain fixed, improving performance and producing a much more photorealistic result.

Learn more about texture baking and its settings here: Baked textures

• Black point — controls the darkest areas of the shadow, determining how deep the shadows appear

• White point — adjusts the lightest parts of the shadow, influencing shadow softness and blending with the environment

Settings

Settings in the Adjust tab apply to both Dynamic and Baked shadows:

Account settings can be found in the dashboard at the top right corner:

This link also leads to the account settings: https://www.vectary.com/dashboard/?profile=true

Profile settings

The following actions are available for the account:

1. Change name

2. Set profile picture

3. Change password

4. Check an email linked to the account

5. Delete account

6. Sign out

7. Log out from all other devices

8. Copy User ID

9. Generate Access Token

10. Subscribe/unsubscribe to our email newsletter

11. Toggle email notifications for new comments on projects from other workspace members

Change email

To update the email address linked to an account, contact the support service. Submit a request through the contact form, including the following details:

1. The current email address associated with the account

2. The new email address intended for use

Changing the login method (from Google to Email)

• Sign out of your account

• Go to Forgot Password

• Enter your email address

• An email will be sent with a link to reset your password

• Click on the link from the email

• A page will open asking you to enter your new password twice

• Use your new password to log in with your email address

Billing info

Please note that subscriptions are linked to workspaces, not to individual accounts. Since each workspace has its own subscription, payment settings are located in the workspace settings.

Orientation axis

In the bottom left corner of the screen, there is an area displaying the X Y Z orientation axes, the view type name, and geometry statistics.

Geometry statistics

58824 — number of vertices

19608 — number of triangles

25 — number of objects (hidden objects are ignored). more detailed statistics are displayed in Preview mode: Performance analyzer

Vectary utilizes real-time, photorealistic rendering, which is always active and cannot be disabled.

To ensure optimal performance, certain effects require manual activation when needed:, to maintain good performance, some effects need to be enabled manually when necessary:

• Reflections

• Soft shadows

• Ambient occlusion

• Bloom

Lighting plays a crucial role in defining material appearance. With a well-configured lighting setup, materials within the scene can achieve a more refined and realistic look, especially when using advanced materials (refraction, subsurface scattering, etc.).

For high-resolution render exports, use the button located at the bottom of the canvas.

Overview

The dashboard serves as the initial interface presented upon signing up as a new user or logging in. It functions as a central hub for managing all projects and workspaces.

Workspaces

The squares on the left side of the dashboard represent workspaces:

Workspaces are independent entities, each with its own subscription and role settings. When a subscription is purchased, it applies exclusively to that specific workspace. Therefore, to operate multiple workspaces, a separate subscription must be acquired for each individual workspace.

Workspace settings

Workspace settings offer the following options:

• Manage workspace members

• View the three most recent invoices

• Upload a cover image for a workspace

• Rename a workspace

• Delete a workspace

Members

Owner or Manager role in a Business workspace can only invite other users who already have a Vectary account. If the person invited to the Business workspace does not have a Vectary account, they will get an email invitation that will lead them to register with Vectary and the workspace will be automatically added to their dashboard.

Once a member joins a workspace, they can use both their primary workspace and the ones they have joined.

Billing

The workspace settings include a Billing tab, providing access to information and actions related to the subscription:

1. details of the current subscription plan, including renewal date

2. option to cancel the subscription

3. three most recent invoices

Workspace tips

Folders

Each workspace includes the ability to create folders, which assists in organizing project storage. Projects can be easily moved from one folder to another through a simple drag-and-drop action.

Archived

Projects

• Projects can be created in any folder and freely moved both between folders and workspaces.

• Project sorting cannot be changed; they are automatically sorted by the date of their last edit.

• Project limit depends on the selected plan.

• Deleted projects are moved to the Archived folder and can be restored at any time. Projects in the Archived folder also count toward the limit, so if a project is no longer needed, it should be permanently deleted from this folder.

Project card

A description, tags, and a cover can be added to a project. To do this, open the project card by clicking on the bottom part of the cover.

Project actions

Open — opens a project in the Studio

Open new tab — opens a project in the Studio in a new browser tab

Copy Link — copies a shareable link to a project

Copy Project ID — this identifier may be required by Support for efficient troubleshooting in case of any issues

Lock — secures a project to prevent unintended edits or deletion

Duplicate — create an exact copy of a project

Rename — allows changing a project name

Delete — moves a project to the Archived folder

Permanently delete — completely removes a project from the system (only available in the Archived folder)

Project tips

Importing a project into another project (Design system)

Any existing projects can be imported directly into the current project within the Studio. To do this in Studio, open the Workspace tab on the left panel, select the desired workspace, and view all projects and folders within it. A project can be placed in a specific position by dragging it onto the canvas.

Learn more about how it works:

Projects Marked with M

If a project card is marked with M, it indicates that the project contains a custom material saved by either the user or another workspace member.

Learn more about how it works:

Search

The search feature in the dashboard checks project names, descriptions, and tags.

The importing process allows bringing external assets into the project. Supported import options include all popular 3D and 2D file formats, direct integration with Figma frames, and CAD file compatibility.

For more details, explore the following sections:

Overview

Vectary supports STEP/STP , IGES/IGS formats, which are mainly used in the CAD workflow. Once such a file is imported, its structure is converted into one or multiple NURBS objects.

