topic Re: Subtracting to solids doesn't seem to work in AutoCAD Forum

Subtracting to solids doesn't seem to work

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 17:45:19 GMT

I've created a new scene and 2 solids, a box and a cylinder.

Typing "subtract" pressing enter, then selecting the cylinder, then box then enter doesn't to anything.

This is my FIRST time with AutoCAD.

What to do?

Re: Subtracting to solids doesn't seem to work

nestly2 — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 17:53:18 GMT

Welcome to the Autodesk forums.

The command line often indicates what happened when a command fails. What does the Command line say (use F2 to bring up the command history you're using a single line command line)

Also, which version of AutoCAD?

Re: Subtracting to solids doesn't seem to work

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 20:08:48 GMT

It's likely the two solid bodies do not intersect. You can examine your geometry by viewing the object in the front, top, and side view as well as using the Orbit command to look at the geometry from varying viewpoints.

Re: Subtracting to solids doesn't seem to work

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 21:53:29 GMT

I'm using autocad 2015.
There's no error it just keeps saying select objects.
Both objects intersect as they have xyz 0 and the cylinder is bigger than the box.

Re: Subtracting to solids doesn't seem to work

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 22:07:11 GMT

You might want to enlarge the command line text area (press F2) it should be reporting something indicating why it is not subtracting Examine the properties to confirm they are a 3DSolid or perform a LIST command. Perhaps they were turned into a Block?

And, just to confirm your selection sequence when you perform the subtraction: You issue the SUBTRACT command, Select the object(s) to subtract "from" and press enter, then you pick objects that will be subtracted.

Re: Subtracting to solids doesn't seem to work

JDMather — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 22:33:33 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:

I've created a new scene and 2 solids, a box and a cylinder.

Typing "subtract" pressing enter, then selecting the cylinder (then press Enter), then box then enter doesn't to anything.

What to do?

As noted by Patrick - there is a step missing from your description.

What do to?

1. Read and follow the command line instructions at each step.

2. If you still can't get it to work - attach your *.dwg file here and end all doubt.

Re: Subtracting to solids doesn't seem to work

nestly2 — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 23:02:44 GMT

Depending on the Visual Style, it's possible that it "appears" nothing is happening, when in fact the SUBTRACTion worked as expected.

Re: Subtracting to solids doesn't seem to work

Anonymous — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 10:12:08 GMT

Thank you all. It was clearly a newbee mistake with my missing "enter"-press. Thank you. I'm quite amazed on the responds and help found here.

Re: Subtracting to solids doesn't seem to work

Anonymous — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 02:34:49 GMT

OMG. This was driving me crazy. I could union, intersect but NOT subtract!! Thank you.

Re: Subtracting to solids doesn't seem to work

scott.harris1961 — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 07:55:40 GMT

Sometimes when subtracting solids you select all and it won't subtract the selected solid

Only select what you are subtracting from first. Then selact the solid you are subtracting.