3DGRAPHX · LIGHTWAVE 3D TOOLS

MetaVector3D

Bring vector or raster artwork into LightWave as editable 3D geometry.

3DGraphX · LightWave 3D Tools

MetaVector3D

Bring vector artwork into LightWave as editable 3D geometry. Import SVG paths, build extrusion-ready meshes, organize objects into layers, and explore multiple topology modes in Modeler and Layout.

Version 1.1.0Windows 64-bitLightWave 2025 / 2026 workflowModeler + Layout

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From 2D vectors to 3D models

MetaVector3DImport is designed for logos, lettering, illustrated shapes and other vector artwork. Work from an SVG file, or use the supported CorelDRAW / Illustrator selection workflow.

01 / IMPORT

Vector source

Load SVG artwork and preserve useful object naming when creating LightWave layers.

02 / BUILD

Geometry & extrusion

Control scale, centering, face direction, extrusion depth, edge support and mesh topology.

03 / ORGANIZE

Modeler + Layout

Separate artwork into native layers for an editable 3D workflow in both applications.

Typical workflow

Prepare artwork

Create or clean up your logo, lettering or shapes in your vector editor. Save as SVG or use the supported selection import workflow.

Choose source and scale

Load the SVG, select the appropriate source mode, and set the scale and centering options.

Set geometry options

Choose extrusion depth, layer separation, topology and curve-resolution settings.

Import and refine

Create the geometry in LightWave, inspect the mesh, then edit, shade or animate it as needed.

Settings reference

The options below follow the V1.1.0 importer interface. Some controls are available only in certain topology modes or source workflows.

Load ImageSelect an SVG vector file to import.

Import CorelDRAW / Illustrator selectionUse the supported selection workflow instead of choosing an SVG file directly.

Selection: 0 Auto, 1 Corel, 2 IllustratorChoose automatic detection or explicitly identify the source application.

Scale (SVG viewBox units)Scale the imported artwork relative to its SVG coordinate system.

Center mesh at 0, 0, 0Center the resulting geometry around the LightWave origin.

Separate geometry into native layersCreate separate Modeler or Layout layers for imported objects.

Use SVG object names for layersCarry SVG object naming into the LightWave layer names when available.

Face -ZControl which direction the front-facing geometry points.

Triangulate facesGenerate triangles for non-SubD workflows; availability depends on the selected topology.

Extrusion depthSet the thickness of the imported 3D shapes. Use 0 for flat geometry.

Overlap Shapes – No HolesSpecialized overlap handling; this control may be unavailable in certain modes.

Layer Z offsetOffset geometry along Z where the selected workflow supports layer spacing.

Mark hole faces as DELETE materialOptional material-based workflow for identifying hole faces, when enabled.

Global edge loopsChoose the additional edge-loop behavior offered by the selected geometry mode.

Consistent Grid SizeControl grid-spacing behavior in grid-based topology modes.

Auto-align geometry to straight edgeOrient the result using a suitable straight edge detected in the artwork.

Minimum straight edge (% of shape)Set the minimum relative edge length used for automatic alignment.

N-GonsUse larger polygon faces for a simpler base mesh.

QuadsChoose a quad-oriented mesh-generation workflow.

GridBuild a grid-based surface using grid-resolution controls.

SubDGenerate geometry intended for subdivision-surface workflows.

Curve qualityChoose low, medium or high curve-quality behavior where available.

Curve resolutionSet the sampling resolution used for curved outlines.

Grid divisionsControl grid density for applicable topology modes.

Grid support offset (%)Set the support offset used by grid-based topology.

SubD divisionsControl subdivisions in SubD mode; the interface offers values from 4 to 24 in steps of 4.

Perimeter support offsetSet support-edge spacing near the outline (1–5% in the interface).

Complex Shape SupportEnable the additional processing option for more complex outlines.

SubD ModeChoose among the interface modes: 0–2 Loops, 3 Holes, 4 Extrude, 5 Extrude with Holes. Mode 5 is useful for extruded artwork with openings.

Note: This guide describes the available controls, not guaranteed results for every SVG. Review geometry after import, particularly on complex artwork.

Installation

Run the Windows installer

Install the Modeler and Layout plugins, bridge and bundled Python runtime.

Open LightWave

Launch the MetaVector3DImport command in Modeler or Layout.

Add your license

Place your personalized signed TXT license in the MetaVector3DImport installation folder.

Compatibility note: Developed and tested with the LightWave 2025/2026 Windows workflow. Confirm compatibility with your specific LightWave installation before purchase.

Perpetual licensing

MetaVector3DImport V1.x uses an offline, personalized license file. To request a license, send your full name and LightWave Product Lock number to 3dgraphxyz@gmail.com.

Your license file

License files use the format MetaVector3Dv1_License_CustomerName.txt. Place the file in your MetaVector3DImport installation directory. The same license works with the Modeler and Layout plugins; no internet activation or computer-specific hardware lock is required.

Find your LightWave Product Lock in LightWave's About window. The Product Lock is recorded for license administration; the plugin does not automatically compare it against LightWave.

Request a license

Frequently asked questions

Can I use MetaVector3DImport in both Modeler and Layout?

Yes. V1.1.0 includes plugins for both applications.

Does the plugin require internet activation?

No. License verification is performed locally using a signed TXT license file.

Can I use my license on more than one computer?

The license is not tied to an individual computer. It is intended for use under the customer's LightWave license.

What if the plugin says “No license found”?

Check that your personalized TXT license is in the plugin installation folder. If you need a license, use the Copy Email button in the plugin or contact the address below.

Can I import any SVG?

The importer supports SVG-based artwork, but results depend on how the artwork is constructed. Complex paths and holes may require inspection or cleanup.