Multimedia: Touch-3D 2.1 links2-D and 3-D images

MacWeek, July 27, 1998 by Rebecca Gulick

Originally developed by Lundstrom Design of Stockholm, Sweden, Touch-3D flattens models into 2-D images that can be printed and then folded into their 3-D shapes. Users can import a variety of models or create them within Touch-3D.

The maintenance release, Version 2.1, includes several new layout functions for unfolding models as well as improved import and export filters. In addition, the software's price dropped from $395 to $325.

According to the company, Version 2.1 of the Mac-only application lets users create cut-out layouts directly in the Unfold view. It can generate coordinate drawings directly in the Unfold view as well.

Elements of a Touch-3D 2.1 drawing can be dragged, moved, flipped or rotated without losing the dynamic links between the 3-D model and the unfolded model, the company said. The revision automatically updates the unfolded pattern when the 3-D model is changed.

Touch-3D's import and export filters offer better compatibility with other programs, and the QuickDraw 3D 3DMF filter now supports polygon- and mesh-based models, the company said.

Script Software International of Crystal Bay, Nev., can be reached at (530) 546-9005; julian@sierra.net; http://www.scriptsoftware.com.