3D primitives are pre-built geometric shapes you can add directly to your design. Unlike extruded shapes that start as 2D drawings, primitives are created as complete 3D objects with adjustable parameters.

Adding a primitive

1. Select the Primitives tool from the 3D toolbar (click and hold to see options)
2. Choose Sphere, Torus, or Cone from the dropdown
3. Click in the 3D panel to place the primitive
4. Adjust parameters in the panel that appears

Primitives are placed at the center of your current view. After placing, use the Transform tools to reposition them.

Sphere

A sphere is a round ball shape defined by its radius.

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Default
Radius	Distance from center to surface (mm)	10
Circular segments	Number of facets around the sphere	32

Higher segment counts produce smoother surfaces but increase file size and processing time. For most 3D prints, 32 segments provides a good balance.

Torus

A torus is a donut-shaped ring. It has two radius values: one for the circular cross-section and one for the path that cross-section follows.

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Default
Cross Section Radius	Radius of the tube itself (mm)	10
Path Radius	Distance from center to middle of tube (mm)	20
Cross Section segments	Facets around the tube profile	32
Path segments	Facets around the ring	32

The overall diameter of the torus equals twice the path radius plus twice the cross section radius.

Cone

A cone tapers from a circular base to a point at the top.

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Default
Height	Distance from base to tip (mm)	50
Base Radius	Radius of the circular base (mm)	25
Base segments	Number of facets around the base	32

The cone's tip is always directly above the center of the base.

Working with primitives

Adjusting parameters

After placing a primitive, the parameter panel opens automatically. Change values to update the shape in real time.

To edit a primitive later:

1. Select it with the Select tool in the 3D toolbar
2. The parameter panel reopens with current values

Transforming primitives

Use the Transform tools to modify placed primitives:

• Translate: Move the primitive along any axis
• Rotate: Rotate the primitive around any axis

Combining with other shapes

Primitives work with all standard operations:

• Use Boolean operations to combine primitives with extruded shapes
• Place primitives on custom planes created with the Place Space tool
• Apply materials and colors the same as extruded shapes

Tips

• Start with default segment values. Increase only if curves appear faceted in your final export.

• Use the Translate tool to position primitives precisely relative to other geometry.

• Primitives are useful for adding rounded features that would be difficult to draw, like spherical knobs or ring handles.

  Example Below