Moving 3D objects in AutoCAD is a fundamental operation, allowing you to reposition models accurately in your drawing space. You typically move a 3D object in AutoCAD by accessing the 3D Move tool on the Modeling tab, within the Modify panel, and then selecting the object(s).
Steps to Move a 3D Object
The most common method involves using the ribbon interface and the 3D Move Gizmo. Here's how:
- Access the Tool: Go to the Modeling tab on the AutoCAD ribbon.
- Find the Panel: Within the Modeling tab, locate the Modify panel.
- Select 3D Move: Click Modeling tab > Modify panel > 3D Move. This activates the 3D Move command.
- Select Objects: Select the 3D objects you want to move. You can select one or multiple objects.
- Select Subobjects (Optional): As per the reference, you can also select subobjects like faces, edges, or vertices. To do this, Press and hold Ctrl while clicking on the specific subobject geometry (faces, edges, and vertices) you want to move.
- Confirm Selection: Press Enter or Spacebar after selecting all the desired objects or subobjects.
- Specify Base Point: Click a point in your drawing to serve as the base point for the move operation. This is the point you will drag from.
- Specify Displacement: You can specify the displacement in several ways:
- Using the Gizmo: A 3D Move Gizmo appears at your base point. Click and drag one of the axes (X, Y, or Z) to constrain movement along that direction, or click a plane to constrain movement within that plane.
- Dragging: Click and drag to a new location visually.
- Entering Coordinates: Type coordinates (e.g.,
5,10,0for a relative move or#5,10,0for an absolute move from WCS origin) on the command line. - Entering Distance and Angle: Type a distance and specify a direction (e.g.,
10then move the cursor in the desired direction).
- Complete the Command: Click the new location or press Enter after entering coordinate/distance information.
Understanding Object and Subobject Selection
When using the 3D Move command:
- Object Selection: Clicking directly on a 3D solid, surface, or mesh selects the entire object.
- Subobject Selection: To move only a specific part of a solid object (like just one face of a box), you need to select the subobject. As mentioned in the reference, you Press and hold Ctrl and then click the face, edge, or vertex you want to select. This allows for precise modifications.
Subobject Selection Methods Summary
| Selection Type | How to Select | What is Moved? |
|---|---|---|
| Full Object | Click on the object | The entire 3D solid, surface, or mesh |
| Subobject | Press & hold Ctrl + Click | Specific face, edge, or vertex of a solid/mesh |
Using the 3D Move Gizmo
The 3D Move Gizmo is an interactive tool that appears at your specified base point. It consists of axes (red for X, green for Y, blue for Z) and planes between them. Clicking and dragging an axis moves the selected object(s) only along that axis. Clicking and dragging a plane moves the object(s) only within that plane. This visual aid helps in constraining movement precisely.
Command Line Alternative
For users who prefer the command line, you can type 3DMOVE and press Enter, then follow the prompts for selecting objects, base point, and displacement, similar to the ribbon method. The standard MOVE command also works, but 3DMOVE is specifically designed for 3D space and integrates with the Gizmo.
Moving 3D objects and their subcomponents effectively is crucial for detailed 3D modeling in AutoCAD, providing flexibility and precision in your designs.
