Editor guide
From your first outline to the exact revision you want to produce.
1. Start shaping
Open the editor and choose a starting template. Set length, width and thickness, then refine the outline, rocker and seven rail sections. The 3D view updates from the same board geometry.
2. Save your work
Sign in to save projects to your cloud workspace. Save now creates a saved revision when the board changes. Check the revision status in the editor before purchasing or exporting. Keep a local project JSON backup using the editor project controls.
3. Understand revisions
A revision is a saved snapshot. A $9 purchase belongs to that exact revision. Editing and saving again can create a new revision with separate production access. The editor opens the current board; use Revision history to generate files for an older purchased revision.
4. Inspect the board
Design view shows the board and editable sections. In Show, Sections controls section visibility; Auto sections adds intermediate sections and is available only when Sections is enabled. Clear view provides an uncluttered surface.
5. Choose your export
- Basic PDF: a free board summary.
- Technical PDF: detailed dimensions and section documentation; requires production access.
- STL / OBJ / 3MF: 3D production files; requires a purchased revision or active Shaper Pro.
Export quality is recommended for production. Low, Preview and High create lighter meshes. Mesh quality affects 3D formats, not PDF. The 3D viewing quality is separate from the export dialog.
6. Check units and downloads
Export units determine the file scale. Display units control measurements shown in the editor. STL has no standard unit field: select the matching units when importing it into another program. OBJ includes a unit comment; 3MF includes unit metadata. File names identify the revision and non-default quality or units.
Generated files are cached for 24 hours. An expired file can be generated again while you retain production access. Click the ready file card to download. Payment history records requests and download starts for purchased revisions.
7. Archive and recover
Each board keeps up to nine active unpurchased revisions under the retention rules, plus protected purchased revisions. Older unpurchased revisions can be archived; archived revisions are eligible for deletion after 30 days. Review the archive and keep backups of work you need.
Before manufacturing, check dimensions, scale and compatibility with your workshop software. Need help? Contact support.