The Sketch & Build extension gives you the freedom to sketch, shape, and extrude structural elements directly in the 2D or 3D space with precision and control.

This extension introduces a new way to conceptualize, design, and refine structural frameworks. From exploratory design sketches to fully developed platforms, mezzanines, or supports, this intuitive toolset is perfect for creating structures of many different types.

About

Sketch

At the core of this feature is 3D freeform sketching. Use the Sketch line tool to draw structural paths directly along the X, Y, and Z axes, creating the foundational lines from which profiles will be extruded. 

To create sketch lines:
Select the Sketch Line tool, then left-click to start your line in either 2D or 3D. Move your cursor to the desired end point (or enter exact values in the Quick Properties box), and left-click again to place the line.
If needed, you can set the elevation of the sketch line in the Quick Properties box before placing your first point, or after the line has been drawn.  You may also use the Continuous option within the Quick Properties.  Using this option will allow you to continue placing connected sketch lines.

Note: you can use the PgUp or PgDn keys to lock the sketch line into a vertical placement (z axis) during placement.  

Once a sketch is drawn, you can edit line geometry with tools for Trim, Meet, Split, and Merge.

To Trim:
Click the Trim line tool, then click on the segment of sketch line you would like to remove with the trim tool. Segments will turn red to indicate what will be removed with that selection as you hover over them.  Note: there must me an intersection sketch line to be able to split the line. 

Extrude Profile

The Extrude Profile tools allow you to give your sketch lines shape by applying structural profiles and modifying their resulting extrusions. This section is divided into two parts: Profile and Edit.

The Profile tools add extrusions to your sketch lines.

Use the Choose Profile button to select the profile you want to apply. 

The Collection dropdown allows you to switch between available profile libraries, including AISC, EU Steel, US Lumber, and custom profiles.

Profiles marked as favorites, by using the star icon in the Profiles dialog, will also appear in the dropdown within the Extrude Profile section. The Profiles dialog includes a Favorites toggle that filters the list to show only the profiles you’ve starred.

Apply Profile extrudes the currently selected profile along any sketch line. You may select the Alignment of the extrusion in the Quick Properties.

You may also adjust Profiles by clicking on the Settings button in the Quick Properties.  Adjustments made this way will apply to the selected line/profile.

You can use the Profile alignment Pick and Apply feature to copy properties of one line/profile to another.  The selected line will be changed to match the properties of the target of the Pick and apply.

The Edit tools modify extrusions already placed in your drawing.

• Miter Cut creates clean, angled joints where two selected extrusions intersect.

• End Cut trims the end of an extrusion to match a surface or adjust length.  Note: you must select the specific surface you would like to cut to.  The surfaces can be seen in the 3D view.

• Cover Hole places a cover on open ends of extrusions.

• Remove Cover removes any cover added with Cover Hole.

• Flip reverses an extrusion, swapping its start and end. This is useful when working with profiles that are not symmetrical across the X-axis, as their orientation may change depending on sketch line direction.

• Copy End Cut duplicates end-cut settings from one extrusion and applies them to another for consistent detailing.

Extrusions can be further modified by double clicking, or by selecting Settings in the quick properties to open the Profile alignment dialog window.

The selected profile can be adjusted by using the Profile dropdown, and Alignment, Application, Offesets, and Apply modes can all be customized within this dialog.  Clicking the Material button on the bottom left will open the Material Explorer and any material can be applied to the extrusion.

There is also a Pick and Apply function.  Left click to start the tool, then left click on the symbol with the material that you would like to apply to the selected part.  The material will automatically be applied.

Support

The Support tools allow you to reinforce your structure by adding bracing and connection plates to your extruded sketch lines.

Insert Bracing
Adds a brace extrusion between two adjacent extrusions. Select the two surfaces you want to connect, and the tool will place the bracing automatically. You can adjust the length of the brace in the quick properties during placement.  Note: you must select the specific surface you would like to add the bracing to.

Flat Bracket
Inserts flat bracket plates at the end of a sketch line. This is useful for adding simple connection plates or reinforcing the ends of structural members. Adding a flat bracket will automatically shorted the length of the extrusion. You can see an extrusion length by hovering over it with your cursor, as shown below.

Extrusion prior to adding Flat Bracket (L=5'0")

Extrusion after adding Flat Bracket, notice the length is shorter (L=4'11.75")

Extrusion

The Extrusion tool creates a surface within any closed loop of sketch lines. Select the tool, then click inside the enclosed area to generate a surface that can be used for platforms, mezzanines, decks, or other structural elements.  The Quick Properties can be used to customize the desired extrusion.

Assemble

The Create an Assembly tool groups the currently selected symbols into a single, named assembly. An assembly functions as a block - multiple symbols combined into one object that can be moved, copied, or reused as a unit. Assemblies are especially helpful when re-using structures created with Sketch and Build, allowing you to place complex structural elements quickly and consistently across your drawings. 

To create and assembly, select all of the components you would like to include in that particular assembly, then select the Create an assembly button. A dialog will appear with places to enter the name of the Article, as well as the Description. Information added in these fields will appear within Calculations.

To edit an assembly, double click on it.  This will open the block edit mode.  The background of the 2D drawing view will change to a periwinkle color as a visual cue alerting you to being in edit mode. Any edits made will apply to every instance of that assembly within the drawing.  To return to the drawing, click on Drawing above the 2D drawing view.

Custom Profiles

The Custom Profiles section contains tools to create your own profiles that can then be extruded.

Create the Shape

In the Create area of the Custom profiles section there are Rectangle, Circle, and Custom drawing tools available to create shapes:

Edit the Shape

After creating a shape, use the Edit tools to adjust the shape further:

Segment type (Switch straight/curved): Click anywhere between two stretch nodes to change a line segment from straight to curved or from curved to straight. Use the quick properties to define values, and use the guides to preview the new shape of the curve.  

Add point: Adds a stretch node anywhere along the shape’s 2D outline. Adjust the radius curves with the yellow semicircle stretch nodes and the position of straight segments with green triangle stretch nodes.  Use the drawing guides or the quick properties box to determine the distance from existing stretch points.  Lock segment will lock onto which ever segment you are currently hovered over for precise point placement.  Remember that you can use the TAB key to move through the rows within the quick properties and you can use SPACEBAR to select or unselect a checkbox.

Remove point: Removes a stretch node.  This can be used to slice a shape:

To create a hole, draw an additional shape where you want to add the hole.  Select the larger shape and click the Create Holes button in the quick properties.  After creating holes, you can also remove holes by clicking the Remove Holes button.

Save the Profile

After creating and editing the profile shape, click the Create profile button, enter a name for the custom profile, then click OK:

The Profiles dialog will open automatically.  You can find the new custom profile in the "My custom profiles" area of the Collection dropdown.  Click the star to make the profile a favorite.  You can now use the profile like any other profile in the system. Click the red circle on the top left of a custom profile to remove it.