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Sections and Cuts

Sections and Cuts

Create cutting planes to visualize the interior of structures and analyze complex spaces.

What is a section?

A section is an imaginary plane that cuts through the 3D model, showing only what is on the plane’s side. It’s like making a vertical or horizontal cut to see inside a structure.

Use cases:

  • Analyze space distribution
  • Verify heights and dimensions
  • Identify element intersections
  • Visualize MEP systems within structures
  • Validate structural connections

Activate the section tool

From the toolbar

  1. Click the section icon (✂️) on the left bar
  2. Section mode activates (icon lights up)
  3. Now you can create cutting planes

Create a cutting plane

Basic steps

  1. Tool active - Make sure section is selected
  2. Define the plane - Click points to define the cut line
  3. Visualize result - Model cuts automatically
  4. Adjust if needed - Move plane as needed

Common orientations

  • Horizontal (plan) - Top-to-bottom cut
  • Vertical (elevation) - Side-view cut
  • Diagonal - Custom cuts for specific analysis

Cutting plane controls

Move the plane

After creating a plane, you can move it:

  • Drag - Click + drag the plane
  • Rotations - Right click + drag to rotate
  • Precision - Use zoom for precise movements

Orient the plane

There are three predefined planes:

  • XY - Horizontal (plans)
  • XZ - Frontal (elevations)
  • YZ - Lateral (side sections)

Or create custom planes at any angle.

Section visualization

Visualization options

  • Plane only - See only the cross-section
  • Complete model - Full model with plane visible
  • Cut model - Everything in front of plane is hidden

Adjust opacity

The section displays semi-transparent to see both sides:

  • More opaque - Increase to see section more clearly
  • More transparent - Increase to see model behind

Working with multiple sections

Create multiple sections

You can have multiple cutting planes simultaneously:

  1. Create first section (e.g., horizontal)
  2. Deactivate and reactivate tool
  3. Create second section (e.g., vertical)

Result: You’ll see the intersection of both planes in the model.

Delete sections

To remove a section:

  • Right click on the plane → Delete
  • Or press Escape while editing
  • Or use “Clear sections” button in menu

Practical use cases

Space analysis

Create horizontal section at different heights to see:

  • Column distribution
  • Real room sizes
  • Circulation and corridors

Structural verification

Use vertical sections for:

  • Reviewing connections
  • Confirming free heights
  • Analyzing loads and bracing

MEP systems

Visualize piping and ducts:

  • Installation routes
  • Conflicting intersections
  • Clearances (free spaces)

Multidisciplinary coordination

Compare different disciplines with sections:

  • Structure vs Architecture
  • MEP vs Structure
  • Safety vs Equipment

Save views with sections

If a section is particularly useful:

  1. Create the exact section needed
  2. Use “Save view” function
  3. Section is saved with that view
  4. Load view later with one click

Section tips

  • Start simple - Begin with planes aligned to XYZ axes
  • Zoom for precision - Zoom in before adjusting position
  • Save important views - For reference and presentations
  • Use descriptive names - When saving: “Section A-A”, “Floor 2 Plan”
  • Screenshot - Document important findings

Combining tools

Section + Measurement

After creating a section, you can:

  1. Keep section active
  2. Activate measurement
  3. Measure directly in the section

Section + Selection

Select elements within a section:

  1. Create the section
  2. Click on a visible element
  3. It highlights in normal view too

Common issues

I don’t see the cutting plane

Solutions:

  • Plane might be too far or too close to elements
  • Try aligning with axes (XY, XZ, YZ)
  • Verify section tool is active

Section looks confusing

Solutions:

  • Reduce complexity: hide unnecessary categories
  • Move plane closer to where you need to see
  • Change opacity for better visualization
  • Create second section at different angle for clarity

I want to delete all sections

  • Press Escape multiple times
  • Or click the reset tool ()

Sections are a fundamental BIM tool for analyzing and communicating complex projects.