Manage cutting planes

Initially, the six cutting planes form a cube around the extents of each model. By activating a cutting plane, you can move it inwards so that it slices through the model. Everything on the positive side of the plane is temporarily hidden from the view, making it easier to work on different areas inside the model.

Activate or deactivate a cutting plane

The active cutting plane faces are shown in a different colour. (By default blue indicates the positive side of the plane and red the reverse side).

On the Edit toolbar, click Cutting Planes.
Tekla Structural Designer displays the six existing cutting planes.
Click a cutting plane to activate it.
Tekla Structural Designer displays the positive side of the plane in blue, and the reverse side in red.

Tip:
To deactivate a cutting plane, click an active plane again.

Move a cutting plane to hide a part of the model

When a cutting plane is active, an arrow projects from its center. You can use the arrow to reposition the plane.

Click the arrow at the center of the cutting plane.
Tekla Structural Designer views a line that indicates the direction in which you can move the plane.
Click the desired position of the plane, or press F2 to type the exact distance.
Tekla Structural Designer redraws the cutting plane at its new position. The cutting plane slices to the model, and everything to the positive side of the plane is hidden.

Re-display a hidden part of the model

Click the cutting plane to deactivate it.

Tekla Structural Designer displays any previously hidden parts of the model.