> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.3dpreppro.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cut Mesh

> Slice your model into pieces with optional interlocking keys

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.

<Frame caption="Cutting a model with the Cut tool">
  <video autoPlay loop muted playsInline controls poster="/images/editor/tools/cut-demo-poster.jpg" className="w-full rounded-2xl" src="https://mintcdn.com/alphaworks/ovWnUpkEFn4EqZKR/images/editor/tools/cut-demo.mp4?fit=max&auto=format&n=ovWnUpkEFn4EqZKR&q=85&s=d7261c620b4fe4b5e5e1d3b9ed481b31" data-path="images/editor/tools/cut-demo.mp4" />
</Frame>

## 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

### 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.

### 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.

### Cap holes

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

### Keep both sides

Toggle (default: on). 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.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/alphaworks/4GKl9wpYAwI5IRWf/images/editor/tools/cut-keys.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=4GKl9wpYAwI5IRWf&q=85&s=1066c403dc5a044da82ee3f6c4fa4fb0" alt="Four interlocking key types: Pin, Dovetail, Snap, Puzzle" width="700" height="1614" data-path="images/editor/tools/cut-keys.png" />
</Frame>

### Key types

| Type         | Description                     | Best for                          |
| ------------ | ------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| **Pin**      | Cylindrical peg and hole        | Universal, easiest to print       |
| **Dovetail** | Trapezoidal cross-section       | Strong, self-aligning             |
| **Snap**     | Mushroom-shaped ball and socket | Clicks into place, no glue needed |
| **Puzzle**   | T-shaped interlock              | Very 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

## 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.

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Frame caption="Part 1 — with alignment keys">
    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/alphaworks/ovWnUpkEFn4EqZKR/images/editor/tools/cut-part-1.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=ovWnUpkEFn4EqZKR&q=85&s=ec66232ccfb9005f4f8e10af8e46e539" alt="First cut piece: the base, with alignment key pegs on the cut face" width="1100" height="776" data-path="images/editor/tools/cut-part-1.jpg" />
  </Frame>

  <Frame caption="Part 2 — with matching keys">
    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/alphaworks/ovWnUpkEFn4EqZKR/images/editor/tools/cut-part-2.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=ovWnUpkEFn4EqZKR&q=85&s=ce32de7acf2ebeb4020b97feee93f190" alt="Second cut piece: the upper section, with alignment keys on the cut face" width="1100" height="789" data-path="images/editor/tools/cut-part-2.jpg" />
  </Frame>
</Columns>

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

## Step by step

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select the Cut tool">
    Click **Cut** in the Interactive Tools section of the toolbar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the cut orientation">
    Pick a Normal preset (+X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, or -Z), or enter a normal vector.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Position the cutting plane">
    Drag the Position Along Axis slider or the plane gizmo in the viewport — you'll see a preview plane.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable Keep Both Sides">
    Toggle on if you want both halves saved.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add keys (optional)">
    Enable keys and choose a type for assembly-friendly cuts.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Execute the cut">
    Click **Execute Cut**. Download the pieces from the results.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 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