Edges

Edges let you push or pull one side of a part without moving the part’s center.

A positive value extends an edge.
A negative value retracts an edge.

At first, this may sound similar to resizing a part. In some cases, you could resize the part and get a similar final shape. The difference is that resizing changes the part’s dimensions around its center, while edge changes adjust only the selected edge.

Edges vs. Resizing

Imagine you want the top of a box to overhang the front by:

12mm

With a dimension and position workflow, you would need to:

1. Increase the part size by 12mm.
2. Move the part forward so the extra material appears only on the front.
3. Check the result.
4. Adjust again if needed.

With edges, you simply add:

Front edge: 12mm

The front edge extends, and the part center stays where it is.

This makes edges useful for quick design changes and visual experimentation.

Positive Edge Values

Positive values extend an edge outward.

Use positive edge values for things like:

• Overhangs
• Tabletops
• Lids
• Decorative lips
• Extended fronts
• Larger panels that still keep their original center position

For example, extending the front, back, left, or right edge of a top panel can turn a plain box into something that starts to look more like furniture.

Negative Edge Values

Negative values retract an edge inward.

This can be used for more than just making a part smaller. Negative edges can also help create rabbets, pockets, and hidden joinery effects.

For example, in a 12mm project, setting an edge to:

-4mm

can create a 4mm pocket-like effect in the face, depending on the part and how the intersection is configured.

Creating Rabbets and Hidden Fingers

Negative edge values can be useful when finger settings are simple, such as a finger count of 1.

In some part combinations, one part cuts through another part. By retracting an edge with a negative value, you can create a pocket instead of a full through-cut.

This can be useful for:

• Rabbets
• Shallow pockets
• Hidden fingers
• Cleaner outside faces
• Joinery that does not show through the finished part

Normally, fingers may pass all the way through a part and remain visible. With negative edge adjustments, you can sometimes create a hidden or partially recessed joint instead.

When Edges Are Best

Edges are great when you want to quickly try a shape without recalculating the part’s center position.

Use edges when you want to:

• Add an overhang
• Pull one side back
• Create a lip
• Create a shallow recess
• Experiment with proportions
• Adjust one side without affecting the opposite side

If you like the result, you can keep the edge settings as-is.

Or, if you want a more exact model based on size and position, you can later apply the same idea using part dimensions and positioning, then remove the edge adjustment.

When to Use Dimensions and Position Instead

Edges can become a little confusing when you need precise numeric alignment between multiple parts.

If you are trying to line up exact faces, centers, or reference points between parts, the dimension and position workflow may be clearer.

Use dimensions and position when you need:

• Exact part size
• Exact part center
• Precise alignment with another part
• Predictable numeric placement
• Repeatable reference-point control

Use edges when you want quick, local changes to one side of a part.

The Main Idea

Edges push or pull individual sides of a part.

They do not move the part center.

Positive values extend. Negative values retract.

Use them for overhangs, rabbets, hidden fingers, and fast design experiments.