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Help Part Studio features

Transform

Move, turn or copy parts by exact distances and angles.

  • Transform TPart Studio toolbar
What other CAD programs call it
SchoolCADOnshapeFusionSOLIDWORKS
TransformTransformMove/CopyMove/Copy Bodies

Transform moves parts by exact amounts. You type how far to move them across, back or up, and how many degrees to turn them. Choose Copy to leave the parts where they are and make moved copies, such as a second shelf or a spare leg.

Transform is a feature in the feature tree, so you can change its numbers later.

How to use it#

  1. Click Transform, or press T. Parts you selected first are already ticked.
  2. Choose Move or Copy.
  3. Tick the parts, or click them in the view.
  4. Type the distances in Across (X), Back (Y) and Up (Z).
  5. To turn the parts, type an angle in Rotate and choose the About axis.
  6. Check the preview, then click ✓.

Options#

OptionWhat it does
MoveMoves the parts.
CopyMakes copies in the new place and leaves the parts where they were. Each copy's name ends in (copy).
Across (X)Moves left or right, in mm.
Back (Y)Moves to the back or the front, in mm.
Up (Z)Moves up or down, in mm.
RotateTurns the parts, in degrees.
About axisThe line the parts turn around: X, Y or Z. It goes through the origin (the point 0, 0, 0).

Tips#

  • Type a minus number, such as -50, to go the other way: left, to the front, or down.
  • You can type sums and parameter names, such as 400-19 or t.
  • The parts turn first, then move. They turn around an axis through the origin, so a part on the origin turns on the spot, but a part far from the origin swings round as it turns.
  • To put a part against another part, and keep it there when sizes change, use Mate. Transform always moves by the numbers you typed.
  • For a row of copies, use Pattern. For a mirror-image copy, use Mirror.
  • Transform is handy for putting imported parts in place.

If it does not work#

  • Choose the part(s) to move or copy. Tick a part, or click one in the view.
  • The part swings away when it turns. It turns around the origin, not around its own middle. Add distances to bring it back, or use Mate to place it.
  • It goes the wrong way. Put a minus sign in front of the number, or take it away.