A NURBS is a special object that contains NURBS geometry. Since Vectary is a mesh software, the imported NURBS geometry is automatically converted into mesh geometry. However, this transformation is procedural, which means that the quality can be changed at any time (similar to segment parameters for primitive objects).

What are the benefits of the CAD importer?

• Using additional software to convert CAD files into Vectary is unnecessary. Simply drag and drop your created or downloaded file.

• The quality of any part of the object can be adjusted, helping achieve a balance between polygon count and model detail. The benefit of keeping the NURBS object is that there is no need to create a new model, just to change settings.

• Better suited for companies using CAD file workflow.

• STEP/STP , IGES/IGS are files that allow you to export only the data you need, not the entire project.

Import

Importing can take some time (a few minutes in some circumstances).

• When importing a file, the parameters of all objects are adjusted relative to the size of the largest object in the file.

  Import example:

  1. Small screw - high quality of detail.

  2. A whole CNC machine with many small parts - the quality of small parts will be low to avoid many polygons.

• We recommend the size of the STEP/IGES file up to 50MB. Files exceeding this size may be processed for too long. If the file exceeds the mentioned size, it is best practice to export in standard OBJ format, import to Vectary, and use the Simplify plugin to decrease the polygon density.

• Vectary only supports geometry that can be directly converted to polygons, meaning we do not support curves or points. We only support surfaces and polyfaces.

File structure

Notice that NURBS objects have the following icons in the left panel:

Imported NURBS geometry can contain multiple parts. in that case, it is imported as multiple NURBS objects under the group (the name of the group is the name of the file).

In some cases, there is the button Break apart which will change the current object to multiple parts:

Meshing management

The settings allowing for changes in the density and quality of the mesh are located on the right panel.

Default values may result in distorted geometry. However, you can define the level of detail for each part of the object yourself. It is important to note that increasing the level of detail leads to an increase in the number of polygons, which results in a larger file size and can potentially affect the performance of the project.

Linear deflection - defines the maximum distance between the original NURBS geometry and final mesh geometry (strong impact on the polygon count).

Angular deflection - defines the maximum angle between 2 polygons (minimal impact on the polygon count).

Min edge size - defines the minimum length of the edge (average impact on the polygon count).

After changing the parameters in the upper right corner of the scene you can see the status of the recalculation:

Converting to geometry

The imported CAD file becomes a NURBS object, which in turn is a procedural object whose quality parameters can be changed at any time.

If it is necessary to edit the mesh, the object must be converted to a geometric one. At the same time you lose the ability to adjust the quality (works similarly to primitives).

Each change in quality settings is based on the original file, so you can safely experiment with the settings.

Tutorials

The whole playlist "From CAD to Vectary" (9 tutorials):

Overview

Vectary Processor is a standalone desktop application for converting CAD files into mesh-based 3D assets for use in Vectary Studio. This tool enables offline optimization and conversion of CAD geometry, ensuring that original files never leave the local machine - a valuable feature for workflows with strict security requirements.

While CAD files can be imported directly into Vectary Studio, Vectary Processor offers an alternative workflow focused on enhanced control and optimization. The CAD geometry is converted to mesh during import into the application, allowing full control over mesh quality and structure before uploading to Vectary Studio. The optimized model can then be uploaded with a single click, becoming editable geometry ready for further refinement.

Access Token

When opening Vectary Processor for the first time, an access token is required. The token is tied to the user's profile and can be retrieved from the Vectary Dashboard:

1. Go to https://www.vectary.com/dashboard/

2. Click on the profile picture in the top-right corner

Once added, the token does not need to be re-entered after closing the application.

Import

• Supports STEP / STP file formats

• Drag and drop files directly into the app or use the import dialog

• All imported NURBS geometry is automatically converted into mesh geometry

• Processing time varies depending on file complexity

Upon import, the application automatically sets:

• Linked geometries as in the original CAD file

• Box mapping for each object for easier material workflow

• Pivot point centered for each object

Navigation

• Zoom: scroll wheel (mouse) / two-finger scroll (touchpad)

• Rotate: left-click and drag (mouse) / one-finger drag (touchpad)

• Pan: right-click and drag (mouse) / two-finger drag (touchpad)

• Deep Select: hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (macOS) and click to select deeper objects in the hierarchy

• Polygon Highlighting: selecting an object displays its polygonal mesh

Bottom toolbar

Mesh optimization

After processing, geometry appears with default medium mesh quality.

Optimization options:

• Easy: use the slider to set triangle density (displayed in tooltip)

• Advanced: configure individual settings:

  • Linear deflection: maximum deviation between NURBS and mesh

  • Angular deflection: maximum angle between mesh polygons

Selections

• Select similar: selects surfaces or volumes with similar properties

• Select instances: selects all instances of the selected object. Vectary Processor identifies and automatically links all instanced objects, ensuring they remain synchronized during optimization.

• Select all: selects all objects in the scene

• Invert selection: inverts current selection

• Select hidden objects: selects objects that are enclosed within or obscured by other geometry and therefore not visible from the camera’s perspective. This is particularly helpful for optimizing scenes: users can easily identify and remove hidden objects that serve no purpose in the final visualization or interaction. Cleaning up these unnecessary elements can significantly enhance both performance and loading times.

