Creating stunning 3D typography on your iPad is easier than you think. With Nomad Sculpt, you can design eye-catching 3D letters without expensive desktop software.
What You'll Need
- iPad (Pro recommended, but any recent model works)
- Nomad Sculpt app
- Apple Pencil (optional but helpful)
Method 1: Alpha/Height Map Stamps
The most efficient approach for typography:
- Create your text as a high-contrast black and white PNG or JPG in Procreate or any design app
- Import into Nomad Sculpt as an alpha
- Use the Stamp or Drag tool to apply the alpha to a flat surface
- The grayscale values determine depth — white areas raise, black areas stay flat
Best for: Clean, precise letterforms. Works great for bold fonts.
Method 2: Primitive + Trim
For more sculptural, stylized letters:
- Start with a Box primitive
- Use the Trim and Split tools to carve away negative space
- Refine shapes with standard sculpting brushes
- Add bevels and details manually
Best for: Blocky, geometric typography. Gives you full control.
Method 3: Tube Tool
Perfect for script and flowing letterforms:
- Use the Tube tool to draw letter paths
- Adjust radius for consistent or variable stroke width
- Smooth and refine the curves
- Join letters or keep separate for flexibility
Best for: Script fonts, hand-lettered styles, neon tube effects.
Pro Tips for Better Results
- High contrast alphas: Pure black and white work best
- Roughness contrast: Shiny letters on matte backgrounds pop
- Bevels matter: Add subtle edge bevels for realism
- HDRI lighting: Environment lighting makes chrome and glass effects shine
Want to Learn More?
Check out the Nomad Sculpt 3D Lettering Course for step-by-step video tutorials covering everything from basic extrusion to advanced chrome and neon effects.
Also available: Flate 3D Typeface — a ready-to-use 3D font pack with OTF, PNG, and 3D files.
Follow @nebenzu for more 3D typography tips.