Direct Dimension Editing with Directional Controls
h
hong
[Feature Request] Enhancing Dimensioning Workflow: Face-to-Face Selection and Directional Editing (Inspired by SolidEdge)
First of all, I am a huge fan of Plasticity. Since the 1.4 update, the Dimension and Measure tool has been a game-changer. However, coming from a CAD background (SolidEdge, SolidWorks), I believe there are a few key enhancements that would make Plasticity’s non-destructive/history-free workflow even more powerful.
- Support for Face-to-Face Dimensioning
Currently, dimensions are primarily created by selecting Vertices or Edges. While this works, it would be much more efficient to allow Face-to-Face selection.
Why? In many design scenarios, faces provide a larger "hit box" making them easier to select than thin edges.
- Directional Dimension Editing (The "SolidEdge Style" Toggle)
The biggest hurdle currently is the lack of control over how a model reacts when a dimension value is changed. In SolidEdge’s Synchronous Modeling, when you double-click a dimension, a small pop-up appears with three arrow options (see attached image):
Left Arrow: Fixes the right side and moves the left side.
Right Arrow: Fixes the left side and moves the right side.
Center/Symmetric Arrow: Scales the dimension equally from the center.
In a history-free environment like Plasticity, this "Steering" feature for dimensions would be revolutionary. It gives the user absolute control over the transformation without needing a complex history tree.
- Efficient Editing via Outliner
Currently, created dimensions appear in the Outliner.
I suggest making these dimensions editable directly from the Outliner—either by double-clicking the item or via a "Edit Dimension" option in the right-click context menu.
This would significantly speed up the workflow when managing multiple measurements.
- Why this fits Plasticity
Many users miss a traditional history-based parametric system. However, by implementing these Direct Editing Dimension features, Plasticity can bridge the gap. We don't necessarily need a full history tree if we can precisely control geometry through smart, directional dimensioning.
Plasticity is already the best tool for fluid surface modeling. Adding this level of precision in dimension editing would make it an unbeatable powerhouse for both artistic and functional design.
For a visual reference of SolidEdge's synchronous modeling in action,
please see this video:
I would love to hear what other users think about this! If you find yourself struggling to control which side of your model moves when changing a dimension, please upvote!
Nick Kallen
You can dimension the distance between two faces in Plasticity by selecting the two parallel faces and running the "dimension" command (d). The order you select the faces determines which stays still and which moves. Does this not satisfy your use-case?
h
hong
Nick Kallen Thank you for the clarification.
I honestly did not realize before that selecting two faces and pressing D allows me to place a dimension centered between them and adjust the length symmetrically. That is very helpful, and I truly appreciate you pointing this out. This will definitely make my workflow smoother.
That said, I would still like to share an additional feature request.
I primarily use Blender 3D and SolidWorks, and while I work in product design, both tools have their own limitations. Plasticity has been extremely valuable to me because of how intuitive and powerful it is for complex surface modeling. However, I still experience some friction when it comes to editing dimensions after they have been created.
If dimensions could be edited simply by clicking or double-clicking them—similar to the workflow in Solid Edge—it would significantly improve usability.
In particular, as I mentioned in my original post, the ability to define a reference side or direction directly from the dimension itself before changing its value would greatly accelerate the modeling process.
Selecting two faces and pressing D is already a well-designed and convenient workflow.
In addition to this, being able to edit geometry directly through persistent dimensions—when frequent checks or iterative adjustments are needed—would further improve precision and efficiency.
In Solid Edge’s history-free synchronous modeling, dimensions can remain active during modeling. When a dimension becomes invalid due to geometry changes, it clearly reports an error, and unnecessary dimensions can simply be deleted. This makes dimension-driven editing very flexible and reliable even without a traditional history tree.
I believe a similar approach would fit extremely well with Plasticity’s philosophy.
S
Scott Stephens
I'd still like t see a history based parametric feature like SolidEdge, that users can turn on or off like Fusion360.
But dimensioning to a face, offset from a face etc it improves workflow and just how some of us work who come from a more Parametric background,