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Object Manipulation

Learn how to select, transform, and manipulate 3D objects in STL.Show. Master selection techniques, transformations, Boolean operations, and grouping.

Selection

Single Selection

Select individual objects by clicking on them in the 3D viewport or in the Objects panel.

Selection Methods

  • • Click in Viewport - Click directly on objects in 3D space
  • • Objects Panel - Click object names in the hierarchy
  • • Keyboard Navigation - Use arrow keys in Objects panel
  • • Tab Cycling - Tab through selectable objects

Tip: Selected objects are highlighted with a colored outline. The selection color indicates the object type and current state.

Multi-Selection

Select multiple objects to perform operations on groups of objects simultaneously.

Multi-Selection Methods

  • • Ctrl+Click - Add/remove objects from selection
  • • Shift+Click - Select range of objects
  • • Objects Panel - Ctrl+click multiple items
  • • Select All - Use toolbar button or Ctrl+A

Selection States

  • • Single Selection - One object selected
  • • Multiple Selection - Multiple objects selected
  • • Group Selection - Entire group selected
  • • No Selection - No objects selected

Visual Feedback

STL.Show provides clear visual indicators for object selection and states.

Selection Indicators

  • • Highlighted Outline - Selected objects glow
  • • Color Coding - Different colors for object types
  • • Objects Panel - Selected items highlighted
  • • Transform Gizmo - Appears on selected objects

State Indicators

  • • Visible/Hidden - Eye icon in Objects panel
  • • Locked/Unlocked - Lock icon for protection
  • • Error State - Red indicators for problems
  • • Processing - Loading indicators during operations

Transformation

Transform Controls

Use the visual transform gizmo to manipulate objects directly in 3D space.

Translate (Move)

  • • Red arrow - X axis
  • • Green arrow - Y axis
  • • Blue arrow - Z axis
  • • Center square - XY plane

Rotate

  • • Red ring - X axis rotation
  • • Green ring - Y axis rotation
  • • Blue ring - Z axis rotation
  • • White ring - View rotation

Scale

  • • Red cube - X axis scale
  • • Green cube - Y axis scale
  • • Blue cube - Z axis scale
  • • Center cube - Uniform scale

Numeric Controls

Use precise numeric inputs in the Tools panel for exact transformations.

Position Controls

  • • X, Y, Z Coordinates - Exact position values
  • • Relative/Absolute - Toggle between modes
  • • Snap to Grid - Align to grid increments
  • • Reset Position - Return to origin

Rotation Controls

  • • Euler Angles - X, Y, Z rotation values
  • • Degrees/Radians - Unit selection
  • • Axis Rotation - Rotate around specific axes
  • • Reset Rotation - Return to default orientation

Scale Controls

  • • Uniform Scale - Scale all axes equally
  • • Per-Axis Scale - Scale X, Y, Z independently
  • • Scale Factor - Multiplier values
  • • Reset Scale - Return to original size

Undo/Redo

STL.Show maintains a history of transformations that you can undo or redo.

History Features

  • • Unlimited History - No limit on undo/redo steps
  • • Transform History - Tracks all transformation operations
  • • Session Persistence - History maintained during session
  • • Keyboard Shortcuts - Ctrl+Z, Ctrl+Y for quick access

Available Actions

  • • Undo - Reverse last transformation
  • • Redo - Restore undone transformation
  • • Clear History - Reset history (use with caution)
  • • History View - See transformation timeline

Boolean Operations

CSG Operations

Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) operations combine or modify 3D objects using mathematical set operations.

Union

  • • Combines two objects
  • • Removes overlapping volumes
  • • Creates single object
  • • Preserves outer surfaces

Subtract

  • • Removes second object from first
  • • Creates cutout/hole
  • • Maintains first object's shape
  • • Common for drilling/milling

Intersect

  • • Keeps only overlapping volume
  • • Creates intersection shape
  • • Useful for complex cuts
  • • Minimal result object

Boolean Workflow

Follow these steps to perform Boolean operations successfully.

Preparation

  1. Select two mesh objects (not code objects)
  2. Ensure objects overlap or are positioned correctly
  3. Check that objects have valid geometry
  4. Verify object types are compatible

Operation

  1. Open Boolean Operation modal from Mesh menu
  2. Choose operation type (Union, Subtract, Intersect)
  3. Select target object (for Subtract/Intersect)
  4. Choose result handling (Replace or Create New)
  5. Click Apply to execute operation

Result Handling

  • • Replace - Replace first object with result
  • • Create New - Keep originals, create new result
  • • Review Result - Check geometry quality
  • • Undo if Needed - Use undo if result is unsatisfactory

Boolean Best Practices

Follow these guidelines for successful Boolean operations.

Object Preparation

  • • Ensure objects are manifold (watertight)
  • • Check for overlapping faces
  • • Verify normal directions
  • • Use appropriate object sizes

Operation Tips

  • • Start with simple operations
  • • Use Create New for safety
  • • Check results before proceeding
  • • Keep original objects as backup

Grouping

Creating Groups

Organize related objects into groups for better scene management and hierarchical operations.

Group Creation Methods

  • • Select Objects - Choose objects to group
  • • Mesh Menu - Use "Group Objects" option
  • • Context Menu - Right-click and select "Group"
  • • Keyboard Shortcut - Ctrl+G to group selected

Group Properties

  • • Group Name - Automatic or custom naming
  • • Child Objects - Objects within the group
  • • Transform - Group-level transformations
  • • Visibility - Show/hide entire group

Group Management

Manage existing groups by adding objects, removing objects, or ungrouping entirely.

Adding to Groups

  • • Select Objects - Choose objects to add
  • • Add to Group - Use context menu option
  • • Drag and Drop - Drag objects in Objects panel
  • • Group Selection - Select target group first

Removing from Groups

  • • Ungroup Objects - Remove from group
  • • Move to Root - Promote to top level
  • • Delete from Group - Remove specific objects
  • • Ungroup All - Dissolve entire group

Group Editing

Edit groups using JSCAD code to create complex parametric designs with multiple objects.

Group Code Features

  • • Child Object Access - Reference objects within group
  • • Parametric Design - Create dynamic group layouts
  • • Code Compilation - Generate group geometry
  • • Parameter Inheritance - Share parameters across children

Editing Workflow

  1. Select group object
  2. Open code editor (Edit button)
  3. Modify JSCAD code
  4. Add child object references
  5. Compile and apply changes

Object Manipulation Best Practices

Selection Tips

  • • Use Objects panel for precise selection
  • • Group related objects before manipulation
  • • Check selection before operations
  • • Use multi-selection for batch operations

Transformation Tips

  • • Use numeric controls for precision
  • • Apply transformations in logical order
  • • Use undo/redo for experimentation
  • • Check results from multiple angles

Boolean Tips

  • • Ensure objects are properly positioned
  • • Use Create New for safety
  • • Check geometry quality after operations
  • • Keep original objects as backup

Grouping Tips

  • • Use descriptive group names
  • • Organize by function or type
  • • Use groups for complex assemblies
  • • Consider hierarchy for large scenes

What's Next?

Now that you can manipulate objects, learn how to navigate and view your 3D scene effectively:

Camera Controls

Master navigation, view options, and camera presets.

JSCAD Introduction

Start creating parametric 3D designs with code.