Shapelab
Shapelab is a 3D design application for organic modeling, including props, characters, concepts, and models intended for 3D printing.
What Shapelab is
Shapelab is a 3D design application for organic modeling, including props, characters, concepts, and models intended for 3D printing. Shapelab Max combines polygon sculpting with voxel-based sketching: users can block out forms with voxels, then refine them with polygon tools. It runs on Windows in desktop mode or in VR with a headset tethered to a PC. Sculpting tools include configurable brushes, multiresolution and subdivision levels, dynamic topology, remeshing, mirroring, and hole filling. Digital pens and tablets are supported with tilt, twist, and pressure sensitivity through Wintab and Windows Ink. Shapelab imports and exports FBX, OBJ, GLB, and STL, and stores projects in SL3D format. Exported models can be used in programs such as Blender, Substance Painter, and Unity. Plans include Shapelab Max Standalone at $9.99 per month or $49.99 per year, and Shapelab Lite for a $34.99 one-time payment; a 7-day trial is available. The maker notes that the software may not suit accurate retopology.
Good
- Combines polygon sculpting and voxel sketching.
- Works in Windows desktop mode or tethered VR.
- Imports and exports FBX, OBJ, GLB, and STL.
- Supports pressure-sensitive pens and tablets.
Watch out
- Not suited to accurate retopology, according to the maker.
- Standalone and Lite plans have no desktop mode.
- Lite includes core features only.
- No free plan; trial lasts 7 days.
Who it suits
Shapelab may suit beginner 3D artists and designers creating concepts, blocking out characters, or inspecting and cleaning up 3D scans. It also supports workflows that export models to other programs or 3D printing.
Verdict
Shapelab combines voxel sketching and polygon sculpting for organic modeling, with desktop and VR workflows on Windows. Check the plan limits and retopology caveat against your needs before choosing.
Plans and prices
From Shapelab's own pricing page, checked 30 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Shapelab Max Standalone | $9.99 a month | Standalone VR on Meta Quest 3 / 3S or Pro · No desktop mode · Limited Dyntopo and Voxel Remesh resolution · $9.99 / month or $49.99 / year |
| Shapelab Lite | $34.99, paid once | Standalone VR on Meta Quest 3 / 3S or Pico 4 / 4 Ultra · Core features only · No desktop mode · Limited Dyntopo and Voxel Remesh resolution · Perpetual license |
The facts
Each one read from Shapelab's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Desktop and VR modes
- Shapelab Max 2026 runs on Windows in desktop mode or in VR with a headset tethered to the PC.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Dual modeling engines
- Shapelab Max combines polygon sculpting with voxel-based sketching so users can block out ideas in voxels and refine them with polygon tools.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Import and export
- Shapelab imports and exports FBX, OBJ, GLB, and STL models, and saves projects in its SL3D format.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Integration workflows
- The maker says exported models can be used in other programs including Blender, Substance Painter, and Unity.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes Shapelab as suited to beginner 3D artists and designers creating concepts, blocking out characters, and inspecting or cleaning up 3D scans.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Notable limitation
- The maker says Shapelab may not be suitable for accurate retopology in its current form.checked 30 Sep 2026
- PC requirements
- The stated minimum for Shapelab Max PCVR is Windows 10 or later, 8 GB RAM, a GTX 1060 or Radeon RX 480 or better, and about 800 MB of storage.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Pen and tablet
- The software supports digital pens and tablets with tilt, twist, and pressure sensitivity through Wintab and Windows Ink.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Privacy and security
- The service privacy policy says the company has administrative, technical, and physical security measures to help prevent unauthorized access, while noting it cannot guarantee transmission security.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- Shapelab is a 3D design application primarily for organic modeling and creating props, characters, concepts, and models for 3D printing.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Sculpting and topology
- Features include configurable sculpting brushes, multiresolution and subdivision levels, dynamic topology, remeshing, and mesh operations such as mirroring and hole filling.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- Shapelab provides a help center, bug reporting, feature requests, Discord community, and email support.checked 30 Sep 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- Kecskemét, Hungarychecked 28 Sep 2026
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