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Cut tool settings panel with cutting plane visible in viewport
Cut Mesh slices your model along a flat plane, splitting it into separate pieces. Essential for models too large for your printer, or when you want to print and assemble sections separately.

When to use this

  • Your model is too big to print in one piece
  • You want to paint or finish individual parts separately
  • You need to print at a higher resolution by splitting into smaller pieces

Settings

Axis

Choose the cutting direction: X (left/right), Y (up/down), or Z (front/back).

Position

Slide to move the cutting plane along the chosen axis (0% to 100%). A preview appears in the viewport.

Cap holes

Toggle (default: on). Fills the cut surface so each piece is sealed and printable.

Keep both sides

Toggle (default: off). When on, both halves are saved as separate pieces.

Interlocking keys

When Keep Both Sides is on, you can add interlocking keys so the pieces snap or fit together after printing.
Four interlocking key types: Pin, Dovetail, Snap, Puzzle

Key types

TypeDescriptionBest for
PinCylindrical peg and holeUniversal, easiest to print
DovetailTrapezoidal cross-sectionStrong, self-aligning
SnapMushroom-shaped ball and socketClicks into place, no glue needed
PuzzleT-shaped interlockVery secure, hard to pull apart

Key settings

  • Enable keys — Toggle to add keys at the cut surface
  • Key type — Choose from the four types above
  • Clearance — Gap between key and socket (0.05–0.5 mm). Adjust for your printer’s tolerance.
  • Count — Auto (placed automatically) or a fixed number

Step by step

1

Select the Cut tool

Click Cut in the Interactive Tools section of the toolbar.
2

Choose your axis

Select X, Y, or Z for the cutting direction.
3

Position the cutting plane

Drag the position slider — you’ll see a preview plane in the viewport.
4

Enable Keep Both Sides

Toggle on if you want both halves saved.
5

Add keys (optional)

Enable keys and choose a type for assembly-friendly cuts.
6

Execute the cut

Click Execute Cut. Download the pieces from the results.

Tips

  • Pin keys are the safest choice if you’re unsure which type to use
  • Increase key clearance (0.2–0.3 mm) for FDM printers; use lower clearance (0.05–0.1 mm) for resin printers
  • Use the viewport to visually confirm the cut location before executing