Circles

Sketch, edit, and extrude a circle.

Sketch a Circle

Sketch a circle by defining three points, two diametric points, or the center and a point

  1. On the Geometry ribbon, in the Create group, click one of the Circle tools.
  2. Designate the sketch plane and enter sketch mode:
    • If there is already geometry, click a face to designate the sketch plane and enter sketch mode.
    • If there is no geometry, the global x-y plane is designated as the sketch plane and you automatically enter sketch mode.
  3. Optional: Click Create New Part to place the circle into a new part.
  4. Choose from the following options:
    To sketch this Do this Note
    Circle by 2 Diametric Pts
    1. Click twice to define the diameter.
    2. You can resize the circle by entering a diameter.


    		 Use snap points to draw a circle that snaps to predefined points on your model such as end, middle, center, and intersection points.
    Circle by 3 Pts
    1. Click three times.
    2. You can resize the circle by entering a diameter.


    		 Use snap points to draw a circle that snaps to predefined points on your model such as end, middle, center, and intersection points.
    Circle by Center and Point
    1. Click to define the center, then click again define the radius.
    2. You can resize the circle by entering a diameter.


    		 Use snap points to draw a circle that snaps to predefined points on your model such as end, middle, center, and intersection points.
  5. Right-click, and then mouse through the check mark to exit sketch mode and enter sketch editing mode.

Edit a Circle

Reposition, resize, or apply a sketch constraint.

First, you need to enter sketch editing mode:
  • If a sketch tool is active, right-click and then mouse through the check mark to enter sketch editing mode.
  • If a sketch tool isn't active, double-click a face or sketch curve.
  1. Edit the circle.
    To Do this
    Reposition the circle Drag the center point.
    Resize the circle
    • Click the circle, and then enter a diameter.
    • Drag the perimeter.
    Apply a sketch constraint to the circle Right-click the circle, and then select a sketch constraint on the context menu.


  2. Right-click, and then mouse through the check mark to exit sketch editing mode and enter push/pull mode.
    Tip:
    • If you sketched the curve on a face, the curve is imprinted onto the face and can no longer be edited when you exit sketch editing mode.
    • If you sketched a curve that doesn't touch a face, faces are created from any closed loops in the sketch. You can still edit the curve by double-clicking a face.

Extrude a Sketch Curve

In push/pull mode, extrude a sketch curve into a solid.

First, you need to be in push/pull mode. You are placed into push/pull mode automatically when you exit sketch editing mode.
  1. Choose from the following options:
    • To extrude closed loops of curves into solid material, drag the curves outward.
    • To turn closed loops of curves into holes, drag the curves inward.
  2. Right-click, and then mouse through the check mark to exit push/pull mode.
  3. Right-click the extruded sketch, and then click Make New Part from Solids.
Tip: Open curves that cut across the edges of a face can also be pushed and pulled, either to create new geometry or to carve away existing material.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Mouse Controls

To Do this
Place points Click
Edit circle Click while in sketch editing mode
Exit sketch mode and enter sketch editing mode Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.
Exit sketch editing mode and enter push/pull mode Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.
Exit push/pull mode Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.
Exit tool Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.