What it does
Shapelab combines sculpting brushes, dynamic topology and voxel tools. Its Windows Max edition offers desktop and tethered VR modes, while standalone headset editions trade some resolution and desktop features for untethered use. Max PC has perpetual and subscription licences; Lite is a one-time purchase, while Max Standalone has monthly or annual subscriptions.
The edition determines where you sculpt and which tools are available:
- Max on Windows supports desktop and tethered VR. Brushes can add detail through dynamic topology, and voxel remeshing, subdivision and decimation reshape the mesh structure.
- Max Standalone runs on Quest 3, 3S and Pro, without desktop mode. Its dynamic-topology and voxel-remeshing resolutions have limits.
- Lite is a smaller standalone edition for Quest 3/3S and Pico 4/4 Ultra, with core sculpting tools and its own resolution limits.
The PC application imports and exports FBX, OBJ, GLB and STL. Save an SL3D scene when you need to retain Shapelab settings for later editing.
Max PC offers perpetual and subscription options. A perpetual licence keeps its release and updates issued during that release year; a subscription includes continuing upgrades. PC subscribers can request Max Standalone access by submitting proof of their subscription. Standalone is also sold separately at US$9.99 monthly or US$49.99 yearly, with a seven-day trial. Lite costs US$34.99 once.
Strengths
- The Windows edition supports both desktop and tethered VR sculpting.
- Native SL3D scenes preserve settings alongside mesh-export options.
Watch out for
- Standalone editions do not offer desktop mode.
- Standalone dynamic-topology and voxel-remeshing resolutions are limited.
Best for
- Sculptors switching between a PC screen and VR
- Headset users developing forms with standalone sculpting tools
Sources
- Shapelab | Sculpting Tools and Export (Oct 28, 2026)
- Shapelab | Edition Comparison and Pricing (Oct 28, 2026)