GEOMETRY · MEASUREMENT
Measure CAD geometry in the browser
Check a model’s dimensions without estimating from the 3D view. 3DXDE separates CAD geometry measurements from approximate mesh results and identifies unavailable properties instead of treating them as zero.
Select an object for automatic properties, or open the Measure tool to compare targets and inspect an annotation in the viewport.
Inspect one object
Read supported lengths, radii, areas and closed-solid volumes. Available fields depend on the selected geometry.
Compare targets
Use two CAD targets for supported minimum distances, or choose exact point features for point-to-point measurements.
Read units clearly
Choose millimetres, centimetres, metres or inches, an optional secondary unit and a display precision.
Step-by-step
Load a model and verify its scale
Open STEP, IGES or BREP for CAD geometry, or a supported mesh format for approximate results. STEP and IGES read source units; unitless inputs need the correct import unit.
Choose a selection filter
Select a part, face, edge or vertex. Inspect shows the available properties for a single object; an assembly group does not provide an aggregate solid volume.
Open Measure
Use Auto mode for one or two targets. Click the required geometry or a visible snap feature. Remove a target from the list when you want to replace it.
Check the result type
Read the Exact or Approximate label and any unavailable reason. A CAD minimum distance and a mesh picked-point distance describe different quantities.
Adjust the readout or measure an angle
Change display units and precision without rescaling the model. For a three-point angle, choose three distinct points in order; the second point is the angle vertex. CAD points must be supported exact vertices or snap features.
Match the measurement to the geometry
| Selection | Available properties, when supported |
|---|---|
| CAD geometric part | Surface area and volume of a valid closed solid. |
| CAD face | Area and boundary perimeter; radius and diameter for supported cylindrical or spherical faces. |
| CAD edge | Length; radius, diameter and center coordinates for circular edges or arcs. |
| CAD vertex or exact snap | Original assembly coordinates and point-based measurements. |
| Mesh geometry | Approximate properties derived from triangles or picked points; no analytic radius. |
Read the right kind of distance
For CAD geometry, minimum distance refers to the selected shapes. Circular edges may also offer center distance; two cylindrical faces may offer distance between their infinite axes. These are distinct values, not alternative labels for the gap between physical surfaces.
Mesh distance uses the points actually picked or snapped. It is not the shortest distance between entire surfaces. XYZ components, when available, describe the active distance annotation’s endpoints in the original assembly coordinates.
Exact geometry does not mean unlimited accuracy
An Exact label means the value is computed from supported CAD geometry rather than the display tessellation. It still depends on the source model, its tolerances and supported geometric entities. More displayed decimal places do not improve the source geometry.
An open or invalid solid has no validated volume. Mesh volume also requires a suitable closed, consistently oriented mesh within the validation limit. Bounding dimensions and triangle-derived values remain approximate.
Measurement uses original model coordinates. View rotation, sectioning and hiding do not alter those coordinates; entering Measure resets an exploded presentation. A display-unit change affects formatting, not the model or its exports.
Your files stay in your browser
3DXDE reads the files you select and processes model geometry locally in your browser. Model files are not uploaded or saved to a cloud file history. No account is required. The browser still downloads the application and its processing resources when needed.
Referenced files must be included in your selected file group. Missing files, ambiguous names and references outside that group are rejected; model references are not fetched from external websites. Refreshing the page clears the loaded model, so keep your original files and any exports you download.
The public website uses Google Analytics for basic page-visit statistics, including browser identifiers and cookies. Model files, filenames, file paths and geometry are excluded from analytics. Forms, model downloads and model interactions are not tracked.
Common questions
Can I measure STL files?
Yes, with approximate mesh properties. Distance is based on actual picked points, and a triangulated circle does not provide an exact analytic radius.
Why is volume unavailable?
A valid closed solid is required for CAD volume. Mesh volume may be unavailable for an open, inconsistently oriented or too-large mesh. The reason is shown rather than substituting zero.
Which points can I use for a CAD three-point angle?
Use exact CAD vertices or available endpoint, midpoint and circle-center snaps. Arbitrary points on displayed surface triangles are not accepted as exact CAD angle points. All three points must be distinct.
Will changing millimetres to inches change my exported model?
No. Measure display units only change the readout. Import units determine how unitless source coordinates are interpreted; exporting is a separate operation.