Object settings

• Rotate scene: toggles object rotation across six axis orientations

• Separate selection: separates merged geometry into individual objects

• Merge selection: merges selected objects into one

• Magic merge: merges the lowest-level unlinked children in the hierarchy

Top left toolbar

Upload to Vectary Studio

To save a project:

1. Click Upload to Vectary (top-right corner)

2. Name the project

3. Select a workspace

4. Choose a folder

Tabs

Multiple projects can be opened simultaneously in separate tabs.

Optimization tips

Optimized scenes are essential for achieving fast loading times and smooth performance in web environments across all platforms. As the final output from Vectary Processor is intended for use on the web, careful optimization ensures efficient rendering and a responsive user experience. Mesh density is a key factor in this process, as overly complex geometry can negatively impact performance. Reducing triangle count where possible helps maintain visual quality while significantly improving scene efficiency.

Mesh Density

• Recommended range: 200k–500k Linked Triangles

• Keep triangle count as low as possible

• Use mesh optimization slider to control density

• Prioritize detail for objects closer to the camera; reduce detail for background objects

Object count

• Recommended maximum: 500 objects

• Use Merge selection or Magic merge to reduce object count

• Only merge objects sharing the same material and behavior

3D file formats

HDRI

Custom HDRIs are supported in both HDR and EXR formats for import.

Images

Animated file formats

Overview

Designs from Figma can be easily imported into Vectary as textures or stickers. Any changes made to the frame after its import can be synchronized with a single click.

Importing a Frame as a Texture

Importing a Frame as a Sticker

This creates a separate object (a plane) that can be applied to any surface.

Synchronizing changes

If the frame was modified in Figma, click the synchronization icon next to the frame link in Vectary to update it.

Reusing the frame

To use the imported image in other settings, there is no need to import it again—simply select the texture from the existing list.

Token

A token needs to be generated only once in Figma and linked to Vectary to connect the Figma account.

Done! Frames can now be imported.

Tutorials

The 3D Text tool allows for the creation of editable 3D typography directly within the scene. Font, size, depth, and other parameters can be customized to integrate text seamlessly into a design.

Text can also be dynamic by using expressions and variables - Variables & Expressions

The 3D text tool provides comprehensive customization options similar to those found in standard text editors.

• Quality – increasing this value adds more polygons, improving the detail and smoothness of the text.

• Depth – adjusts the extrusion depth of the text

• Contour offset – expands the outline of the letters

To edit individual letters separately, convert the 3D text into geometry:

Selection tools allow precise control over object selection in the scene. Different methods provide flexibility depending on the workflow and selection requirements.

Selection tools

These tools streamline the selection process, making it easier to manage complex scenes and make precise edits.

Deep selection

When an object is inside a group or affected by a modifier, it can be selected directly by holding Ctrl/Cmd while clicking on it. This bypasses the group or modifier, allowing for precise selection.

Selection manager

Selections can be saved and then used in various project settings.

Learn more about it here: Selections

Overview

Vectary utilizes an internal measurement system that can be defined only when exporting a file or configuring augmented reality settings. Real-world units are significant only for file export and augmented reality. They have no effect on any other aspect of your workflow.

Available units for export

File Export

When selecting a file format that supports unit information, an additional field for specifying units will appear. Note that OBJ and STL formats do not store real-world unit data.

AR Export

To set units for an AR model, navigate to the Behavior tab and select a preferred measurement unit.

Overview

Design mode is the primary mode in Studio, where the core project development happens. In this mode, scenes are assembled by creating or importing 3D assets, adjusting materials, and adding interactive elements. Lighting, cameras, backgrounds, and effects can also be fine-tuned to enhance the final composition.

Design mode tools

Switching to Edit mode

It is also possible to edit object geometry in Edit mode. Learn more about it here: Edit mode

Overview

By default, illumination in a scene comes from environment lighting (Environment). Local light sources provide additional illumination with defined positions and characteristics. These lights can complement environment lighting or completely replace it if environment lighting is disabled. They influence the appearance of objects by casting shadows and creating highlights.

Light sources are very easy to use and configure:

Point light

A point light emits light in all directions from a single point in space.

• Radius – defines the size of the light source, affecting how shadows and highlights appear. A larger radius creates softer, more diffused shadows and broader highlights, while a smaller radius results in sharper shadows and more concentrated highlights.

Spot light

A spot light emits a cone-shaped beam of light. It has a defined direction, angle, radius, and softness, allowing for precise control over illumination. Spotlights are commonly used for stage lighting, flashlights, and focused light effects.

• Radius – defines the size of the light source within the cone. A larger radius results in a bigger apparent source, while a smaller radius keeps the light more concentrated.

• Angle – determines the spread of the light cone. A wider angle creates a broader beam of light, while a narrower angle focuses illumination on a smaller area.

• Softness – controls the transition between the fully illuminated area and the outer edges of the light cone. Higher softness results in a gradual fade, whereas lower softness produces a sharper falloff.

Directional light

A directional light simulates light coming from a distant source, such as the sun. It casts parallel rays across the scene, creating consistent lighting and shadows regardless of object positions.

• Angle – controls the spread of light rays. A smaller angle results in more focused lighting with sharper shadows, while a larger angle creates softer, more diffused shadows, simulating atmospheric scattering.

Rectangle Light

A rectangle light is an area light source that emits light from a rectangular surface. It produces soft shadows and is useful for simulating large light panels, windows, or softbox lighting setups.

• Width & Height – define the physical dimensions of the light source. Larger values result in softer shadows and a more evenly distributed illumination.

