Bridge
Table of contents:
Introduction
Bridge
Let's talk about the Bridge tool. In other applications, similar functionality is commonly referred to as Loft, Bridge or Bridge Edge Loops. While the naming may vary, the function remains the same: it creates new geometry by connecting two or more profiles and generating surfaces or solids that smoothly transition between them.
In SelfCAD, the Bridge tool can be found in the Tools section of the main Toolbar. It allows you to connect selected profiles, edges, or shapes with a continuous surface. It generates faces between the chosen elements, forming a smooth transition that follows their contours. This makes it especially useful for joining separate parts of a model, filling gaps between edge loops, and creating simple, flowing shapes from existing geometry.
Unlike Modify or Deform tools, the Tools category focuses on generating new geometry based on structured inputs. In this article, we'll explore how to use the Bridge tool effectively and create smooth, customizable forms from multiple profiles.
Select profiles
The first step of using any modeling tool is selecting the profiles or objects on which you want to use it. You can select them 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. You can Draw profiles with the help of Freehand and 3D Sketch.
Activate the tool
Once the objects are positioned and selected, you can access the tool itself. To activate the Bridge tool, you need to select it from the Tools drop-down list in the Main Toolbar or use a shortcut by using the 'T+E' combination on your keyboard. This way, you’ll open a Tool Setting Panel with all of the customizable options for this feature on the left-hand side of your screen.
Segment List
The first section of the Bridge tool is called Segment List. Here, you will find a list of all available profiles, where you can select them and add Rotation to the Bridge. You can also drag the profiles to switch up the order in which they will connect.
Linear
Enabling this option creates the simplest, straight connections between the profiles using triangular faces. Disabling this option enabled the Smoothness setting that offers a different kind of flexibility.
Smoothness
Smoothness uses quads for faces, which allows you to round the connection between segments, offering a more smooth design, transitioning smoothly from segment to segment.
Fill First + Last
Fill First and Fill Last serve as another option to make the object manifold. Enabling each of those options will close the first and the last profile, respectively, with a polygon, which will close the Bridge at both, thus creating a solid.
Close Shape
Close Shape works a little like adding thickness to the object. Enabling this option will connect the first profile with the last one, which will add volume to the object and make it manifold. It will also create a wildly different shape, so use it with care.
And that’s about it for the Bridge. 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 profiles 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!