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Getting Started

Create a simple object, cut a hole, and save your first HardCuts project.

Updated

This walkthrough creates a simple block with a cylindrical hole. It introduces the difference between an editable shape preview and an object in the scene.

Saving and mesh import/export require a valid HardCuts license. If prompted, use Import License File... or Activate Pasted License in the license dialog.

Create a block

  1. Choose File > New.
  2. Open the Shapes category and choose Cube.
  3. Click in the viewport to place the shape preview.
  4. Use the viewport handles to adjust its size. W, E, and R select Move, Rotate, and Scale.
  5. Press Q to bring forward the Actions Panel and select Create.
  6. Press Enter to apply the shape.

The block is now a scene object. Select it in the viewport or the outliner's Objects tab.

Cut a hole

  1. Choose Cylinder in Shapes.
  2. Place and scale the cylinder so it passes through the block. Rotate it if needed.
  3. Press Q and choose Subtract.
  4. Hold Ctrl and click the block to apply the cylinder to that target.

The result should be a cylindrical hole through the block. If the cylinder does not pass through the entire thickness, the result is a recess instead.

A cylinder cutter overlapping a cube, with Subtract selected in the Actions Panel.

Use Edit > Undo if you want to retry. See Booleans and Cutters for other operations.

Inspect the model

Orbit with the middle mouse button, pan with Shift + middle mouse, and zoom with the mouse wheel. With no brush or sketch tool consuming the shortcut, press F to frame the selection.

These are the default bindings. You can change them under Edit > Preferences....

Save and use the result

Choose File > Save As... and save a .hcproj project.

To export geometry, select the object and use File > Export > Selected Mesh.... To prepare a presentation image, choose File > Open in HardCuts Render.

Continue with Shapes and Placement and Scene Objects and Transforms.