Transform menu: Scale tool

What is the Scale tool?

You can use the Scale tool to resize 3D geometry uniformly or non-uniformly around a chosen center point. Uniform scaling preserves proportions, while non-uniform scaling adjusts the size independently along the X, Y, and Z axes.

To resize sketch items, use the Sketch menu: Scale tool.

How to use the Scale tool

1. Go to Transform > Scale.
   For other ways to access tools, visit Accessing tools.
2. Select the geometry you want to scale.
3. Choose a scaling Type:
   • Uniform – Scale the selection proportionally in all directions.
   • Non-Uniform – Scale the selection independently along the X, Y, and Z axes.
4. If needed, reposition the gizmo center to set the center point for scaling.
5. Optional: To scale a copy while keeping the original, turn on Copy . The Copy badge appears blue when selected.
6. Use the gizmo or enter scale values to resize the selection.
7. Optional: To adjust settings while the tool is active, select Scale again to open the parameter card.
8. To finish, select an empty area of the modeling space.

Parameter Card and History Settings

Shapr3D records the tools you use as steps in History, allowing you to revisit and modify them later. Each History step stores its parameters, which you can access through the parameter card. You can adjust these parameters while using the tool or reopen the parameter card from History after completing the step.

Adjust Scale parameters

While using Scale, select Scale again to open its parameter card and adjust the following:

• To Scale – Select or change the geometry to scale.
• Type – Choose Uniform to scale proportionally or Non-Uniform to scale independently along the X, Y, and Z axes.
• Scale – When using Uniform, enter a single scale factor for all axes.
• Scale X, Scale Y, Scale Z – When using Non-Uniform, enter separate scale factors for each axis.
• Copy – Turn on to create a scaled copy while keeping the original geometry unchanged.

To learn more about parameter cards, visit Parameter Cards.

Edit Scale in History

To adjust a completed Scale operation:

1. Open the History sidebar.
2. Select the Scale step to reopen its parameter card.
3. Adjust To Scale, Type, the available scale values, or Copy as needed.
4. To finish editing, click anywhere in an empty area of the modeling space.

To learn more about editing modeling steps, visit History.

When to use the Scale tool

The Scale tool is useful for:

• Resizing models – Enlarge or reduce an existing body to fit a design requirement.
• Adjusting proportions – Stretch or compress geometry along individual axes.
• Creating size variations – Make scaled copies of a model while retaining the original.
• Scaling around a reference point – Control how geometry expands or contracts relative to a chosen center.

Best practices and troubleshooting

• Use Uniform scaling when you need to preserve the original proportions.
• Reposition the gizmo center before scaling when you want to keep a specific location fixed.
• Use precise scale factors when you need repeatable results.