About Modifying Edges on 3D Objects

You can select and modify edges on a 3D solid or surface.

Move, Rotate, and Scale Edges

Move, rotate, and scale the edges on 3D solids and surfaces using grips, gizmos, and commands.

cubes with edges moved, rotated, and scaled

You can use MOVE, ROTATE, and SCALE to modify edges on 3D solids and surfaces just as you can for any other object. Press and hold Ctrl to select the edge.

If you move, rotate, or scale an edge on a 3D solid primitive, the history of the solid primitive is removed. The solid is no longer a true primitive and cannot be manipulated using grips and the Properties Inspector.

Edges on regions can be selected, but do not display grips. These edges can also be moved, rotated, and scaled.

Edge Modification Options

As you drag an edge, press Ctrl to cycle through modification options.

If you press and release Ctrl a third time, the modification returns to the first option, as if you had not pressed Ctrl.

Tip: Rather than pressing Ctrl to cycle through edge modification options, hover over an edge grip to display the grip multi-functional menu.

Delete Edges

You can also delete edges that completely divide two coplanar faces using one of the following methods:

Fillet and Chamfer 3D Solids

Round, fillet, or bevel the edges of 3D solids using FILLETEDGE and CHAMFEREDGE.

Use the fillet and chamfer grips to modify the fillet radius or the chamfer distance. The default fillet radius is set by the FILLETRAD3D system variable.

Tip: Use the Chain option of FILLETEDGE to limit selection to tangent edges.

Color Edges

You can modify the color of an edge on a 3D object by selecting the edge and changing the Color property in the Properties Inspector.

Copy Edges

You can copy individual edges on a 3D solid object. Edges are copied as lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, or splines.

If you specify two points, the first point is used as a base point and a single copy is placed relative to the base point. If you specify a single point, and then press Enter, the original selection point is used as a base point. The next point is used as a point of displacement.