Section View

The Section View icon-view-section-view-false.png tool lets you look inside your 3D model by cutting through it along a selected plane or face. This is useful when analyzing internal details or checking cross-sections for fit and function.

When you turn on Section View, the visible part of your model is clipped based on the active plane, and cross-sections are rendered with clear fill patterns and colors to help you distinguish bodies more easily.

Create a section view

To create a section view in the modeling space:

  1. Select a plane or planar face to define the clipping direction. For example, choose the Top plane to view a top-down cross-section.
  2. From the modeling space modes, select icon-view-section-view-false.png to turn on Section View.
  3. To turn off Section View, select icon-view-section-view-true.png.

You can also turn on Section View after selecting a plane or face to immediately generate a cross-section along that reference.

shapr3d-modeling-space-modes.gif

Section View visuals

When Section View is active, Shapr3D automatically applies section fills and contrasting colors to clipped bodies. This makes it easier to interpret cross-sections and inspect internal geometry.

  • Cut areas are filled based on body properties for better contrast
  • Intersections and overlaps between parts are easier to identify
  • Useful for reviewing complex assemblies or multi-body designs

Work with geometry in Section View

Beyond inspection, Section View also allows you to interact directly with your model, making it easier to work on complex designs without needing to isolate or hide parts. When Section View is active, you can:

  • Sketch directly onto cut surfaces
  • Measure internal features without hiding geometry
  • Select items through the sectioned view
  • Modify bodies and features that are otherwise hard to access

Tip

To change the active section plane, select a different face or plane and turn on Section View again. This is a quick way to inspect your model from different orientations.

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