Editing a surface

Source file: edit-a-surface.htm

Once you have created a surface you will most likely need to edited it to remove flaws. Below are several methods for fixing surfaces.

Despike a surface

Newly created surfaces are rarely smooth, having spikes that need to be removed. The Despike tool will remove spikes without additional parameters. See Fix > Despike. To run the tool, either:

  • Select the surface, then on the Edit ribbon, go to the Fix group, click Despike.

    Or

  • Right-click on the surface, then select Edit > Despike.

Fill holes in a surface

Newly created surfaces often have holes that need to be filled. The Fill Holes tool will remove spikes without additional parameters. To run the tool, either:

  • On the Edit menu, go to the Fix group, click Fill Holes.

    • Or

  • Right-click on the surface, then select Edit > Fill Holes.

See Fix > Fill Holes.

Add facets to a surface

After running the Fill Holes tool, it’s possible that holes will remain that need to be filled. Adding facets to the surface manually, by doing the following:

  1. Right-click on the surface and select View > Wireframe to display the facets.
    Or
    Select the surface, then select Wireframe from the Surface Render Mode drop-down on the View ribbon or view window toolbar.
    This will make it easier to distinguish individual facets.

  2. Right-click on the surface and select Edit > Add facets.

    Or

    Go to the Edit ribbon and select Add facets from the Primitives group.

  3. Pick the First point on the surface.

  4. Repeat step 3 for the second and third point.

  5. Click or press Enter to complete.

Tip:  Add facets while in top view or use snap modes to ensure the facets are created in the intended locations.

Extend a surface

Occasionally, you may also need to extend a surface by adding facets to its perimeter with the Extend Surface tool, by following these steps:

  1. Right-click on the surface and select View > Wireframe to display the facets.
    Or
    Select the surface, then select Wireframe from the Surface Render Mode drop-down on the View ribbon or view window toolbar.
    This will make it easier to distinguish individual facets.

  2. Right-click on the surface and select Edit > Extend surface.

    Or

    Go to the Edit ribbon and select Extend surface from the Primitives group.

  3. Pick a boundary edge.

  4. Select the location for the third point, to complete the new boundary facet.

  5. Click or press Enter to complete.

Tip:  Use a construction or horizontal plane to ensure the facets are created in the intended location.

Edit individual facets

To edit individual facets, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on the surface and select View > Wireframe to display the facets.
    Or
    Select the surface, then select Wireframe from the Surface Render Mode drop-down on the View ribbon or view window toolbar.
    This will make it easier to distinguish individual facets.

  2. Right-click on the facet to modify and select Edit > Move point.

    Or

    Go to the Edit ribbon and, from the Primitives group, select Move Points.

  3. Pick the point to move.

  4. Click on the new location for the point or enter the coordinates in the status bar.

  5. To complete click or press Enter.