Use the Construction Axis tools to create an axis for reference in your project. Some examples of creating construction axes include:
- Creating an axis for a circular pattern.
- Creating a reference point or snapping point.
- Creating a virtual intersection at a filleted corner.
- Creating an axis for a revolved body.
Tip
Axes are infinite in length but are represented in the modeling space with a size based on how they are defined. For general information regarding construction geometry, visit Understanding construction geometry.
Prefer video? ▶️ Jump to walkthrough
Creating a Construction Axis
To create a Construction Axis:
- Go to Construct > Axis and select the specific axis tool you need.
For other methods of accessing this tool, visit Accessing tools. - Select appropriate references for the type of axis you chose (for details, see Construction Axis types).
- Select Done.
Tip
You can use the Adaptive User Interface as a shortcut for creating construction axes. To make use of this shortcut, pre-select an element in your project that will be used to define the axis, then select Add Axis from the customized menu at the left. After defining the axis, click in an empty area of the modeling space to complete the command.
Construction Axis types
Each construction axis type is available as a separate tool in the Construct menu. When you select an Axis tool, follow the guide at the top of the screen to complete the steps.
Axis Through 2 Points
Use the Axis Through 2 Points tool to create an axis between two selected reference points. You can select sketch points and vertices, or you can select anywhere in the modeling space to define a new point.
Follow these steps to create this type of axis:
- Select the first point the axis will run through.
- Select the second point the axis will run through.
- Optional: Drag the automatically generated points to reposition the axis. The points snap to the grid, sketch geometry, or body geometry.
- To finish, select Done.
History settings
To manage history settings for the Construction Axis action, find the step for your specific construction axis through 2 points and then view or modify the following:
- Point #1 – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different first point and then select Done to finish.
-
Point #2 – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different second point and then select Done to finish.
Axis Through 2 Planes
Use the Axis Through 2 Planes tool to create an axis at the intersection of two selected planar elements.
To create this type of axis:
- Select two intersecting planes, faces, or sketch profiles.
- To finish, select Done.
History settings
To manage history settings for the Construction Axis action, find the step for your specific construction axis through 2 planes and then view or modify the following:
- Plane #1 – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different first plane and then select Done to finish.
- Plane #2 – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different second plane and then select Done to finish.
-
Length – Enter a new value for your preferred construction axis length.
Axis of Cylinder/Cone
Use the Axis of Cylinder/Cone tool to create an axis at the axis of symmetry/rotation of a cylindrical or conical face.
To create this type of axis:
- Select a cylindrical or conical surface.
- To finish, select Done.
History settings
To manage history settings for the Construction Axis action, find the step for your specific construction axis through cylinder or cone and then view or modify the following:
- Face – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different face and then select Done to finish.
-
Length – Enter a new value for your preferred construction axis length.
Axis Along Edge
Use the Axis Along Edge tool to create an axis at a selected edge or line. To create this type of axis:
- Select a linear edge of a body or a sketch line.
- To finish, select Done.
History settings
To manage history settings for the Construction Axis action, find the step for your specific construction axis through edge and then view or modify the following:
-
Edge – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different edge and then select Done to finish.
Axis Perpendicular to Face at Point
Use the Axis Perpendicular to Face at Point tool to create an axis that is perpendicular to a selected planar element and runs through a reference point.
Follow these steps to create this type of axis:
- Select a face, plane, or sketch profile. A reference point is automatically generated at a default position.
- Optional: To change the reference point location, drag it directly onto any purple snap-point of the geometry, or select a different snap point.
- To finish, select Done.
History settings
To manage history settings for the Construction Axis action, find the step for your specific construction axis perpendicular to face at point and then view or modify the following:
- Face – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different face and then select Done to finish.
- Point – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different point and then select Done to finish.
-
Length – Enter a new value for your preferred construction axis length.