Overview of Creating 3D Solids and Surfaces (Concept)

Work with 3D Models > Create 3D Models > Create 3D Solids and Surfaces >

Overview of Creating 3D Solids and Surfaces

Expand All

Expand all collapsed sections.

Collapse All

Collapse all expanded sections.

Concept

Quick Reference

Three-dimensional solid objects often start as one of several basic shapes, or primitives, that you can then modify and recombine. A 3D solid or surface can also be the result of extruding a 2D shape to follow a specified path in 3D space.

About Solid Primitives

You can create several basic 3D shapes, known as solid primitives: boxes, cones, cylinders, spheres, wedges, pyramids, and tori (donuts).

By combining primitive shapes, you can create more complex solids. For example, you can join two solids, subtract one from the other, or create a shape based on the intersection of their volumes.

About Solids Based on Other Objects

You can also create 3D solids and surfaces from existing objects.

The following methods are available:

Sweep. Extends a 2D object along a path.
Extrusion. Extends the shape of a 2D object in a perpendicular direction into 3D space.
Revolve. Sweeps a 2D object around an axis.
Loft. Extends the contours of a shape between one or more open or closed objects.
Slice. Divides a solid object into two separate 3D objects.
Conversion. Converts mesh objects and planar objects with thickness into solids and surfaces.

Use Visual Styles with 3D Objects

Solids and surfaces can be displayed in one of several visual styles that are applied to the viewport.