Learn how to create polygons with equal sides, choose a predefined polygon type, and adjust its dimensions and number of sides in Shapr3D.
What is the Polygon tool?
You can use the Polygon tool to create closed sketch profiles with a specified number of equal sides. Choose a predefined triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon, or enter a custom number of sides to suit your design.
How to use the Polygon tool
- Define your sketch plane.
- Go to Sketch > Polygon.
For other ways to access tools, visit Accessing tools. - Choose a predefined polygon type or enter the number of sides you want:
- Triangle – 3 sides
- Pentagon – 5 sides
- Hexagon – 6 sides
- Octagon – 8 sides
- Place the polygon's center and define its radius by positioning an outer vertex:
- Keyboard and mouse/trackpad – Click to place the center, move the pointer to set the radius, then click to place an outer vertex. You can type a radius value before placing the vertex.
- Touch and pen – Select the center point on the grid and drag to position an outer vertex.
- Use the dimension labels to set the radius and adjust the number of sides immediately after creating the polygon.
Tip
The number-of-sides label is only available immediately after creating the polygon. Select this label before making another selection if you need to change the number of sides.
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 Polygon tool
The Polygon tool is useful for creating:
- Mechanical features – Sketch hexagonal or other multi-sided profiles for nuts, bolt heads, and tool interfaces.
- Openings and cutouts – Create polygonal profiles for pockets, holes, and recesses in 3D bodies.
- Repeated geometric designs – Build tiles, patterns, or decorative features from regular polygons.
- Custom multi-sided shapes – Define profiles with a specific number of equal sides for extrusion or other modeling operations.
Best practices and troubleshooting
- Choose the closest predefined polygon type, then adjust the number of sides while its label is available.
- Enter a precise radius to size the polygon accurately.
- Check the center point and outer vertex position before using the profile for a 3D feature.
| Issue | What to check |
|---|---|
| The polygon has the wrong number of sides. | Adjust the number-of-sides label immediately after creating the polygon, before making another selection. |
| The polygon is the wrong size. | Check the radius dimension and enter the intended value. |
| The polygon is not positioned where intended. | Check the center point and the position of the outer vertex. |
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.