V3 Feature Series (36 of 69)
Modifier · Effects

Swirl for Pen Plotters

Swirl in 3DPlotter V3 (Add Modifier → Effects): Twist the input around a swirl centre. Real defaults from engine source. Try in Studio.

Swirl demo

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Swirl is an Add Modifier tool in Effects inside 3DPlotter V3 Studio. Twist the input around a swirl centre.

How to use Swirl

  1. Select the layer whose linework you want to transform
  2. Open Studio → Add Modifier → Effects → Swirl
  3. A modifier node is appended to the layer stack (non-destructive)
  4. Reorder modifiers in the stack; later modifiers see earlier output
  5. Tune parameters in the modifier card; preview updates on the canvas

Menu path: Add Modifier → Effects → Swirl

Key controls

  • Acts On — own · This Layer, This Layer and Below
  • Falloff — smooth · Smooth, Linear, Whole Disc
  • Twist — 0.5turns (-3–3turns step 0.05)
  • Radius — 80mm (5–400mm step 1)
  • Pull In — 0 (-1–1 step 0.02)

Tune acts on, falloff, twist, radius, and pull in in the inspector — open Studio to see all options.

Modifier stack: Preserves path count — canvas selection maps stay valid

Acts On: Choose *This Layer* or *This Layer and Below* in the inspector.

What you can plot with Swirl

  • Pen-plotter art on A4/A3 beds (Bambu Lab, Prusa, Creality, and other pen-holder setups)
  • Layered linework exported as G-code with pen-up travel
  • Combined with other V3 objects and modifiers in the same document

Frequently asked questions

Where is Swirl in the menu?

Add Modifier → Effects → Swirl

What can I adjust?

Start with the key controls above, then fine-tune everything else in the inspector inside Studio.

Is this non-destructive?

Yes. Modifiers run on the layer stack without destroying source elements. Reorder or remove the modifier node to revert.

Does Swirl work with multi-pen plotting?

Yes. Use Pen Palette on a layer to split linework by color, or set per-path ink on modifiers like Offset.

Try Swirl

Open 3DPlotter Studio, follow the steps above, and export a test plot. Lifetime V3 access is €29.90.

More tools: Feature hub · V3 launch

Topics

Swirl pen plotterSwirl 3DPlotter3DPlotter SwirlEffects pen plottingpen plotter softwareBambu Lab pen plotter3D printer pen plottingplotter G-code generator

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Swirl for Pen Plotters | 3DPlotter V3 Modifier