How to Design a Starbucks Coffee Cup Using 3D CAD Software

Starbucks is known for its iconic coffee cups, which blend functionality with an appealing aesthetic. Designing a Starbucks coffee cup using SelfCAD, a powerful and user-friendly 3D modeling software, allows designers to create customized cup designs with precision and creativity. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of crafting a Starbucks coffee cup in SelfCAD, covering essential tools, modeling techniques, and customization options. Whether for personal projects, branding exercises, or prototyping, mastering this process offers valuable insights into digital design and 3D modeling. Discover more on how to navigate a 3D interface at

To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/1c4u4a26323s53o5a20363p2z142x3h2h421

Once you’ve launched the editor;

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set Bottom radius to 40, height to 135, horizontal segments to 4, vertical segments to 128

Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder

Click to activate polygon selection; Click on highlighted region to select it

Click delete button to delete selected objects

Click on highlighted region to select it

From the modify category on the toolbar choose inset; Set inset amount to 3.

Tick the checkmark to finalize inset

Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 4

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

From the modify category on the toolbar choose inset; Set inset amount to 3.

Tick the checkmark to finalize inset

Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 6

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on highlighted region to deselect it

From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness; Set thickness to 1.

Tick the checkmark to finalize add thickness

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set height to 10, vertical segments to 128, position y to 136

Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder

Click highlighted part on selection cube to turn off region selection

Click isolate button to isolate selected objects; Click to activate polygon selection, click on highlighted region to select it

Click delete button to delete selected objects

Click on highlighted region to select it

Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 155

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

From the modify category on the toolbar choose inset; Set inset amount to 5.

Tick the checkmark to finalize inset

From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion.

Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion

Click rotate on the toolbar; Set x to 357

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click to activate edge selection

From the modify category on the toolbar choose fillet; Set intensity to 1.4, level to 5.

Tick the checkmark to finalize fillet

Click show button to show mesh 4

From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness; Set thickness to 1, use mirrored thickness to true

Tick the checkmark to finalize add thickness

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 10, height to 10, depth to 4, position y to 155, position z to 35

Tick the checkmark finalize cube

Click highlighted part on selection cube to turn off region selection

Click on mesh 8 to select it

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 12 to subtract.

Tick the checkmark to finalize difference

Click color picker button to change color of object; Click black.

Click ok

Click solid+wireframe button to set rendering mode

Click on mesh 4 to select it. Click on difference 1 to deselect

Click to activate face selection, click on the gear icon to open advanced selection tools, set loop selection to true

Click on highlighted face to select loop from the object

From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set use vertex normals to true, extrusion amount to 1

Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion

Click color picker button to change color of object; click brown

Click ok

Click inverse selection button to inverse selection

Click color picker button to change color of object; Click white

Click ok

Click solid button to set rendering mode

As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.

More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace