3DCoat 2025 UI Update: Introducing Text and Shape Layers

The latest update in 3DCoat 2025 brings a subtle but powerful improvement to the user interface: the addition of Text and Shape Layers within the Paint tools. For artists and designers who are familiar with Photoshop, this will feel both intuitive and refreshing, as it introduces a layer-based editing workflow that makes text and shapes easier to manage, tweak, and reapply on 3D models.

In this blog, we’ll walk through how these new layers work, their similarities to Photoshop, and the practical ways they enhance 3DCoat’s painting experience.

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What Are Text and Shape Layers in 3DCoat?

Text and Shape Layers in 3DCoat function much like their Photoshop counterparts. Each layer type comes with its own dedicated icon. Clicking these icons immediately launches an Edit Mode, where you can adjust and preview your text or shapes before applying them to your 3D model.

• Text Layers: Add, edit, and replace text directly onto your UV-mapped models.
• Shape Layers: Insert and modify vector-style shapes with precise control points.

This streamlined workflow reduces repetitive steps and gives artists greater flexibility when experimenting with designs.

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Key Differences Between Photoshop and 3DCoat

While the editing workflow may feel familiar to Photoshop users, there’s one key distinction:

• Photoshop: Edits are made directly on a flat image.
• 3DCoat: Text and shapes are applied to UV-mapped 3D models, meaning they interact with depth, glossiness, and color channels.

This distinction is critical because, in 3DCoat, text or shapes often need to replace previously painted elements rather than simply overlaying them.

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How to Edit and Clear Layers

3DCoat offers two main ways to clear or replace previously applied text or shapes:

1. Using the Delete Key

• Hitting the delete key removes painted elements from the selected layer.
• It only deletes channels that are enabled (e.g., color and glossiness), leaving others (like depth) untouched.

2. Clear the Layer Before Applying

• A more streamlined method. When enabled, the software automatically clears the old layer before applying the new one.
• This is useful for maintaining clean surfaces when updating text or shapes.

Pro Tip: Always check your channel settings (color, depth, glossiness) before applying changes to ensure you’re clearing and replacing exactly what you want.

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Editing Shapes More Efficiently

One of the highlights of the Shape Layer tool is its flexibility. You can:

• Manually adjust control points for precision.
• Use the Delete key to simplify curves into straight lines.
• Apply different brush alphas to achieve the desired stroke effect from rounded edges to sharp corners.

This means you can quickly experiment with design variations without starting from scratch.

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Why This Matters for Artists and Designers

The addition of Text and Shape Layers may seem like a small UI tweak, but it represents a big quality-of-life improvement for 3DCoat users:

• Faster Iterations: Edit and replace text or shapes without disrupting the entire layer.
• More Control: Fine-tune details with brush alphas and channel-specific clearing.
• Photoshop-Like Familiarity: A smoother learning curve for new users coming from 2D software.

Ultimately, these updates continue 3DCoat’s ongoing mission to improve both UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience), making creative workflows more efficient.

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A Small Change with a Big Impact in 3DCoat 2025

The new Text and Shape Layers in 3DCoat 2025 are a welcome upgrade for digital artists, concept designers, and texture painters. By bridging familiar Photoshop-style workflows with 3D model painting, 3DCoat empowers creators to work faster, cleaner, and with greater precision.

If you’re curious to dive deeper into the Text Tool or Curves Tool, 3DCoat also provides dedicated tutorials that break down each feature in more detail.

Whether you’re designing game assets, visual effects, or digital art, these improvements make 3DCoat an even more versatile tool in your creative pipeline.

Get 3DCoat 2025 Today! Contact Us for the Best Licensing Options.

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Watch the tutorial below:

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Frequently Asked Questions about Text and Shape Layers in 3DCoat 2025

How do Text and Shape Layers improve workflow in 3DCoat?

Text and Shape Layers streamline editing by allowing you to add, edit, and replace text or shapes without repainting the entire layer. This saves time and gives you more control over your design process.

Are Text and Shape Layers in 3DCoat similar to Photoshop?

Yes, they function similarly in terms of dedicated icons and edit mode. However, unlike Photoshop’s flat canvas, 3DCoat applies edits directly on UV-mapped 3D models.

What’s the best way to clear or replace text in 3DCoat?

You can either press the Delete key (which removes only the enabled channels like color or glossiness) or enable Clear the Layer Before Applying for a faster, automated approach.

Can I customize the look of shapes in 3DCoat?

Absolutely. You can adjust control points manually, delete them for simplified shapes, and choose different brush alphas to achieve sharp, rounded, or textured strokes.

Who benefits most from this update?

Digital artists, concept designers, and texture painters who want a Photoshop-like workflow inside a 3D environment will benefit the most, as this feature speeds up iterations and enhances creative flexibility.