Monster Mash

Monster Mash is a browser-based sketch-to-3D tool that enables users to quickly create and animate 3D characters from simple 2D drawings. Developed as a research demo from a SIGGRAPH Asia 2020 paper, the tool focuses on a streamlined workflow: draw a character in parts using strokes, inflate the 2D sketch into a 3D model with real-time preview, and then animate by placing control pins on the model to define movement. All interactions happen within a single 2D sketching plane, eliminating the need for traditional 3D manipulation. The tool supports mouse, stylus, and touch input, and is optimized for tablet use, though it works on any device with a modern browser supporting WebAssembly and WebGL.

Monster Mash offers three primary modes: Draw, Inflate, and Animate. In Draw mode, users sketch individual regions (e.g., limbs, head) that automatically align with the main body. Inflate mode instantly converts the flat sketch into a three-dimensional object, allowing rotation and part manipulation. Animation mode uses control pins to define and blend movements, enabling fluid character animation. The tool also includes layer editing features, such as adjusting depth and creating layers from mask images. Completed models and animations can be exported in glTF (with texture) or Wavefront OBJ (with material and texture) formats, making them compatible with other 3D software like Blender.

Based on the available information, Monster Mash is free to use for evaluation and research purposes. Its source code is released under the Apache-2.0 license, encouraging further development and experimentation. The tool is not a commercial product but a demonstration of a novel approach to casual 3D modeling. Users should verify the current status of the tool, as it may not receive active updates or support beyond the academic project.