Boolean Operations
Table of contents:
Introduction
Boolean
Union
Difference
Intersection
Let's talk about the Boolean tool, previously known in SelfCAD as Stitch & Scoop. In other applications, this functionality is commonly referred to as Boolean, Boolean Operations, or Combine. While the naming may vary, the function remains the same: it performs operations such as Union, Subtract, and Intersect on overlapping models to create new geometry.
In SelfCAD, the Boolean tool can be found in the main Toolbar, right after the Modify tools. It allows you to use intersecting objects to either merge them into a single solid, remove one shape from another, or keep only their overlapping volume. In practice, this enables users to create complex mechanical parts, cut precise holes, design interlocking components, build architectural forms, and construct detailed models by combining or subtracting simpler shapes.
Unlike tools that modify a single object directly, Boolean operations rely on the interaction between two or more overlapping models to generate new geometry. This makes the Boolean tool essential for efficiently building complex structures. In this article, we'll explore how to use Boolean operations effectively to combine and reshape your models.
Select the objects
The first step of using any modeling tool is selecting the object on which you want to use it. Boolean works similarly, but it requires you to select at least two objects, and for this tool to work as intended, those objects have to intersect with each other. You can select objects by either left-clicking on them in the workspace or by selecting them in the Object Management section, in the right-side panel. The second option has an in-built search engine, which is extremely useful when you are working with multiple objects.
Activate the tool
Once the object is selected, you can access the tool itself. To activate the Stitch and Scoop tool, you need to select it from the Main Toolbar or use a shortcut by pressing the ‘B' letter on your keyboard. This way, you will open a Tool Setting panel with all of the available boolean operations available for this tool on the left side of your screen.
Boolean: Union
Union is probably the most common use of the Boolean tool and the most popular boolean operation in any software. It allows you to merge the intersected models into one while keeping the geometry 'clean'. It means that you will not find any leftover edges inside the object, and the Union will get rid of any Duplicates.
Boolean: Difference
Difference is the second use of the Boolean tool, and it allows you to subtract shapes from one another. In SelfCAD, you will notice a drop-down list, where you can select which models will be subtracted. By default, the subtracted models will be deleted. However, there is an option that allows you to save them. You can do so by enabling the Keep subtracted objects option before finalizing the Difference.
Boolean: Intersection
Intersection is the last use of the Boolean tool, and it is the exact opposite of the Exclusion. With Intersection, you will erase everything other than the intersected parts of the models. Just like before, the software will take care of any duplicates and leftover topology.
And that’s about it for the Boolean and the boolean operations. After reading this article, you should know the basics of this tool and how to use it, and know about its different applications. Of course, the graphics shown here were just examples, and using this tool on other shapes will give you slightly different effects, but its underlying principles will always stay the same.
That's all I have for you today. I wish you success in your future projects. See you, and stay tuned for more content to come.