Settings

• Intensity – determines the brightness of the light source. This value can exceed 100% if entered manually, allowing for higher light emission levels.

• Shadow – by default, local light sources do not cast shadows. Enable this setting to allow shadows to be visible. Note that a surface is required for shadows to appear (e.g. Ground plane).

Dynamic

1. Non-Dynamic mode – objects with a Lightmap do not receive diffuse reflections from the light source but still contribute to specular reflections.

2. Dynamic mode – light influences all objects in the scene, including those with a Lightmap. However, dynamic light sources are ignored when baking the Lightmap.

Retain AO

1. Retain AO disabled – objects with an Ambient Occlusion map do not receive diffuse reflections but still contribute to specular reflections.

2. Retain AO enabled – light influences all objects in the scene, including those with an Ambient Occlusion map.

Overview

Primitives are basic geometric shapes that serve as building blocks for 3D modeling. These shapes, such as boxes, spheres, and cylinders, come with adjustable parametric settings, allowing for modifications in size, subdivisions, and other attributes. Primitives are commonly used as starting points for creating more complex models.

• Box

• Sphere

• Cone

• Cylinder

• Tube

• Torus

• Polyhedron

• Plane

• 3D Text

Primitive shapes can be modified directly on the canvas or through the right panel settings.

Primitive adjustment

Adjust the shape of the primitive using the purple handles.

These modifications can also be performed in the right panel for precise control.

The number of segments (polygons) in the primitive can be modified using the input fields:

The design process involves various aspects of creating and refining 3D models. This includes working in design mode, applying materials and textures, configuring cameras, adjusting lighting, adding effects, and managing assets with libraries.

For more details, explore the following sections:

The UI of Vectary Studio can be described as modern, user-friendly, and intuitive. It follows common design standards, making it easy to navigate without requiring extensive learning.

Overview

Modifiers are tools used to procedurally alter the geometry of objects in a non-destructive manner. They allow for dynamic adjustments and efficient modeling workflows by applying transformations, duplications, and shape modifications without permanently affecting the base mesh. Modifiers can be stacked and combined to achieve complex designs while maintaining flexibility for future edits.

A modifier functions as a group, meaning it can be applied to multiple objects simultaneously. Additionally, one modifier can be applied to another, allowing for complex, layered transformations.

The effect of a modifier can be temporarily disabled without removing it, providing flexibility in testing different configurations:

To remove a modifier without deleting its contents, open the context menu and select Ungroup Ctrl+Shift+G

Converting to geometry

Any modifier can be converted into geometry, preventing the system from recalculating operations each time, which improves performance while working in Studio.

This is especially recommended for modifiers such as Subdivide, Boolean, and Bevel.

Converting Array and Symmetry modifiers into geometry will result in instances rather than independent objects. The geometry of these instances remains linked, meaning they do not increase the overall polygon count while still behaving as duplicated elements of the original object.

List of modifiers

Duplicates an object around a central point, allowing control over the number of copies, rotation, and distribution radius.

Uses another object as a reference to distribute instances along its surface.

Creates multiple instances of an object along a straight line with adjustable spacing and count parameters.

Initial information about the Vectary platform, helping to get started quickly and efficiently.

For more details, explore the following sections:

Overview

Team permissions are available within the Business workspace and ensure that workspace members have access rights that align with their designated roles. We have established several levels of access to guarantee teams confidence in the security and privacy of their projects and information.

Owner

As the primary account holder, the Owner is responsible for managing the contract, creating the workspace, and overseeing billing. This role possesses managerial privileges, overseeing all features and functionalities within the workspace.

✅ full control over the workspace

Manager

Managers hold a high-ranking role within a workspace, similar to the Owner, with the exception of not having access to billing information and not being able to delete a workspace. They oversee member access and permissions, and manage project editing and sharing. Managers can add, remove, and approve member requests, move projects between workspaces, and make projects public. They have full editing capabilities in the Studio, ensuring secure workspace management.

✅ possesses nearly the same rights as the Owner

❌ does not have access to billing information and cannot delete the workspace

Editor

Editors primarily work with 3D data, import CAD files, and create interactions and animations. While they can create folders and move projects within their workspace, they cannot delete projects or move them outside the workspace. Editors can be internal team members or external professionals managed by workspace managers.

✅ ability to edit all projects within the workspace

❌ lacks permission to:

• manage workspace members

• delete workspaces, folders, projects, or comments

• export projects or change project sharing settings

Collaborator

Collaborators have restricted access, with the ability to view or comment on projects, but not to edit them, which ensures project integrity. They can see all shared projects within the workspace but must be approved by a manager to join, ensuring a secure method for sharing sensitive data. This role offers more expansive viewing capabilities compared to the Viewer role.

✅ able to view all projects in the workspace and can perform all operations related to comments, except for deletion

❌ inherits the same restrictions as the Editor, with the additional inability to edit projects

Viewer

Viewers have restricted access, limited to only seeing projects for which they have direct links. While they are technically part of the workspace, they cannot see the overall content or project lists. This role is particularly useful for sharing projects privately without allowing these users to comment or see existing comments.

✅ access only to view projects for which they possess a direct link

❌ inherits the same restrictions as a Collaborator, with the additional limitation of not being able to see projects within the workspace

Permissions overview

Overview

Deformers are procedural tools used to modify the shape of objects without altering their underlying topology. They allow for flexible transformations that can be adjusted dynamically

A deformer functions as a group, meaning it can be applied to multiple objects simultaneously. Additionally, one deformer can be applied to another, allowing for complex, layered transformations.

