Sketch menu: Rectangle tool

What is the Rectangle tool?

You can use the Rectangle tool to create rectangular sketch profiles and adjust their dimensions. Choose from three rectangle types depending on how you want to define the shape:

• Center rectangle – Define the rectangle from its center point to an outer corner. The center is marked with an X.
• Diagonal rectangle – Define the rectangle using two opposite corners.
• Three-point rectangle – Define the rectangle using a baseline and a third point that sets its height and orientation.

How to use the Rectangle tool

Choose a rectangle type

1. Define your sketch plane.
2. Go to Sketch > Rectangle.
   For other ways to access tools, visit Accessing tools.
3. Open the menu below Rectangle and select Center, Diagonal, or Three-Point.

Create a Center rectangle

1. Place the center point of the rectangle:
   • Keyboard and mouse/trackpad: Click to place the center.
   • Touch and pen: Place your pen at the center point.
2. Define the rectangle by positioning an outer corner:
   • Keyboard and mouse/trackpad: Move your pointer outward and click to place the corner.
   • Touch and pen: Drag your pen outward to position the corner.

Create a Diagonal rectangle

1. Place the first corner:
   • Keyboard and mouse/trackpad: Click to place the starting corner.
   • Touch and pen: Place your pen at the starting corner.
2. Define the opposite corner:
   • Keyboard and mouse/trackpad: Move your pointer diagonally and click to place the opposite corner.
   • Touch and pen: Drag your pen diagonally to position the opposite corner.

Create a Three-Point rectangle

1. Define the baseline:
   • Keyboard and mouse/trackpad: Click to place the starting point, move your pointer to set the baseline length, and click again.
   • Touch and pen: Draw the baseline from its starting point with your pen.
2. Define the rectangle height:
   • Keyboard and mouse/trackpad: Move your pointer perpendicular to the baseline and click to complete the rectangle.
   • Touch and pen: Drag your pen perpendicular to the baseline to set the height.

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 Rectangle tool

The Rectangle tool is useful for creating:

• Basic 3D shapes – Create rectangular profiles to extrude into blocks, plates, or panels.
• Openings and cutouts – Sketch rectangular profiles for windows, slots, or pockets in existing bodies.
• Layouts and patterns – Define rectangular areas for positioning and arranging design features.
• Angled features – Create rotated rectangular profiles for features that don't align with the sketch axes.

Best practices and troubleshooting

• Choose the rectangle type first. Use Center for center-based placement, Diagonal for opposite corners, or Three-Point when you need to control the baseline direction.
• Check your starting point. The first point anchors the rectangle, so position it carefully before defining the remaining corners.
• Adjust dimensions as needed. Use the sketch dimensions to refine the rectangle after placing it.