A method and forming tool produce a multi-dimensionally profiled preform from a multidirectional fiber composite material. A tensioning frame envelops top and bottom tool components and fixes the fiber composite material so it is allowed to be subsequently fed-in under frictional engagement. In order to compensate for excess material in regions where a shaping gap has a weaker profile, the tool components have forming elements arranged in the edge trimming zone of the preform and defining between them a drawing-through gap for the material. The drawing-through gap becomes increasingly the shape of a bead in synchronism with the tool components closing movement, and/or the tensioning surface of the tensioning frame is vertically adjusted relative to a tool component inlet surface in the forming phase such that a drawing edge for the material is formed in the tensioning surface.