The effect of a deformer can be temporarily disabled without removing it, providing flexibility in testing different configurations:

To remove a modifier without deleting its contents, open the context menu and select Ungroup Ctrl+Shift+G

Edit mode

The deformer’s area of effect can be adjusted in Edit mode. To enter this mode, select the deformer and click the Edit button. While in Edit mode, the shape of the area of effect can be modified using the gizmo by moving or scaling it. Additionally, the Type setting (Unlimited, Limited, Within Box), found among other deformer settings, influences the deformer’s area of effect.

Converting to geometry

Any deformer can be converted into geometry, preventing the system from recalculating operations each time, which improves performance while working in Studio. This is particularly important for the Simplify deformer, as its calculations require significant resources.

List of deformers

Divides the geometry into smaller segments, increasing mesh density for smoother deformations.

Applies a curvature to an object, bending it along a defined axis. The angle and direction of the bend can be adjusted to achieve different effects.

Overview

Boolean modifier performs operations between multiple objects to create complex shapes. The bottom object in the list acts as the main object, while all other objects above it participate in the operation with the main object.

Each participating object has an icon next to it that determines which of the three operations will be performed: union, subtract, or intersect. This means that the main object can have different types of operations with different objects simultaneously.

Separate by material

Enabling this option ensures that each object involved in the Boolean operation retains its original material.

Union

Merges objects into a single shape while ensuring that the resulting geometry remains correct.

Unlike a simple merge operation, this method removes internal geometry at intersections, preventing unnecessary overlapping polygons.

Subtract

Cuts the participating objects from the main object, removing overlapping sections and leaving behind the remaining shape.

Intersect

Keeps only the overlapping parts between the main object and participating objects, removing all non-overlapping sections.

Tutorial

Applies random transformations to objects, including position, rotation, and scale, for more organic variations.

Mirrors an object along a chosen axis, ensuring that modifications on one side are automatically reflected on the other.

Generates a grid-based duplication pattern with customizable rows, columns, and depth settings.

Rotates an object around its axis, creating a spiral effect. The twist effect is controlled by adjusting the Angle parameter, while the Help Direction setting defines the axis along which the deformation occurs.

Adds chamfered edges to a model by smoothing sharp corners and refining geometry.

Scales an object along a single axis while maintaining its proportions on other axes, elongating or compressing the shape.

Reduces the complexity of an object's geometry, optimizing its topology while maintaining overall shape integrity.

Transforms an object’s shape towards a perfect sphere, adjusting its form while preserving the original volume.

Gradually scales an object along a chosen axis, making one end narrower or wider than the other.

Shears an object along an axis, shifting its top or bottom relative to the base, creating a slanted appearance.

Applies randomized displacement to an object's surface, creating an organic, irregular look.

A placeholder object that functions similarly to a group but has a default visual representation in the form of axes or a box. This visual representation can be removed at any time, turning the empty into a standard group.

The Setup category includes additional tools that do not fit into other predefined categories but are essential for refining and organizing the design workflow. These tools assist in structuring scenes, adjusting visual presentation, and improving workflow efficiency.

An invisible plane that clips objects in the scene, useful for sectional views and precise visualization adjustments.

The effect of the clipping plane can be restricted to specific objects, groups, or selections.

Multiple clipping planes can be used simultaneously, allowing for more complex sectional views and controlled visual effects.

Settings

• Target — defines an object, group, or selection that the clipping plane will affect.

• Use material from target — when disabled, the clipping plane applies its own material. When enabled, it adopts the material of the affected object, ensuring a seamless visual transition.

Controls how object normals are smoothed, adjusting the transition between sharp and soft shading across surfaces. The angle setting, which defaults to 40 degrees, controls the transition between sharp and smooth shading. A value of 0 preserves all hard edges, while increasing the value progressively softens them, blending the shading across adjacent faces.

• Group — Ctrl+G

Organizes multiple objects into a single group, allowing for easier management and manipulation.

• Ungroup — Ctrl+Shift+G

Group also has a setting that allows switching between a standard group and Empty

Multiple cameras can be added to the scene, each with a variety of settings and functions for precise framing and perspective control. The default camera lacks these advanced settings.

Learn more here: Camera

A specialized object designed for use as a seamless background, forming a continuous surface that serves as both the floor and the wall simultaneously. The curvature or angle between them can be adjusted to achieve smooth transitions, making it ideal for studio-style renders and product visualization.

These tools are used to create a 3D configurator.

Overview

Vectary provides a flexible and intuitive workflow for managing materials. Users can create custom materials by adjusting key parameters such as metalness, roughness, refraction, and emission, among many others. Additionally, textures from external sources can be imported to achieve highly detailed and realistic surface effects.

A built-in material library offers a collection of ready-to-use materials, while also allowing users to store and reuse their custom materials for streamlined project management — Materials library

Sections

Settings

To access material settings, select an object. Once selected, the right panel will display the object's material list and material properties.

Material settings overview

Managing materials

Each object can have multiple materials, each defining its own set of properties and textures. Materials can be freely added, removed, duplicated, and adjusted, allowing for comprehensive control and customization throughout the project.

How to add a material

To add a new material, select an object and click the plus icon in the material list on the right panel.

This allows multiple materials with different settings to be assigned to a single object.

