How do you use a 3D component as the cross-section in Extrude and Weave, and how does shape orientation affect the result?

Overview

Extrude and Weave can use an existing 3D component as the repeating shape along drive rails instead of a drawn cross-section vector. This unlocks repeating pattern borders, scallop borders, and tiled decorative motifs. The orientation of the source component in the 2D view directly controls the result. For the other options in the tool, see the entry on how Extrude and Weave works.

Switching to Component Mode

In the form, select Use a Component under Cross Sections / Sweep Interior. A dropdown lists all components in the Component Tree. Select the component to use. You cannot pick it from the 3D view or the Component Tree while the form is open, so use the dropdown only.

To activate it: select the drive rail vector(s) and click Use Selection, then choose Use a Component. By default the dropdown shows the first component in the Component Tree, or the selected component if the form was opened with one component selected. A preview of the extrusion appears in the 2D view.

Stretch vs. Fill With Multiple Copies

Stretch to drive rail length: one copy of the component is stretched along the full length of the drive rail. Good for continuous flowing organic shapes.

Fill with multiple copies: the component keeps its original size and is repeated along the rail. Set an Overlap percentage to make each copy overlap the previous one (overlapping pieces are merged), and tick Flip alternate copies to mirror every other copy. This is the mode for repeating scallop borders, tile patterns, and decorative motifs. Because the copies are not resized to fit, change the component's own size if you want a different number of repeats.

Use cases:

• A carved rosette repeated along a curved border, or a leaf motif repeated to make a continuous vine
• A scale shape repeated for a scale texture
• An existing molding section extruded around a curved frame, or a half-round bead component extruded along an irregular curve
• Weave with components: two crossing sets of drive rails with a 3D rope component make a woven rope pattern where the strand is a real 3D shape and not just a vector circle. The Weave option works with either vector or component extrusions, and the order of the weave is set by the direction of the first vector picked as a drive rail (Reverse Rail on that vector swaps it). A round rope or strand-shaped component gives the most convincing result. See the entry on the Weave option for the over and under settings.

Shape Orientation Is Critical

The direction and rotation of the component in the 2D view determines how it appears when extruded. The X-axis direction of the component governs how it flows positively along the drive rail, so position it facing left to right. Before extruding, rotate or position the component so its front (the direction you want to go forward along the rail) lines up with the X axis. A scallop facing vertically produces vertical scallops along the rail. Rotating it 90 degrees makes horizontal scallops.

If the result looks wrong, close the form, rotate the source component in the 2D view, and apply again.

Adding Tilt for Overlapping Effects

When copies are the same height, they sit flat side by side. To create overlapping fish-scale or shingle effects:

1. Close Extrude and Weave after applying
2. Double-click the resulting component to open Component Properties
3. Enable Tilt, click Set Anchor, then click two points in the 3D view (the pivot first, then the end to raise)
4. Set a small angle and check the preview
5. The copies now overlap each other progressively

Apply Tilt in Component Properties (not in the Create Shape form) so it stays adjustable until you bake the component.

Practical Scallop Border Workflow

1. Create a scallop dome shape with Create Shape
2. Open Extrude and Weave and select the border rectangle as the rail
3. Switch to Use a Component and select the scallop
4. Choose Fill with multiple copies and set the Overlap
5. Apply. If the orientation is wrong, close, rotate the scallop 90 degrees, and apply again
6. After applying, open Component Properties and add a small Tilt for an overlap effect