The Custom Shape Tools are found on the Tools component tab:
Use the Custom Shape Tools to create your own custom shape in 2D and 3D. After defining your shape using tools in the Component tab, you can add thickness, elevation, and make other edits in the green properties box to create 3D objects, such as worksurfaces, counter tops, and more. There is also a tool to generate walls along the edges of a custom shape, making it easier to create curved walls or rooms with unique shapes.
Change the appearance of custom shapes by adding a different color or texture from the Material Explorer, a hatch pattern, or walls as mentioned above.
The following tools are available:
Create rectangle: The fastest way to create a basic rectangular shape.
Create circle: The fastest way to create a basic circular shape.
Custom shape: Defines a custom shape. Each time you click, you add a new stretch point to the shape. Use the properties box while placing points to determine length and direction of lines, switch a line from straight to curved, and more. Use arrow keys to lock direction of lines in 0, 90, 180, and 270 deg. angles.
Insert wall on edge: Generates walls on a single edge or surrounding an entire custom shape. Use the properties box to determine if the walls should show on the inside or outside of the custom shape, surround the shape instead of place on a single edge, and adjust the height and thickness of the walls.
Add point: Adds a stretch point anywhere along the shape’s 2D outline. Use the guides or the properties box to determine the distance from existing stretch points.
Switch straight/curved: Click anywhere between two stretch points to switch a line or point from straight to curved and vice versa. Use the guides to preview the new shape of the curve. Adjust the radius of the curve with stretch nodes after converting.
Slice shape: Place two clicks along the edges of a custom shape to divide it into two or more new shapes.
Editing Custom Shapes
After drawing a custom shape, you can select it and edit it from the quick properties:
Selecting two or more custom shapes, that each have a thickness larger than zero, lets you merge, intersect or subtract the shapes from the quick properties. After performing an operation, choose Restore to revert to original, individual objects.
Merge: Joins multiple shapes into one individual object:
Intersect: Removes everything but the intersection portion of two shapes:
Subtract: Removes the overlapping portion of one shape from another:
Removing Individual Points from a Custom Shape
To remove one point at a time from the custom shape, follow these steps:
- In the 2D or 3D toolbar, click the Remover tool.
- Move the cursor toward the custom shape which will turn red.
- Use the Space bar to select the Remove points checkbox in the properties box.
- Move the cursor to find the point that you want to remove.
- Click to remove the point.
- Repeat steps 4-5 to remove another point.
- Move the cursor off the drawing area or press the Esc key to release the Remover tool when you are done.
Quick Tip #1 - Custom Shapes on Wall
If you want to put up Custom Shapes on a wall, there is a trick by using the Edit Graphics tool.
- Go to the Edit Graphics (Meshes) component tab.
- Select Make Editable and click on your desired symbol.
- Select Rotate from the component tab and click on the side of the symbol you wish to act as a rotating point.
The 2nd click is to specify the starting angle of rotation, and then the 3rd click is to decide the final rotation angle. - Once the symbol is vertical, select the symbol and hit Page Up on your keyboard to bring the symbol upwards.
- Et Voila!
Quick Tip #2 - Creating a Hole out of a Custom Shape
- Go to the Tools component tab
- Add your desired Custom Shape
- Draw the Hole shape
- Select your Custom Shape. Make sure the Hole shape is not selected.
- Click Create Hole in the green QuickProperties box. This will punch the Hole shape out of the Custom Shape.
Comments
2 comments
Is there any way to make a cone shape, where the bottom of a cylinder is larger than the top of the cylinder?
Hi,
Unfortunately, we do not have any tools to manipulate the shape. However, do submit a Feature Request, and we may consider adding that to our next release :)
Sincerely,
Saufi
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