How to Design Shelves Using 3D CAD Software

How to Design Shelves Using 3D CAD Software
Shelves are a versatile and practical addition to any space, serving as both functional storage solutions and decorative elements. Designing your own shelves allows you to customize their appearance, dimensions, and features to suit your unique needs and style preferences. With the help of SelfCAD, a powerful and user-friendly 3D modeling software, creating personalized shelf designs has never been more accessible.

SelfCAD offers an array of tools that empower users to experiment with shapes, layouts, and materials in a virtual environment. Whether you are designing shelves for a small apartment, a professional workspace, or a creative display, SelfCAD provides the flexibility to bring your ideas to life with precision and ease.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of designing shelves using SelfCAD, from initial planning and sketching to creating a detailed 3D model
ready for fabrication. We will explore key design principles, such as weight distribution, structural stability, and aesthetic balance, to ensure your shelves are both functional and visually appealing. By the end, you’ll have the skills to design shelves that are as unique and practical as the spaces they inhabit.
To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/6b4e6m531958b176g4s5m535u164e1435s5l

Once you’ve launched the editor;
From the drawing category choose 3d sketch; from the tool panel choose rectangle

From the panel list select back/front; from the plane list deselect bottom/top, Set back/front plane offset to -150

Set snap to grid vertices to true; Click on highlighted point to draw rectangle

Click on highlighted point to draw rectangle

Click on highlighted point to draw rectangle

Click ‘x’ to close 3d sketch panel

Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 70

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness; Set thickness to 10

Click to finalize add thickness
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 6.

Click to finalize extrusion
From the modify category on the toolbar choose cut with plane; From the plane list select left/right, Click left/right magnet offset button to adjust plane offset, Click on highlighted point to adjust plane offset

Tick the checkmark to finalize cut with plane
Click to activate face selection; Click on highlighted region to select it

From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 4

Click to finalize extrusion
Click highlighted part on selection cube to turn off region selection
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click black.

Click ok
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set z to 100, Set amount of copies to 3, Click copy button to create copies.

From the edit menu on the top toolbar choose group
Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 56, height to 5, depth to 325, position y to 65.

Click to finalize cube
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set y to 48 , Click copy button to create copies.

Click on mesh 5 to deselect
Set y to 46, Click copy button to create copies.

Click on mesh 5 to select it
From the edit menu on the top toolbar choose group
Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel
From the right panel choose materials; Set settings to textures, Set texture category to wood, Click wood 1 button to apply texture

Set settings to uv; Set uv generate mode to unwrapping, Click generate uv button to generate uv

Tick the checkmark to finalize materials
Click on group 1 to select it
From the edit menu on the top toolbar click union; Click solid button to set rendering mode

Click isolate button to isolate selected object
As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.
More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace