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tangtangtang1995/3d-claw

14C++Audience · researcherComplexity · 4/5LicenseSetup · hard

TLDR

A desktop 3D geometry app built on Easy3D that weaves AI into every step: parameter suggestions before algorithms run, live previews during processing, and quality reviews after completion.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((3D Claw))
    AI features
      Parameter suggestions
      Live previews
      Quality review
    Geometry ops
      Point cloud processing
      Mesh editing
      CGAL algorithms
    Text to 3D
      Generate models
      Import to workspace
    Platform
      Windows
      Linux
      macOS
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Things people build with this

USE CASE 1

Process point clouds (downsample, reconstruct surfaces, segment) with AI-suggested parameters tuned to your loaded model

USE CASE 2

Edit 3D meshes (simplify, smooth, fill holes, remesh) and get AI quality reviews on the output topology

USE CASE 3

Generate a 3D model from a text description and import it directly into your geometry processing workspace

USE CASE 4

Run advanced CGAL-backed algorithms (skeletonization, UV mapping, shape approximation) with AI flagging quality problems

Tech stack

C++CMakeEasy3DCGAL

Getting it running

Difficulty · hard Time to first run · 1h+

Prebuilt binaries on GitHub Releases for a first look, building from source requires C++17, CMake, and optionally CGAL.

You can use and modify this freely, but any software you distribute that includes this code must also be released as open source under the GPL.

In plain English

3D Claw is a desktop application for working with 3D geometry: loading models, running processing algorithms on them, generating new models from text descriptions, and inspecting results. It is built on top of an open-source library called Easy3D, which handles rendering, file reading, and the interactive viewer. What 3D Claw adds is a layer of AI participation throughout the workflow. The central idea is that AI should be available at every step of a geometry task, not just as a separate chat window. Before you run an algorithm, you can ask for parameter suggestions that take into account the specific model you have loaded and its measured properties. While a long-running algorithm is executing, the viewport can show live previews and intermediate states rather than showing nothing until the algorithm finishes. After the algorithm completes, the AI can review the output statistics and flag quality problems or suggest a next step. The same pattern applies to generating 3D models from a text prompt: the result imports directly into the workspace as a normal model you can then process further. The application supports a range of geometry operations grouped roughly into point-cloud processing, surface-mesh editing, and more advanced algorithms that require an optional library called CGAL. Point-cloud operations include things like downsampling, surface reconstruction, and segmentation. Mesh operations include simplification (reducing triangle count), smoothing, hole filling, and remeshing. The more advanced CGAL-backed tools cover skeletonization, deformation, UV mapping, and shape approximation. A health report panel shows topology statistics and flags common problems. Prebuilt binaries for Windows and Linux are available on the GitHub Releases page, which avoids the need to compile from source for a first look. The interface uses a panel-and-dock layout with a model tree, property inspector, history, measurements, and display controls. The application runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS and is licensed under the GPL. Building from source requires a C++17 compiler and CMake. CGAL is optional: without it, viewing, file loading, AI chat, and a subset of algorithms still work.

Copy-paste prompts

Prompt 1
I have a point cloud PLY file. How do I open it in 3D Claw, ask the AI for parameter suggestions, run downsampling, and review the result?
Prompt 2
Using 3D Claw text-to-3D feature, how do I generate a model from the prompt 'a low-poly medieval castle' and then simplify its mesh?
Prompt 3
How do I build 3D Claw from source on Linux with CGAL enabled to unlock skeletonization and UV mapping tools?
Prompt 4
Walk me through using 3D Claw to fill holes in a broken mesh scan, with the AI reviewing the repaired model topology.
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