Windows 10: How to make annotations to show dimensions of the object in Microsoft 3D Builder

If possible, how to show little notes on the object with the size of the object.

This would be very useful if say you need to print a mock design and show it to someone who needs to know the dimensions.

Or else we would need to find a 3d file viewer and open the object and click on the object to check the sizes.

:)

 

3D Builder Windows 10 FAQ

Hey Stephen,

I'm a 3D Builder engineer. I hope I can help you out with your questions. Lets dive in...

1. How do you take specific and general measurements in 3D builder?

Currently the only way to measure things that are not general object dimensions is to use the grid squares on the x/y axis. To choose your units click on the hamburger menu in the top left corner, then hit settings, and then you
can choose your units. We are currently working on a better way of measuring distances that aren't object dimensions alone so keep your eyes out for app updates in the future.

2. Can I measure faces, angles, wall thickness, critical features etc. and if so how?

As stated above there currently isn't a way to measure distances (faces, wall thickness, features, etc) outside of the grid squares. But we are working on it. There also isn't a way to measure angles outside of setting the rotation
angles of an object.

3. Can I create a bounding box around the object to show the extent of the X,Y, and Z values?

We don't have a bounding box feature, we only have the blue highlight around the object. If you want to see the X,Y,Z values you can hit the scale control button and then hit the scaling arrows (in the X/Y/Z axis) and the distance
of that dimension will be displayed under the control buttons (Move/Rotate/Scale).

4. Are there general annotations that can become visible showing the volume of the part, the overall dimensions, origin, etc.?

We don't have a way of displaying the volume. But as stated above you can use the Move and Scale controls and the axis arrows to see each individual dimension one at a time (but not all at once).

5. Can you use this software to make basic CAD edits, for example boolean operations, add/subtract from surfaces/parts, combine parts, make cuts, or other editing features.

Yes. You can do all of that with 3D Builder. In the "Edit" tab you have "Merge", "Intersect", and "Subtract" for Booleans/add/subtract/combine. "Split" works for making cuts.

6. I'm basically trying to figure out if this is just software for kids to play with blocks and spaceships, or if it has any practical applications.

3D Builder isn't trying to compete with high end CAD applications. It is made for quick/easy views/edits, especially for getting an object ready for 3D Printing. However, it is still a very capable app for just playing around and
getting familiar with 3D object/CAD concepts.

I hope this helped. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

If you have any suggestions please open the Feedback App and under the feedback tab (in the 'Apps and Games' Category, '3D Builder' subcategory) open a suggestion feedback with your request. Leaving it there will let other people see the feedback and upvote
it. If we see the suggestion get some traction with users upvotes we will add it to our todo list.

 

Measuring objects in 3d builder

3d guru,

Thanks for your question. I'm an engineer on the 3D Builder team and I'd like to take a shot at answering your question.

Yes, measuring in 3D Builder is possible.

Currently in the app the tools for measuring are 1) the numbers representing of the dimension of the object(s) and 2) the build platform (the checkered grid that represents the ground/floor) x and y axis rulers.

I have tried to recreate what you described above in an attempt to show you how it would be possible.

First step is to make sure 3D Builder is using the units of measurement you are interested in. You can do this by hitting the file button and then the settings button:





Then select the units you want to use:





Next I created the squares you described above. I selected the two squares you are trying to measure the distance between and put them up against one of the rulers on the build platform. From there I can get a rough idea of the distance between the two objects:





Notice that the selected objects are also highlighted on the ruler on the build plate and because the units selected are in inches the marks on the ruler are also in inches. Using it we can see that the ruler marks add up to 3.5 inches.

I hope this helps.

Let us know if you have any other questions or feedback for 3D Builder.

Thanks!

 

3D builder

Hello Molly,

We understand that you want more information on how to use 3D Builder. You may visit these related sites that can help you to get started with 3D Builder:

• 3D Builder user’s guide
• How to use 3D Builder and 3D Scan for Windows
• 3D Builder Tutorial Part 1: Viewing your first 3D object

We hope the information we provided helps.