Learn the different ways to create a rectangular plate.
Create rectangular plates using a center point
The rectangular plates of a default size are placed in the X/Y plane of the current coordinate system. The plate thickness direction is in the positive Z direction. You can control the Advance default plate thickness, using the Management Tools application.

Access the command
On the Objects tab Plates panel, click
(Rectangular plate, center).
Command line: _AstM4CreateRect1DigPlate
- Place a coordinate system with the X/Y plane in the required plate plane.
- On the Objects tab
Plates panel, click
(Rectangular plate, center).
- Select a center point with an object snap or by entering coordinates.
- The plate is created with a default length, width, and thickness.
Create rectangular plates using two diagonal points
The rectangular plates are placed in the X/Y plane of the current coordinate system. The plate thickness direction is in the positive Z direction. You can control the Advance default plate thickness, using the Management Tools application.

Access the command
On the Objects tab Plates panel, click
(Rectangular plate, 2 points).
Command line: _AstM4CreateRect2DigPlate
- Place a coordinate system with the X/Y plane in the required plate plane.
- On the Objects tab
Plates panel, click
(Rectangular plate, 2 points).
- Specify the first corner point.
- Specify the diagonal opposite corner.
- The plate is created.
Create rectangular plates using three points
Without a UCS in the right plane, you can create a rectangular plate by selecting three points. The three points define the creation plane.

Access the command
On the Objects tab Plates panel, click
(Rectangular plate, 3 points).
Command line: _AstM4CreateRect3DigPlate
- On the Objects tab
Plates panel, click
(Rectangular plate, 3 points).
- Specify the first corner point.
- Specify the second corner point. This point defines the plate length.
- Specify the third corner point. This point defines the plate width and orientation.
- The plate is created.