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Ulead COOL 3D Production Studio Tutorials

Using the Lathe Object Tool to create axis-symmetric objects

The Lathe Object Editor window allows you to turn 2-dimensional shapes into 3 dimensional objects by wrapping the form of the 2D object around an x- or y-axis to create a 3 dimensional image. Set it in motion to rotate 360-degrees.

In this tutorial, we use both the Freehand and the Adjust found in the Lathe Object Tool Editor. We will also set the color of the 3D object, as well as the transparency to create a 3D image of a translucent champagne glass.

1. Open COOL 3D™ Production Studio and create a new project.


2. To create a Lathe object, click Insert Lathe Object on the Object Toolbar. The Lathe Object Editor will be displayed.

    Notice that there is a red dotted line dividing the middle of the Lathe Object Editor.  A vertical line indicates that the 2D objects that are drawn will be wrapped along the y-axis.  A red broken horizontal line indicates that the 2D objects that are drawn will be wrapped along the x-axis.


3. If it isn't already selected, make sure that the y-axis is selected. You can do this by selecting the Y radio button at the bottom of the Lathe Object Editor.


4. The Freehand Tool allows you to draw a path using the cursor. To use it, press and hold the mouse while moving the cursor on the path you want to draw. Since everything we draw on the axis will be wrapped around to create a three dimensional image to be rotated 360 degrees, we only need to draw one side of a champagne glass.