Bevel Profile Modifier

The Bevel Profile modifier extrudes a shape using another shape as the path or "beveling profile." It's a variation on the Bevel modifier.

Select a shape. > Modify panel > Modifier List > Bevel Profile
Enhanced menu: Select a shape. > Modifiers menu > Spline > Bevel Profile

Attention: Bevel Profile fails if you delete the original beveling profile. Unlike a loft object, which incorporates the shape, Bevel Profile is simply a modifier.

Note: Although this modifier might seem similar to a loft object with varying scale settings, it's actually different because it uses different outline values as distances between line segments rather than as scale values. This more complex method of resizing a shape results in some levels having either more or less vertices than others, and generally works better with text, for example.

Bevel Profile creates an object using an open spline.

Bevel Profile creates an object using a closed spline, yielding a different result.

Procedures

To use the Bevel Profile modifier:

Create a shape to bevel (preferably in the Top viewport).
In the Front (XZ) viewport, create a shape to use as the beveling profile.
Select the first shape and apply the Bevel Profile modifier.
Click the Pick Profile button in the Bevel Profile modifier, and then click the profile shape.

Interface

Modifier Stack

For more information on the stack display, see Modifier Stack.

Parameters rollout

Bevel Profile group

Pick Profile: Selects a shape or NURBS curve to be used for the profile path.
Generate Mapping Coords: Assigns UV coordinates.
Real-World Map Size: Controls the scaling method used for texture mapped materials that are applied to the object. The scaling values are controlled by the Use Real-World Scale settings found in the applied material's Coordinates rollout. Default=on.

Capping group

Start: Caps the bottom of the extruded shape.
End: Caps the top of the extruded shape.

Cap Type group

Morph Selects a deterministic method of capping that provides the same number of vertices for morphing between objects.
Grid Creates gridded caps that are better for cap deformations.

Intersections group

Keep Lines From Crossing: Prevents beveled surfaces from self intersecting. This requires more processor calculation and can be time-consuming in complex geometry.
Separation: Sets the distance that sides should be kept apart to prevent intersections.