SUBTRACT Command

SUBTRACT Command

Creates as a new object by subtracting one overlapping region or 3D solid from another. 

With SUBTRACT, you can create a 3D solid by subtracting one set of existing 3D solids from another, overlapping set. You can create a 2D region object by subtracting one set of existing region objects from another, overlapping set. 
Using SUBTRACT with 3D surfaces is not recommended. Use the SURFTRIM command instead. 

Select the objects that you want to keep, press Enter, then select the objects that you want to subtract. 


Objects in the second selection set are subtracted from objects in the first selection set. A single new 3D solid or surface is created. 


When subtracting regions, objects in the second selection set are subtracted from objects in the first selection set, and a single new region is created. 


You cannot use SUBTRACT with mesh objects. However, if you select a mesh object, you will be prompted to convert it to a 3D solid or surface. 

The following prompts are displayed: 
Select Objects (To Subtract From) 
Specifies the 3D solids, surfaces, or regions to be modified by subtraction. 
Select Objects (To Subtract)
Specifies the 3D solids, surfaces, or regions to subtract. 

Powered by AutoCAD®


    • Related Articles

    • HATCH Command

      Fills an enclosed area or selected objects with a hatch pattern, solid fill, or gradient fill.  When the ribbon is active, the Hatch Creation contextual tab is displayed. When the ribbon is off, the Hatch and Gradient dialog box is displayed. If you ...

    • 3DROTATE Command

      In a 3D view, displays the 3D Rotate gizmo to aid in revolving 3D objects around a base point.  With the 3D Rotate gizmo, you can drag to rotate selected objects and sub-objects freely or constrain the rotation to an axis.  If the visual style ...

    • 3DMOVE Command

      In a 3D view, displays the 3D Move gizmo to aid in moving 3D objects a specified distance in a specified direction.  With the 3D Move gizmo, you can move selected objects and sub-objects freely or constrain the movement to an axis or plane.  If the ...

    • REVOLVE Command

      Creates a 3D solid or surface by sweeping an object around an axis.  Open profiles create surfaces and closed profiles can create either a solid or a surface. The Mode option controls whether a solid or a surface is created. When creating a surface, ...

    • AutoCAD Keyboard Commands

      Learning how to use AutoCAD keyboard commands can help you work faster and improve your efficiency. This article lists the abbreviated commands that can be used in AutoCAD (Toolbox). Toggle General Features Ctrl+G Toggle Grid Ctrl+E Cycle isometric ...

    • Recent Articles

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 25.1.0213.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 25.1.0213.641. Stay Down Nesting Additions 3 new settings have been added to Stay Down Nesting, to resolve specific issues with routes and connectors that have been reported: Fig. 1: New options in ...

    • Toolbox Release Notes: Year of 2024

      This document will catalog all releases for Microvellum Toolbox software builds that were released in the year 2024. This encompasses builds 24.1.0104.641 to 24.1.1206.641. Toolbox Release Notes | Build 24.1.1206.641 The following release notes apply ...

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 25.1.0129.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 25.1.0129.641. SMA Fixes A wide variety of issues with the Solid Model Analyzer have been resolved. Multiple modifications to existing interfaces or settings have been made to improve precision and ...

    • Microvellum Foundation Library Release Notes | Build 25.0124

      The following release notes apply to Microvellum Foundation Library build 25.0124. Additions Added Century Components Waste Bins, Vanity Organizers, and Base Cabinet Organizers. 11”, 14”, 17” Signature Series Bottom Mount 34qt & 50qt. 4”, 5”, 6”, 9”, ...

    • SQL Server Backups

      This article will list out the various types of backups you can create for databases hosted on an SQL Server, explore methods for creating backups manually and automatically, as well as list software/services that may assist you with backing up your ...