How to duplicate a material

To duplicate an existing material, select an object and click the duplicate icon next to the material name in the material list on the right panel.

How to copy a material from another object

To copy a material from another object, select an object and click the eyedropper icon in the material list on the right panel. The cursor will change to a crosshair, indicating that you need to click on an object in the scene to copy its material. Clicking on the object will apply the selected material to the current object.

Basic material properties define how a surface looks and reacts to light. These properties control essential aspects like color, reflectivity, transparency, and surface details. Each property can be manually adjusted or assigned a texture to create more complex and realistic materials.

Determines the base color of a material. It can be set using a solid color, gradient or a texture to add variations and patterns. The final appearance of the color depends on the lighting and other material properties.

• Solid — HEX

• Linear gradient — HEX, RGB

• Radial gradient — HEX, RGB

• Texture — JPG, PNG, SVG

• Animation — Lottie, GIF, MP4

• Figma frame — Figma frames import

Defines whether a material behaves like a metal or a non-metal. A value of 100 makes the surface fully metallic, reflecting its environment, while a value of 0 results in a non-metallic look. Metalness maps allow different areas of a material to have varying metallic properties.

Makes a material emit light, allowing it to glow regardless of the scene’s lighting. The effect becomes more pronounced in darker environments.

A custom glow color can be selected to achieve different lighting effects.

Emission textures are often used to make textured objects appear brighter and less dependent on scene lighting. Typically, the same texture used for Color is applied to Emission to enhance brightness and visibility.

Normal maps enhance the visual quality of materials by adding intricate surface details without increasing polygon count. They simulate bumps, scratches, or fabric textures without modifying the actual geometry. This effect relies on imported textures and is achieved by manipulating how light interacts with the surface, enhancing realism and depth.

Invert option flips the texture’s details, which can help correct shading issues or adjust the perceived depth of the surface.

Simulates light scattering beneath the surface of an object, creating a soft, translucent effect. This property is crucial for materials like skin, leaves, wax, and marble, where light penetrates, scatters, and exits at different points, producing a natural look. A color can be selected to define the scattering effect. Additionally, a radius parameter controls the depth of light penetration, adjusting the softness and intensity of the effect for greater realism.

Adjusts the transparency of a material. A value of 100 makes the material fully opaque, while lower values make it more transparent.

A black-and-white opacity texture can be imported, where black represents full transparency and white represents full opacity.

Opacity supports two blending modes: Blend and Mask:

• Blend provides smooth transitions between transparent and opaque areas

• Mask works on a binary principle, meaning it does not produce intermediate transparency levels like Blend mode. It is particularly recommended for AR, as it ensures decals and textures display correctly. Using Mask mode ensures that transparent areas do cast shadows, unlike Blend mode, where partial transparency prevents proper shadow formation. Additionally, Mask mode improves performance by simplifying rendering calculations.

The Invert option reverses the texture colors, turning white into black and vice versa.

• Linear gradient — HEX, RGB

• Radial gradient — HEX, RGB

• Texture — JPG, PNG, SVG

• Animation — Lottie, GIF, MP4

• Figma frame — Figma frames import

Advanced material properties provide greater flexibility in creating realistic surfaces such as high-performance polymers, tempered glass, frosted glass, coated metals, and multilayered composites. These properties allow for precise customization, making it possible to achieve complex materials with layered and dynamic visual effects.

Controls how light bends when passing through a transparent material, simulating effects like glass, water, or gemstones.

This property includes a value range from 0 to 100, which controls the strength of the refraction effect. A value of 0 results in no refraction, while 100 produces the strongest bending of light. Index of Refraction (IOR) determines how much light changes direction when passing through the material. Common IOR values include 1.0 for air, 1.33 for water, 1.52 for standard glass, and higher values for denser materials like diamonds (2.42).

Thickness and Absorption parameters refine how light interacts within the material. Thickness influences the perceived density, while Absorption determines how much light is lost as it passes through. A selectable color defines the absorption effect, adding depth and realism.

Adds an extra transparent layer on top of a material, simulating varnishes, car paints, or protective coatings.

The intensity of the effect ranges from 0 to 100%.

A color can be assigned to tint the clearcoat layer, influencing how it blends with the base material and altering its final appearance.

This layer has its own roughness settings, with roughness adjustable from 0 to 100%, allowing for enhanced surface detail and precise control over the finish.

Replicates the interference effect seen in thin layers of transparent material, such as soap bubbles or oil on water. The intensity of the effect can be adjusted from 0 to 100%. It creates iridescent color shifts depending on the viewing angle. Thinfilm is controlled through a gradient, allowing precise customization of color shifts.

Additional colors can be added beyond the three default ones, enabling more complex iridescent effects.

Ambient Occlusion is an effect that simulates soft shadows and shading by calculating how geometry blocks ambient light, adding depth and realism to 3D models.

An Ambient Occlusion (AO) texture is pre-rendered and stored as an image, enhancing realism without negatively impacting performance during real-time rendering. This texture can be generated directly within Vectary Studio or imported from external software

Recommended uses:

• Static scenes

• High-detail objects requiring realistic shading

• Scenes aiming for optimized rendering performance

A Lightmap is a pre-rendered texture that stores lighting information, including environmental lighting, local light sources, and material properties of each object within a scene. Using a Lightmap texture significantly enhances the realism of lighting without compromising real-time performance.

