Sketch menu: Slot tool

What is the Slot tool?

You can use the Slot tool to create straight slots with rounded ends in a sketch. Define a slot using the centers of its rounded ends or start from its midpoint.

The tool creates connected sketch lines and arcs, along with constraints that help maintain the slot's shape when edited.

How to use the Slot tool

Choose Center to center or Center point based on the reference points you want to use. Both modes create the same slot geometry.

Create a Center to center slot

Use Center to center to position the slot using the centers of its two rounded ends.

1. Define your sketch plane.
2. Go to Sketch > Slot > Center to center.
   For other ways to access tools, visit Accessing tools.
3. Select the first center point of the slot.
4. Select the second center point to define the slot's length and direction.
5. Move the pointer away from the center line to define the slot's width.
6. Select a third point to complete the slot.

Create a Center point slot

Use Center point to create a slot that extends equally in both directions from its midpoint.

1. Define your sketch plane.
2. Go to Sketch > Slot > Center point.
   For other ways to access tools, visit Accessing tools.
3. Select the midpoint of the slot.
4. Select a second point to define the slot's direction and half-length.
5. Move the pointer away from the center line to define the slot's width.
6. Select a third point to complete the slot.

Adjust and edit a slot

You can enter precise dimensions while creating a slot and modify its sketch geometry afterward.

• Length – Enter a value while defining the center line. In Center point mode, the value represents the full center-to-center length.
• Width – Enter a value while defining the slot's width, measured across the rounded ends.
• Variables and expressions – Use variables or expressions to define the slot's dimensions.
• Sketch constraints – Modify dimensions or adjust the slot's geometry using sketch constraints.

History settings

Shapr3D records sketch items created on the same plane in a shared Sketch step in History. Find the Sketch step to review or modify these settings:

• Plane – Select Edit… or Select… to change the plane or face containing the sketch, then select Done.
• Projection – If applicable, select Edit… to modify existing projections in the sketch.

When to use the Slot tool

The Slot tool is useful for creating:

• Mounting openings – Create elongated openings that allow fasteners to slide for positioning or adjustment.
• Clearance features – Define rounded-end cutouts that provide space for moving components.
• Mechanical guides – Sketch straight channels or tracks for guided movement.
• Repeated features – Create a slot profile to reuse in patterned cuts or openings.

Best practices and troubleshooting

• Choose the slot mode based on whether your reference is an endpoint center or the slot's midpoint.
• Enter dimensions during creation when you need precise geometry.
• Use sketch constraints to maintain intended dimensions and relationships when editing.