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Synopsis

circle([caching=boolean], [center=[linear, linear, linear]], [centerX=linear], [centerY=linear], [centerZ=linear], [constructionHistory=boolean], [degree=int], [first=[linear, linear, linear]], [firstPointX=linear], [firstPointY=linear], [firstPointZ=linear], [fixCenter=boolean], [name=string], [nodeState=int], [normal=[linear, linear, linear]], [normalX=linear], [normalY=linear], [normalZ=linear], [object=boolean], [radius=linear], [sections=int], [sweep=angle], [tolerance=linear], [useTolerance=boolean])

Note: Strings representing object names and arguments must be separated by commas. This is not depicted in the synopsis.

circle is undoable, queryable, and editable.

The circle command creates a circle or partial circle (arc)

Return value

string[]Object name and node name

In query mode, return type is based on queried flag.

Flags

caching, center, centerX, centerY, centerZ, constructionHistory, degree, first, firstPointX, firstPointY, firstPointZ, fixCenter, name, nodeState, normal, normalX, normalY, normalZ, object, radius, sections, sweep, tolerance, useTolerance
Long name (short name) Argument types Properties
center(c) [linear, linear, linear] createqueryedit
The center point of the circle.
centerX(cx) linear createqueryedit
X of the center point.
Default: 0
centerY(cy) linear createqueryedit
Y of the center point.
Default: 0
centerZ(cz) linear createqueryedit
Z of the center point.
Default: 0
degree(d) int createqueryedit
The degree of the resulting circle: 1 - linear, 3 - cubic
Default: 3
first(fp) [linear, linear, linear] createqueryedit
The start point of the circle if fixCenter is false. Determines the orientation of the circle if fixCenter is true.
firstPointX(fpx) linear createqueryedit
X of the first point.
Default: 1
firstPointY(fpy) linear createqueryedit
Y of the first point.
Default: 0
firstPointZ(fpz) linear createqueryedit
Z of the first point.
Default: 0
fixCenter(fc) boolean createqueryedit
Fix the center of the circle to the specified center point. Otherwise the circle will start at the specified first point.
Default: true
normal(nr) [linear, linear, linear] createqueryedit
The normal of the plane in which the circle will lie.
normalX(nrx) linear createqueryedit
X of the normal direction.
Default: 0
normalY(nry) linear createqueryedit
Y of the normal direction.
Default: 0
normalZ(nrz) linear createqueryedit
Z of the normal direction.
Default: 1
radius(r) linear createqueryedit
The radius of the circle.
Default: 1.0
sections(s) int createqueryedit
The number of sections determines the resolution of the circle. Used only if useTolerance is false.
Default: 8
sweep(sw) angle createqueryedit
The sweep angle determines the completeness of the circle. A full circle is 2Pi radians, or 360 degrees.
Default: 6.2831853
tolerance(tol) linear createqueryedit
The tolerance with which to build a circle. Used only if useTolerance is true
Default: 0.01
useTolerance(ut) boolean createqueryedit
Use the specified tolerance to determine resolution. Otherwise number of sections will be used.
Default: false
Common flags
constructionHistory(ch) boolean create
Turn the construction history on or off.
name(n) string create
Sets the name of the newly-created node. If it contains namespace path, the new node will be created under the specified namespace; if the namespace does not exist, it will be created.
object(o) boolean create
Create the result, or just the dependency node.
Advanced flags
caching(cch) boolean createqueryedit
Modifies the node caching mode. See the node documentation for more information.
Note: For advanced users only.
nodeState(nds) int createqueryedit
Modifies the node state. See the node documentation for more information.
Note: For advanced users only.

Flag can appear in Create mode of command Flag can appear in Edit mode of command
Flag can appear in Query mode of command Flag can have multiple arguments, passed either as a tuple or a list.

Python examples

import maya.cmds as cmds

# create full circle at origin on the x-y plane
cmds.circle( nr=(0, 0, 1), c=(0, 0, 0) )

# create half circle at origin on the x-y plane with radius 2
cmds.circle( nr=(0, 0, 1), c=(0, 0, 0), sw=180, r=2 )