Skip to main content

Modifying Existing Objects

Step 1

The main ways to modify existing objects, such as those downloaded from Thingiverse, is to add more material by grouping objects together, or remove material by grouping an object with a hole. A hole in TinkerCAD is a shape that when grouped with another object, will remove material instead of joining together. This is kind of like a hole punch. Everything in the path of the hole bunch will be removed. To create a hole, select an object and click the “Hole” button near the top right.

Cube in work plane with arrow pointing towards the hole option in the shape options window.

Step 2

This will make the shape appear gray and translucent. To use this hole to cut, you will need another object to modify. Either create or import a new object in TinkerCAD and place it on the workspace.

Mug and transparent cube in work plane

 

Step 3

Move the hole into the object to be modified by clicking and dragging on the object, or you can use the ruler tool to get a more accurate position. Every point where the hole and the object are intersecting will be cut, so you might need to resize the hole to fit your needs.

Transparent cube placed upon the rim of mug

Step 4

When aligned, group the two objects together using the “Group” button or Ctrl + G (explained in the combining objects tutorial). When grouped together, a “new” object will be created that is the original object with a cut with the size/shape of the hole.

Mug with missing space where transparent cube was placed

Any object in TinkerCAD can be a hole, such as imported objects from Thingiverse, text, basic shapes, etc. Using a combination of grouping and holes, more advanced objects can be created and modified in TinkerCAD.

Cura Tutorials:

Next tutorial: Extra Shapes and Objects

Previous tutorial: Combining Multiple Objects