Revolve Tool

Create 3D objects by rotating a 2D profile around an axis. Use revolve for vases, bowls, turned parts, and other rotationally symmetric shapes.

The Revolve tool creates 3D objects by rotating a 2D profile around an axis, similar to a lathe. This technique works well for creating vases, bowls, spindles, and other rotationally symmetric shapes.

How revolving works

When you revolve a 2D shape, CADit rotates the shape's outline around a vertical or horizontal axis. The result is a 3D solid where every cross-section perpendicular to the axis matches your original profile.

The shape's position relative to the rotation axis determines the result:

  • Shape to one side of the axis: Creates a solid of revolution (like a vase)
  • Shape crossing the axis: Creates a shape with a hollow center

Using the Revolve tool

Creating a revolved shape

  1. Draw a 2D profile shape that represents the cross-section of your final object
  2. Select the shape using the Transform tool
  3. Select the Revolve tool from the 3D toolbar (under Creation tools)
  4. The shape converts to a 3D revolved object using the default settings

The original 2D shape is replaced by the 3D revolved object. A green or red axis line appears in the 3D panel showing the current rotation axis.

Selecting an existing revolved shape

When you select a revolved shape in the 3D panel, the axis line reappears and you can adjust its parameters in the Details panel.

Revolve settings

Open the Details panel to adjust these settings for a selected revolved shape:

Rotation axis

Choose which axis the profile rotates around:

  • Y axis (default): Vertical rotation, creating upright shapes like vases or bottles
  • X axis: Horizontal rotation, creating shapes oriented sideways

The axis line changes color to indicate the current setting: green for Y axis, red for X axis.

Rotation angle

Controls how far around the axis the profile rotates, from 0 to 360 degrees.

  • 360 degrees (default): Creates a complete revolution, fully closed shape
  • Less than 360 degrees: Creates a partial revolution, leaving an open section

Partial revolutions are useful for creating sectioned views or shapes that need to mate with flat surfaces.

Segments

Controls the smoothness of the curved surfaces. Higher values create smoother curves but increase file size.

  • Default: 32 segments
  • Minimum: 3 segments
  • Recommended range: 16-64 for most shapes

For 3D printing, 32 segments provides a good balance between smoothness and file size. Increase to 48 or 64 for larger prints where curves are more visible.

Profile shape tips

Drawing effective profiles

  • Draw only half the cross-section. The revolve creates the other half automatically.
  • Position your profile to one side of where you want the axis to be.
  • Use smooth curves for organic shapes. Sharp corners in your profile create sharp edges on the revolved surface.

Profile positioning

The distance from your profile to the rotation axis affects the result:

  • Profile away from axis: Creates a hollow center (like a bowl or vase)
  • Profile touching the axis: Creates a solid center (like a cone or dome)

If your profile crosses the axis, the revolve still works but may create unexpected geometry at the center.

Common revolved shapes

Vase or cup

Draw a curved vertical profile representing one side of the vessel. Position it away from the Y axis to create the hollow interior. Use 360-degree rotation.

Bowl

Draw a shallow curved profile. Keep the bottom edge horizontal where you want the base. Position away from the Y axis for a hollow bowl.

Spindle or turned part

Draw the silhouette of one side of the spindle. Include any decorative details like grooves or beads in the profile. Use Y axis rotation.

Dome

Draw a quarter-circle profile that touches the Y axis at one end. The revolve creates a hemispherical dome.

Editing revolved shapes

To modify a revolved shape after creation:

  1. Select the revolved object
  2. Open the Details panel
  3. Adjust the rotation axis, angle, or segments

The shape updates in real time as you change parameters.

To change the original profile, you need to delete the revolved shape and create a new one from a modified 2D profile.

Tips

  • Start with the default 32 segments. Only increase if you see visible facets on curved surfaces.
  • For shapes with fine details, increase segments to preserve the detail during rotation.
  • Combine revolved shapes with other 3D objects using boolean operations to create complex forms.
  • Use partial rotation angles (less than 360 degrees) to create cross-section views of your designs.