Doodle3D Announces Version 1.0 for its Online Transform 3D Design App

In 2013, the co-founders of the Netherlands-based software company Doodle3D, Nico van Dijk and Rick Companje, launched a successful Kickstarter campaign for the Doodle3D WiFi-Box, a small device that lets users draw on a tablet and wirelessly send the artwork to a 3D printer. Three years later, the company introduced a new app, called Doodle3D Transform, a splitscreen 2D-to-3D design platform that allows users to easily create their own 3D drawings with a computer, laptop, or tablet; the WiFi-Box connects the app to open source 3D printers, so 3D designing is easier than ever.

According to Doodle3D, “The 3D printing industry has seen dynamic shifts over the past 3 years with many companies increasingly orienting towards the industrial and professional market, while simultaneously we have witnessed a sharp price drop for 3D printers. While some promising projects did not work out and were overly ambitious, there are now multiple 300 USD 3D printers available that are generally described as robust and easy-to-use by their users. Prices have come down for new potential owners, but in order for these new owners to get beyond downloading existing models and truly tap into the potential of 3D printers, they need accessible 3D design tools that are easy to start with.”

The successful Kickstarter for the Transform online design tool ended in October, with a grand total of €68,000 raised and 1626 campaign backers who had access to Transform’s beta version. The beta concluded earlier this month, and and Doodle3D has now released the 1.0 version of Transform.

Companje said in October, “With the affordability and accessibility of modern 3D printers we felt that powerful but easy 3D design tools are still lacking. We want everyone to be able to get into 3D printing, without the barrier of learning a traditional CAD program before they can get their feet wet.”

Transform differs from modeling tools like Tinkercad and 3D Slash because of its 2D-to-3D approach. The splitscreen feature of the app makes it easy to turn 2D drawings and photographs into 3D designs. If you own a 3D printer, you can use the WiFi-Box to print directly from Transform to the printer, as Transform is now compatible with the device – you can prepare and slice your print in the app before you send it on to the printer. You can also export your 3D printable designs to external services like Shapeways, Sketchfab, and 3D Hubs.

Transform’s scan-and-trace tool lets you use the camera on your tablet to take a 2D photo, then use the image as a jumping-off point for your 3D drawing: the app actually auto-traces an outline on the photographed shape. You can also go the Internet route and easily download images from the web to get your designs and drawings started.

The app is directly available through a browser on any device, and to celebrate the launch of the Transform Version 1.0, Doodle3D users can now sign up for a free trial of the app, which is available for iOS, the desktop, and Android. However, the free trial does include limitations that are related to save and export functionalities. Other available Transform 1.0 plans include:

• Creator License: €29.95 gets you lifetime access to the Transform tool for personal use
• WiFi-Box + Creator License bundle: €99 excluding VAT, gets you lifetime access to the Transform tool for personal use, as well as the benefits that come with wireless 3D printing through Transform, the original Doodle3D Sketch app, and the new Cura plug-in
• Educational Workshop License: €195 gets you an annual license to log in with up to 10 users simultaneously
• Educational Classroom License: €495 gets you an annual license to log in with up to 40 users simultaneously

There is also custom pricing available if you’re interested in full, unlimited access for an entire school, school district, or similar community. Discuss in the Doodle3D forum at 3DPB.com.