What it does
formZ is a 3D modelling family for architectural, exhibition and product work. Free offers mesh tools; Core and Pro add smooth solids and surfaces, while Pro includes more advanced construction and presentation controls.
Pro's Pipe tool turns one or more curves into objects such as cables or upholstery piping. Select the curves, enter a radius or diameter and click to create the pipes. Their diameter remains editable in the object's parameter tab in Inspector. This keeps a change in thickness separate from rebuilding the path.
Components repeat an object within a project, while Scenes store design variations and presentation settings. Update View or Update Scene writes the current settings into the active saved item, replacing its previous state. Save A Copy As can copy referenced files with the project; Save Incremental adds a number to the filename and saves another version in the current location.
| Edition | Access and tool scope |
|---|---|
| Free | Personal, academic and commercial projects with a smaller mesh-based toolset; excludes the paid smooth-modelling engine and Pro's Pipe tool |
| Core | Annual subscription or perpetual licence |
| Pro | Annual subscription or perpetual licence; includes the Pipe tool |
Annual access includes updates, major upgrades and email support during the term. Optional V-Ray and RenderZone licences add rendering choices.
The current application family supports Windows and Mac. The published licensing terms require an internet connection for access and licence management.
Strengths
- Pipe objects retain an editable diameter after creation.
- Saved scenes, components and referenced-file copies support organised project variants.
Watch out for
- Update View and Update Scene overwrite the active saved item's settings.
- The Free edition omits smooth modelling and Pro-specific tools such as Pipe.
Best for
- Exhibition and interior concepts with repeated components
- Architectural and product forms combining curves, solids and surfaces
Sources
- formZ Pro | Modelling and Project Organisation (Oct 28, 2026)
- formZ Free | Usage and Edition Differences (Oct 28, 2026)
- formZ10 | Pipe, Scenes and Project-Saving Controls (Oct 28, 2026)
- formZ | System Requirements (Oct 28, 2026)
- formZ | Subscription and Perpetual Options (Oct 28, 2026)
- AutoDesSys | Software Licence Terms (Oct 28, 2026)