Learn how to draw circles, set their dimensions, and manage their sketch History settings.
What is the Circle tool?
You can use the Circle tool to create a closed circular sketch profile with a constant radius. Define its center and size to create circular features for your model.
How to use the Circle tool
Using the Circle tool
- Define your sketch plane.
- Go to Sketch > Circle.
For other ways to access tools, visit Accessing tools. - Draw the circle using your input method:
- Keyboard and mouse/trackpad: Click to place the center, move your pointer to set the circle's size, then click again to finish. You can enter a dimension using the keyboard before placing the final point.
- Touch and pen: Select the center point, then drag your pen outward to define the circle's size.
Tip
You can choose whether circle dimensions display as a radius or diameter using the Circular Annotations setting in Settings or Preferences.
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 Circle tool
The Circle tool is useful for creating:
- Holes and openings – Sketch circular profiles for drilled holes or cutouts.
- Cylindrical features – Create profiles to extrude into pins, posts, or bosses.
- Round parts – Define the outlines of disks, wheels, or circular plates.
- Concentric features – Draw circles with a shared center to define rings or hollow cylindrical shapes.
Best practices and troubleshooting
- Place the center carefully. Use existing sketch references to position the circle where it belongs in your design.
- Enter precise dimensions. When using a keyboard, type a value before finalizing the circle instead of relying only on pointer placement.
- Check the dimension label. Confirm whether the displayed value represents the radius or diameter before entering or changing it.
| Issue | What to check |
|---|---|
| The circle is the wrong size. | Check the dimension value and whether Circular Annotations is set to radius or diameter. |
| The circle is not centered where intended. | Check the center point and adjust its position in the sketch. |
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.