by Sahin Ersoz·Modeling
Images © Sahin Ersoz. Used for product review; image policy.
Listed here as free, Sketch N' Trace covers a wide span of Blender versions, from 3.1 through 5.1, and is distributed as an add-on under the GPL license. It combines image tracing with outline, bevel, and extrude options in a single add-on, with sample images bundled in.
Sketch N' Trace: Image To Mesh (& Curves) is a Blender add-on from Sahin Ersoz that converts or traces any image, including JPEG and PNG, into a 3D mesh or curve object. Mesh resolution is adjustable, and the image can be inverted, have its boundaries adjusted, or extruded during conversion.
The add-on generates outlines with adjustable thickness and resolution, sketchy 2D thick and thin outlines, bevels, and auto materials. While converting, you can draw, erase, deform, smooth, modify, and simplify the image. An Edit Trace button creates a GPencil version of the image so you can draw additions, smooth lines, or move them, and then the mesh is re-created with those changes. Sample images are included.
To use it, drag and drop an image into Blender, select it, and press Shift+T, or F7 for the SketchN Tools Pie Menu. Expand the menu panel at the bottom-left corner of the screen to adjust the settings.
Sketch N' Trace: Image To Mesh (& Curves) is best for turning 2D images into 3D meshes or curve objects in Blender.
Sketch N' Trace: Image To Mesh (& Curves) is completely free to download and use.
Sketch N' Trace lists compatibility with Blender 3.1 through 5.1. For installation, Blender 4.3 and later needs version 1.2.0c or above, while Blender 4.2 and earlier should use version 1.0.1b (Basic) or 1.0.9h. It's marked as Blender Extension compatible and distributed as an add-on under the GPL license. Check the developer's page for the exact download that matches your Blender version before installing.
Sketch N' Trace activates by dragging and dropping an image into Blender, selecting it, and pressing Shift+T, or F7 to open the SketchN Tools Pie Menu. Once active, expand the menu panel in the bottom-left corner of the screen to adjust the settings to your liking. For the correct build, install version 1.2.0c or above on Blender 4.3 and later, or 1.0.1b (Basic) or 1.0.9h on Blender 4.2 and earlier.
Sketch N' Trace includes an Edit Trace button that creates a GPencil version of your image, letting you draw new additions, smooth the lines, or move them. When you're finished editing, press Shift+T with the GPencil object still selected, or F7 again, and turn off the Edit Trace button. The 3D mesh is then re-created with the changes you made. Sample images are included with the add-on to work from.
Sketch N' Trace is listed as free in this catalog, and it's distributed under the GPL license as a Blender add-on. Licensing and pricing can change over time, so check the developer's page for the current terms before you download. The add-on is also noted as Blender Extension compatible and a Dev Fund Contributor entry, with sample images included to help you get started.
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