Learn how to create arcs using a mouse, trackpad, or pen, adjust their shape, and manage their sketch History settings.
What is the Arc tool?
You can use the Arc tool to create curved sketch items by defining their endpoints and curvature or drawing directly with a pen.
Arcs are useful for:
- Creating rounded sections of sketch profiles.
- Connecting straight lines with curved geometry.
- Drawing curved outlines for modeling features.
How to use the Arc tool
Using the Arc tool
- Define your sketch plane.
-
Open the Arc tool based on your input method:
- Keyboard and mouse/trackpad: Go to Sketch > Arc.
- Touch and pen: Go to Sketch > Line/Arc, open the Line Type menu, and select Arc.
For other ways to access tools, visit Accessing tools.
- Draw an arc using your preferred input method:
- Keyboard and mouse/trackpad: Click and drag to define the two endpoints, then move your pointer to adjust the curve. Click to finalize the arc.
- Touch and pen: Draw an arc directly with your pen.
- To finish:
- Keyboard and mouse/trackpad: Press Escape to exit the Arc tool.
- Touch and pen: Select outside the sketch to finish using the Arc tool.
- To exit sketching, select Exit Sketching.
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 Arc tool
- Create rounded profiles – Add curved sections to sketch outlines for modeling.
- Connect sketch items – Draw arcs between endpoints to create continuous outlines.
- Control curved geometry – Define an arc using its endpoints and adjust its curvature with a mouse or trackpad.
Best practices and troubleshooting
- Start with the endpoints. When using a mouse or trackpad, position the endpoints before adjusting the curve.
- Check your drawing mode. When using a pen, make sure Line Type is set to Arc if you want to draw arcs without automatic switching.
- Connect endpoints carefully. When creating a profile, make sure the arc connects to adjacent sketch items.
| Issue | What to check |
|---|---|
| The arc has an unexpected shape. | When using a mouse or trackpad, check the endpoint positions and adjust the curve before finalizing it. |
| The pen draws a line instead of an arc. | Open Line Type and select Arc. |
| The arc doesn't connect to another sketch item. | Check that the endpoints meet. Adjust their positions as needed. |
Read more
- Accessing tools – Understand how tools appear based on what you select in the modeling space.
- Selecting geometry – Master selection techniques for edges, faces, sketches, and bodies.
- Defining and calculating numerical values – Learn how to apply dimensions, enter precise values, and use formulas.
- Keyboard shortcuts, gestures, and hotkeys – View keyboard shortcuts you can use to access tools and speed up actions.
- Variables and expressions – Set up reusable values and expressions to control your design parametrically.