Key features of lightmap:

• Captures detailed information about the environmental lighting, local light sources, and material attributes of objects

• Improves rendering efficiency by reducing the need for real-time lighting calculations

• Provides highly realistic lighting and shadow effects for static scenes

The Double-Sided Material option enables rendering of both the front and back faces of a surface, ensuring the material is visible from all angles. This is particularly useful for thin objects like paper, leaves, or fabric, where both sides need to be rendered without requiring additional geometry.

Enabling this feature ensures correct shading and lighting behavior, improving realism in scenes where single-sided rendering would cause visibility issues.

Overview

Texture Baking is the process of storing calculated rendering information onto a texture (image). This process can be performed for individual objects or multiple objects simultaneously.

Benefits

• Performance Texture baking allows disabling the Ambient Occlusion effect and significantly reduces or eliminates the necessity for real-time lighting calculations. As a result, overall rendering performance improves noticeably.

• Realism The photorealistic path-tracing rendering method utilized by texture baking ensures highly realistic and impressive visual outcomes.

What textures can be baked in Vectary Studio

Settings

Optimal settings vary significantly depending on each object's characteristics and scene context, including object dimensions, material properties, lighting setup, and visibility within the scene. It is recommended to initially choose lower settings and gradually increase these parameters if necessary.

Resolution

• Available resolutions: 256px, 512px, 1024px, 2048px, 4096px

• Auto mode dynamically determines optimal texture resolution based on the size of objects relative to the largest one in the scene.

Quality

This parameter determines the number of samples used during rendering. The higher the sample count, the longer the rendering process takes, but the smoother the final texture.

• Draft: 16 samples

• Medium: 256 samples

• High: 1024 samples

Denoise

Removes visual noise from baked textures, improving clarity.

UV0 & UV1

UV channels define how textures are projected onto 3D models by mapping 2D image data onto 3D geometry. Effective UV mapping is essential for accurate texture representation. Vectary Studio supports two distinct UV channels for optimized texture baking workflows.

• Update UV — necessary when geometry is altered to ensure textures correctly align with the updated geometry.

Example:

A 3D table model includes two textures: a wood texture (Color, UV0) and a Lightmap (UV1). If the projection of the wood texture (UV0) needs adjusting, it can be done independently, without affecting the Lightmap texture on UV1.

Baking time

Texture baking, based on path tracing, produces high-quality results but takes time. Baking duration depends on resolution, sample quality, and the number of objects.

Optimizing baking time:

• Begin with lower resolutions for testing

• Limit resolution and sample settings to practical necessities

• Bake smaller object groups or individually

• Temporarily hide non-essential objects

• Utilize real-time Lightmap previews for quicker assessments

Common issues

Artifacts (Fireflies): Bright spots may appear on textures due to highly reflective or refractive materials acting as secondary light sources.

Elimination methods:

• Adjust lighting intensity or reduce the number of lights.

• Lower reflectivity or increase roughness in material settings.

• Raise quality (sample count).

• Enable Denoise to minimize or remove artifacts.

Tutorials

Defines how much light is reflected from the surface of a material, influencing its shininess and realism. Higher values make the surface more reflective, while lower values create a more diffuse appearance. A texture can be used to create varied reflectivity across different areas of the material.

Overview

Vectary Studio simplifies applying designs onto 3D objects through decals. Decals allow quick and intuitive application of images, animations, or videos directly onto the surface of any geometry.

How it works

Editing Decals

• Decals behave like regular flat objects and share the same material and texture properties

• Adjust decal materials for matte, glossy, or metallic finishes

• Modify brightness or apply textures within the Emission property to make decals independent of scene lighting

Figma integration

• Decals can also be imported directly from Figma — Figma frames import

• Any changes made in Figma can be updated in Vectary Studio with just one click

Tutorials

Vectary Studio supports importing animated files such as Lottie, GIF, or MP4 for versatile uses within your scenes. These animations can function as textures, decals, UI elements, or interactive hotspots.

Importing animated files as textures

• Open a material property that supports texture import

• Select the Animation option

• Upload your animated file (Lottie, GIF, or MP4)

Importing animated files as separate objects

• Drag an animated file directly onto the canvas

• This imports a file as a textured plane

• The textured plane can then be positioned, resized, or applied onto any 3D object as a decal or sticker (Decals)

Tutorials

Overview

By default, scene are viewed and edited using a default camera without specific settings. However, multiple custom cameras with various settings can be added, offering enhanced control and visual customization options:

• Perspective

• Field of View

• Depth of Field

• View Limits

• Turntable

• Custom Aspect Ratio

Enter/Exit view

Camera adjustments can be made without entering the camera view. Simply select the desired camera and modify its settings in the right panel.

Focal point

The camera's focal point determines the center of rotation and the focus of view. Use the Fit View feature (shortcut key A) to automatically align the focal point with the center of a selected object.

To adjust the focal point manually, select the camera, then click a focal point on the canvas. The Gizmo tool will then shift control to the focal point, allowing repositioning independently of the camera.

Camera settings

Perspective and Orthographic

• Orthographic: objects maintain consistent size and spacing regardless of their distance

• Perspective: mimics human vision, where objects appear smaller as they get farther away

Field of view

Adjusting this setting can dramatically alter perceived scale and spatial depth. For instance, small interiors can seem expansive, and objects can appear larger or smaller depending on the setting.

Depth of field

Enhances realism by simulating camera focus.

