The Section View 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:
- Select a plane or planar face to define the clipping direction. For example, choose the Top plane to view a top-down cross-section.
- From the modeling space modes, select
to turn on Section View.
Note: You can also turn on Section View first and then select a plane to get the same result. - Once Section View is on and a plane is selected, you can:
- Analyze the internal details and work directly with the geometry in the sectioned view.
- Use the Section View options to control how the cross-section is displayed.
-
Optional: Adjust the cut using the gizmo on the plane:
- Drag the arrows to move the plane deeper or shallower through the body.
- Rotate the gizmo handles to tilt the cut at an angle.
- Select the Flip badge
to switch which side of the model is visible.
- To turn off Section View, select
.
Section View options
Once Section View is active, use the following options to control how the cross-section is displayed:
- 2D Section View – Displays the cross-section along with background edges and silhouettes for better depth perception while maintaining an orthographic perspective. If you rotate the camera away from the cut plane, select Normal to Section at the top of the workspace to instantly realign the view normal to the cut plane.
- Section Only – Limits the view to the cut area, hiding the rest of the model so you can focus on the cross-section.
Tip
You can also save your section view under the Views tab using Saved Views to quickly return to a specific cross-section without recreating the cut each time.
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
Tip
Section region colors follow your model’s assigned body colors. If a body has a custom color, its section region will display the same color. Randomized section colors appear only when bodies use the default body color. If you notice unexpected colors, check your Visualization color properties to confirm the body color.
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 on the datum plane (e.g. a construction plane) used to define the section cut
Note: Moving or adjusting the plane will currently prevent further sketching on the updated cut. - Measure internal features without hiding geometry
- Select and edit items more easily inside complex areas
- 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.
Learn more by watching the video below: