Copy geometry with Transform tools

What is copying items?

You can create copies of sketch items and 3D geometry using the Copy option available in supported transformation tools. Depending on the tool, Copy appears as a badge or a toggle in the parameter card.

When Copy is enabled, the tool creates a duplicate while keeping the original geometry. When disabled, the transformation applies to the original geometry.

How to copy items

1. Select the sketch items or 3D geometry you want to copy.
2. Open a transformation tool that supports copying, such as Move/Rotate or Translate.
   For other ways to access tools, visit Accessing tools.
3. Enable Copy using the badge or parameter card.
4. Adjust the position, rotation, or scale of the copy using the selected tool.
5. Finish the operation according to the selected tool's workflow.

Tools that support copying

Choose a tool based on how you want to position or transform the copy:

• Move/Rotate – Create a copy of a 3D body and reposition or rotate it using the gizmo. For copying sketch items, visit Sketch menu: Move/Rotate.
• Translate – Create a copy at a new position by defining the translation between a start point and an end point.
• Scale – Create a copy with a different scale while keeping the original geometry.
• Rotate Around Axis – Create a rotated copy around a selected axis.

Copy badge and settings

For tools that use a Copy badge, its appearance indicates whether copying is enabled:

• Copy off – The transformation modifies the original geometry without creating a duplicate.
• Copy on – The transformation creates a duplicate and keeps the original geometry.

For tools with a parameter card, select the active tool again to access the Copy setting.

When to copy items

Copying is useful for:

• Reusing geometry – Duplicate existing parts or sketch items without recreating them.
• Creating variations – Keep the original geometry while experimenting with different positions, orientations, or scales.
• Positioning duplicate components – Place copies at specific locations using reference points or the gizmo.

Best practices and troubleshooting

• Enable Copy before completing the transformation if you want to preserve the original geometry.
• Use the transformation tool that best matches the intended result, such as Translate for point-to-point positioning or Rotate Around Axis for rotational copies.
• For multiple evenly spaced copies, consider using the Transform menu: Pattern tool.