• Focus offset — defines the area in clear focus, blurring surrounding areas

• Intensity — controls the amount of blur applied

View Limits

Limits camera interactions such as rotation, zoom, and panning for controlled viewer experience

Setting all parameters to 0 completely restricts scene movement.

Changes can be previewed in Preview mode.

Turntable

Enables continuous rotation around the camera's focal point.

Duration — determines rotation speed

Easing — controls smoothness of acceleration; higher values provide smoother transitions

Resume — automatically resumes rotation after scene interactions

Resume Delay — specifies delay before resuming rotation after interaction

Custom aspect ratio

Maintains consistent framing when the viewport size decreases, ensuring the distance between the model and the edges of the frame remains constant.

Allows specifying precise aspect ratios individually for each camera, such as 4:3, 16:9, 1:1, 9:16, 21:9 , etc.

Texture remapping allows converting Ambient occlusion (texture) and Lightmap (proprietary material properties) into basic material settings such as Roughness and Emission, which are supported in standard 3D formats like GLB, FBX, OBJ, USDZ. This ensures that the object retains a similar appearance when exported into a file or viewed in AR.

How to run remapping:

• for this feature to become available, the object or group must contain Ambient Occlusion or a Lightmap in any of its materials

• select the desired object or group and right-click to open the context menu

• select the Remap AO and LM

The time required for the remapping process may vary depending on the complexity of the scene.

Result:

• the original object will be hidden

• a copy of the object will appear (If the result is satisfactory, the original object may be deleted, they are not linked)

• the copy of the object will include Roughness and Emission maps instead of Ambient Occlusion and Lightmap

The background setting determines how the scene’s backdrop is displayed.

• Transparent — removes the background, making the scene fully transparent

• Environment — uses the HDRI environment (Environment) as the background, blending the lighting and reflections with the scene. - Ground projection — modifies the HDRI projection to create a realistic ground surface, ensuring objects appear naturally integrated into the environment. This prevents the floating effect typically seen with spherical HDRI projection and enhances realism by aligning the background and reflections with the scene. - Size — adjusts the projection size to match the scale of the scene - Blur — applies an extreme blur effect, making the HDRI background indistinguishable except for its colors. If background blur is disabled, additional blur adjustments can be made in the environment settings. - Environment settings — Settings

• Solid — applies a single, uniform color as the background

• Linear — creates a smooth gradient between two colors, providing a soft transition effect

• Radial — generates a circular gradient effect, transitioning from one color at the center to another at the edges

• Texture — uses an imported image as the background, allowing for custom designs or photographic backdrops.

Overview

Environment in 3D scenes defines the lighting and reflections of the scene. This is achieved using an HDRI (High Dynamic Range Image), which provides realistic lighting by capturing a wide range of luminance values, from deep shadows to bright highlights. The lighting in your scene primarily comes from this HDRI environment, making it crucial for realistic rendering.

Materials can look dramatically different depending on the selected HDRI, directly influencing the final appearance of your project. You can find various HDRIs online and easily import them by dragging and dropping the files directly onto the canvas (in HDR or EXR format).

Settings

Adjusting HDRI settings is essential, as they influence the appearance of materials, reflections, shadows, and even the project size by modifying resolution. Proper attention to these settings is recommended for achieving the best results.

• Intensity — сontrols the overall brightness of the HDRI environment, affecting how much light is cast onto objects in the scene. The intensity value can be manually set beyond 100 for stronger lighting effects.

• Rotation — сhanges the orientation of the HDRI, altering the direction of lighting and reflections.

• Hue — adjusts the overall color tint of the HDRI, shifting the color balance of the environment lighting.

• Saturation — controls the intensity of colors within the HDRI, allowing for more vivid or muted tones.

• Shadow — сontrols the intensity and visibility of shadows cast by the HDRI environment.

• Blurriness — softens the HDRI, reducing sharp reflections and creating a more diffused lighting effect. Increasing this setting to the maximum will minimize the visibility of the HDRI in reflections.

• Resolution — determines the quality and detail level of the HDRI. Higher resolutions provide sharper reflections but increase project size.

Library

Overview

Vectary Studio allows importing custom textures into almost every material property, providing extensive customization options to enhance visual fidelity and achieve desired effects.

Material properties supporting custom texture import

Methods for importing textures

• Upload directly from a computer

• Insert a URL link to an image

Supported texture formats

• Static images: JPG, PNG, SVG

• Animated images: Lottie, GIF, MP4

Texture management

• Imported textures remain available for use within the current project and will automatically be removed upon reopening if not applied to any material/setting.

• Imported textures can be modified with various controls such as saturation, brightness, contrast, inversion, tiling, offset, rotation, and resolution adjustments.

Texture Projection

Texture projection determines how a texture maps onto the surface of a 3D object. Several projection types are available, each suited to different geometric shapes or visual effects:

• Plane projection: projects textures onto objects as if projected from a flat plane

• Box projection: applies textures onto objects using box-shaped projections

• Sphere projection: maps textures around an object as if wrapped around a sphere

• Cylindrical projection: wraps textures around cylindrical-shaped objects

• Unwrap: utilizes object's UV unwrap to accurately map textures according to geometry

Manual adjustment of texture projection:

• Click the projection icon to enter texture projection editing mode

• In this mode, a Gizmo tool allows manual adjustments, including moving, scaling, and rotating textures directly on the object

• Once adjustments are complete, click the Exit texture projection button to finish editing