Loft
Table of contents:
Introduction
Loft
Segment List
Settings
Rail List
Let's talk about the Loft tool. In other applications, similar functionality is commonly referred to as Loft, Loft Surface, or Lofted Solid. While the naming may vary, the function remains the same: it creates new geometry by connecting two or more profiles and generating surfaces or solids that smoothly transition between them.
In SelfCAD, the Loft tool can be found in the Tools section of the main Toolbar. It allows you to select multiple profiles and fill the empty space between them with polygons, forming a continuous 3D shape. Additionally, it includes a Rails feature that lets you define guiding curves to further control and customize the shape of the loft. In practice, this enables users to create complex organic forms, aerodynamic surfaces, product casings, architectural transitions, and detailed mechanical components with precise curvature control.
Unlike Modify or Deform tools, the Tools category focuses on generating new geometry based on structured inputs. Loft, especially when combined with Rails, provides advanced control over transitions between profiles. In this article, we'll explore how to use the Loft tool effectively and create smooth, customizable forms from multiple profiles.
Select profiles
The first step of using any modeling tool is selecting the profiles or objects on which you want to use it. You can select them by either left-clicking on them in the workspace or by selecting them in the Object Management section, in the right-side panel. The second option has an in-built search engine, which is extremely useful when you are working with multiple objects. You can Draw profiles with the help of Freehand and 3D Sketch.
Once the objects are positioned and selected, you can access the tool itself. To activate the Loft tool, you need to select it from the Tools drop-down list in the Main Toolbar or use a shortcut by using the 'T+L' combination on your keyboard. This way, you’ll open a Tool Setting Panel with all of the customizable options for this feature on the left-hand side of your screen.
Loft: Segment List
The first section of the Loft tool is called Segment List. Here, you will find a list of all available profiles, where you can select them and add Rotation to the Loft. You can also drag the profiles to switch up the order in which they will connect.
Loft: Settings
The second section is called Settings, where you can modify the Topology of the Loft and make the object manifold. What makes this section different from others is that it will appear only if you use the Loft on the profiles.
Settings: Fill First + Last
Fill First and Fill Last serve as another option to make the object manifold. Enabling each of those options will close the first and the last profile, respectively, with a polygon, which will close the Loft at both, thus creating a solid.
Settings: Close loft
Close Loft is the first of the Fill Settings, and it works a little like adding thickness to the object. Enabling this option will connect the first profile with the last one, which will add volume to the object and make it manifold.
Quads option is enabled by default, as they are much easier for the software to work with (for example, Loop Selection only works with quads), but disabling this option can improve the visual look of some very complex objects. And similarly, in some complex cases, using Quads might be simply impossible.
Loft: Rail List
The last section of the Loft tool is called Rail List, which allows you to further customize the connection between profiles by using additional guides for the connection. Rails have to intersect with the main profiles used for loft, and they can be used for adding curves and more to the Loft.
And that’s about it for the Loft. After reading this article, you should know the basics of this tool and how to use it, and know about its different applications. Of course, the graphics shown here were just examples, and using this tool on other profiles will give you slightly different effects, but its underlying principles will always stay the same.
That's all I have for you today. I wish you success in your future projects. See you, and stay tuned for more content to come!