Sweep

The Sweep tool creates a 3D body by extending a profile along a path. The profile can be a closed sketch or face, and the path can be sketch elements or edges of a body.

Use Sweep when you need geometry that follows a defined route, such as:

• Pipes, tubes, and hose-like parts
• Wires, cables, and routed channels
• Handles, rails, and frame-like shapes
• Profiles that need to follow curved or angled edges

Note: For shapes that transition between different profiles, use the Loft tool.

How to use the Sweep tool

To use the Sweep tool:

1. Go to Tools > Sweep.
   For other methods of accessing this tool Accessing tools.
2. Select the profiles, paths, or spines for your sweep action.
3. To finish, select Done.

Sweep profiles and paths

To create a Sweep, you need a profile and a path or spine. The profile is the shape you want to move, and the path is the line it follows. 

• Profile – A sketch region or face that acts as the cross-section for the new body. For the best results, ensure your profile is positioned at the beginning of your path.
• Path – Sketch elements or edges (also known as a spine) that the profile will follow. If your path has sharp corners, try adding fillets to the sketch; this prevents the profile from "self-intersecting" or failing during the operation.

History settings

To manage history settings for the Sweep action, find the step for your specific sweep and then view or modify the following:

• Profile – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different sketch profile or face, then select Done to finish.
• Path – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different path, then select Done to finish.
• Profile Position – Controls how the profile is positioned relative to the path:
  • Auto – Uses the default alignment based on your selection.
  • Path intersection – Positions the profile where it intersects the path.
  • Closest point – Positions the profile at the closest point on the path.
  • Closest endpoint – Positions the profile using the nearest path endpoint.
• Orientation – Controls how the profile is oriented as it follows the path:
  • Normal to path – Keeps the profile perpendicular to the path direction.
  • Parallel to profile – Keeps the profile aligned to its original orientation.
• Twist – Rotates the profile along the path by the specified angle.
• Scale – Adjusts the size of the profile along the path.
• Corner type – Controls how corners are handled along the sweep path:
  • Mitre – Keeps corners sharp.
  • Round – Rounds corners for smoother transitions.

Video walkthrough