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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.

Cutting a model with the Cut tool

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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

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Settings

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Normal

Set the plane’s orientation using the Normal presets — +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, or -Z — or type an exact direction into the X / Y / Z normal fields (values auto-normalize). New planes start with a +Y normal.

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Position

Set where the plane sits with the Position X / Y / Z fields, or drag the Position Along Axis slider (0.00 to 1.00) to slide the plane through the model along its normal. You can also drag the plane directly in the viewport using its gizmo. A preview appears in the viewport.

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Cap holes

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

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Keep both sides

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

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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

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Key types

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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

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The two pieces

Executing a keyed cut produces one sealed, printable piece per side — each carrying the matching alignment keys so the parts line up cleanly when you assemble them.
First cut piece: the base, with alignment key pegs on the cut face

Part 1 — with alignment keys

Second cut piece: the upper section, with alignment keys on the cut face

Part 2 — with matching keys

Switch between the results with the Cut Result and Cut Result Piece2 tabs under the viewer, or All to see both together.

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Step by step

1

Select the Cut tool

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

Set the cut orientation

Pick a Normal preset (+X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, or -Z), or enter a normal vector.
3

Position the cutting plane

Drag the Position Along Axis slider or the plane gizmo in the viewport — you’ll see a preview plane.
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.

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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