How VolumeForge models

VolumeForge designs combine sketch geometry, modeling operations, and the bodies those operations produce. This distinction helps when choosing what to edit, save, or export.

Sketches and faces

A sketch is a collection of points, lines, arcs, and curves on a plane. Use Sketch constraints to edit supported sketch geometry and add relationships or dimensions. A closed boundary on a plane can define a face. Create face also offers methods for supported nonplanar boundaries.

Faces are useful profiles for solid operations. For example, Extrude extends a face in a direction, while Revolve turns a face around an axis.

Solid bodies and features

A feature is a modeling operation and its settings. A solid body is the resulting shape that later operations can use or you can export. The model tree shows bodies and their feature history. Select a body or feature there to inspect it or edit settings that the operation supports.

Editing an earlier sketch or feature can update later features that depend on it. Imported STEP bodies do not include VolumeForge feature history, so their original design steps cannot be edited in the model tree.

Design file and export

Download a .vlfg file to keep the editable VolumeForge design. Reopen it in the editor to continue modeling.

Export a selected body as STL, STEP, or BREP when another tool needs the geometry. These files do not replace the editable .vlfg design. See save, open, import, and export for which format to choose.