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The Cutting Planes feature allows users to slice or reveal the interior of 3D objects by applying a configurable clipping plane. This is useful for inspecting internal geometry, showcasing cross-sections, or creating focused visual presentations. This feature is available only if the Design Review is enabled. It is supported in Space, Space Builder and Meeting.

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Overview

A cutting plane is an interactive plane (or shaped volume) that intersects a 3D object and hides the geometry on one side of the plane. Once enabled, users can freely position, orient, and configure the plane to achieve the desired cut.

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Key capabilities include:

  • Freeform or axis-aligned clipping
  • Adjustable clipping shapes
  • Resizable cutting area

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Enabling a Cutting Plane

  1. On PC: Mode can be activated using the highlighted button located under the Hamburger menu.
  2. On HMD: Use the icon in Toolbelt menu.
  3. Once enabled, a cutting plane is created automatically.
  4. The plane spawns in front of the user.

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Default Behavior

  • Shape: Plane
  • Mode: Free (no fixed axis)
  • Size: Default size large enough to intersect the object

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Moving and Orienting the Cutting Plane

  • Grab the cutting plane directly to move it through the object.
  • Rotate the plane to change the cut angle.
  • The cut updates in real time as the plane is repositioned.

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Clipping Modes

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Free Mode

The cutting plane can be moved and rotated freely.

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Axis-Aligned Mode

  • The user can select a specific axis (X, Y, or Z) from the Axis dropdown.
  • The cutting plane is locked to the chosen axis.
  • Moving the plane along that axis creates a clean, straight cut.

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Changing the Clipping Shape

Users can modify the shape of the cutting plane from the clipping settings.
  • The default clipping shape is a flat plane.
  • Additional shapes include Sphere and Cube, which enable volumetric (non-planar) cuts.
  • Any change to the clipping shape is applied immediately and updates how the object is clipped in real time.

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Adjusting the Clipping Size

  • The Size control changes the dimensions of the clipping shape.
  • Increasing the size results in a larger cut or hole.
  • Decreasing the size limits the cut to a smaller area of the object.
The clipping size determines how much of the object is affected by the cutting plane.

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Disabling the Cutting Plane

  • On PC: Click the same icon again to disable it, or click anywhere in an empty area.
  • On HMD: Close the Clipping Plane menu or click the same icon in the Toolbelt menu.
  • The objects will return to their original, uncut state.
  • No permanent changes are made to the object geometry.