topic Re: Section View, SectionPlane Functions in AutoCAD Forum

Section View, SectionPlane Functions

Joachim.Seiz — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:31:51 GMT

Hello,

I'm looking here for a function in AutoCAD to use the live-section function mutiple times in viewports. Or is there any other function available to create associative section views from a 3D model in a layout. Ideally with descriptions and section lines in a top view. But I would be happy to get only the section views automatically.

I have done some research already and I know the command VIEWBASE, the function SECTIONPLANE and LIVESECTION, but both is not suitable for my use case:

VIEWBASE: At first, this function is what I need. But this function is not sufficent for my use case in construction, as well as for bigger models. An by using this function the file sizes increases by factor 7.
SECTIONPLANE: I don't want to create 2D-Sections in my model space. That's not practicable. And finally these sections are not even associative.
SOLVIEW/SOLDRAW: I also came across the functions SOLVIEW and SOLDRAW, but both isn't suitable either.

Has anyone an idea? Maybe is there a plugin available? Or ist this really all AutoCAD can do?

I have done also some online research before, but I haven't been successful so far.

My current solution: Using 3DCLIP and SECTION command, a lot of manually time consuming work but the best I know so far.

By the way, I'm using AutoCAD 2026.

Re: Section View, SectionPlane Functions

jreidKVSUZ — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:58:36 GMT

Good day.

To do what you are wanting, you may want to upgrade to AutoCAD MEP. MEP has auto section view updating. Works great.

Yes, standard AutoCAD (often referred to as "vanilla" AutoCAD) has section view capabilities, but they function differently than the specialized, automated AEC object-aware tools in AutoCAD MEP. While MEP is designed to automatically generate sections of pipes/ducts, standard AutoCAD uses the VIEWSECTION command on 3D solids to create 2D projected section views. Google: is there section views in autocad like in autocad mep That will give you a better explanation and a video.

Hope this helps!!

Thanks, JRR!

Re: Section View, SectionPlane Functions

BhaskarMurari — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:24:38 GMT

@Joachim.Seiz AutoCAD does not natively provide a function to create associative section views directly in a layout with descriptions and section lines in a top view.

Re: Section View, SectionPlane Functions

rosie_lucas1 — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:49:05 GMT

Hello @Joachim.Seiz,

Did the responses shared by @jreidKVSUZ and @BhaskarMurari help clarify your question?

If so, kindly click the "Accept Solution" button on the post(s) that solved your problem. Doing so helps others in the community easily find useful answers.

If your question still needs more attention, feel free to reply here with an update. This way, other members can provide suggestions or guidance to help you move forward.

All the best,

Rosie | Community Manager

Re: Section View, SectionPlane Functions

Joachim.Seiz — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 07:29:34 GMT

@jreidKVSUZ: Thank you for your answer. I noticed that also AutoCAD Architecture offers a similar function.

@BhaskarMurari: Thank you, this is for me also an acceptable answer. It's enough for me to know that I don't have to search any further.