--- title: Tools and Features slug: software/tools-and-features description: Discover the wide range of tools and features offered by Carbon Design Engine software in this comprehensive summary. From adaptivity to zones, this document provides a brief description of each tool, and a convenient link for more detailed information. docTags: createdAt: 2024-05-23T18:09:52.838Z --- All Tools & Features are summarized below to help you assess what you need for your application. Review this list and then click the title to read the detailed information for the feature. ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636198/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/adapativity.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Adaptivity" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Adaptivity](docId\:bRvmOw6LOHBP06yIA5N0k) Analyzes thickness measurements and provides a recommended maximum cell size. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636197/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/add-shape_cube.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Add Shape" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Add Shape](docId\:OUc3sfErqDSUQDeguVIBz) Adds a basic shape (cube, cylinder or sphere) to assist in creating multiple zones without additional CAD work in your original part file. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636197/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/Analysis_lattice_quality.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Analysis" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Analysis](docId\:xtN8Td3DzR4G7acDr8_3b) Analyzes a strut lattice to provide adaptivity feeback on the cell size(s) used. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636199/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/solidify.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Apply Base" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Apply Base](docId\:GOPjF6dmSrJFBPp1dSNCS) Creates a flat surface on the base struts to ensure platform adhesion during printing. *Accessed via Solidify* ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636192/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/automate_workflow.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Automation" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Automation](docId\:aZjqW4TZCAxu_8RmrIKNJ) Runs an automation program with specified input types via API. *Contact Carbon for assistance* ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/boolean-ops.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Boolean Operations" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Boolean Operations](docId\:JuhvzNbNICb8p1WyciPnm) Union, Difference, and Intersection can be used to create complex shapes using the interface of multiple input models. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636199/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/strut-lattice.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Boundary Struts" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Boundary Struts](docId\:LSZNA83JoRyttKyWgHkce) Allows you to set the diameter for all struts on the surface of the lattice. *Accessed via Strut Lattice* ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636199/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/strut-lattice.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Cell Size Adaptivity" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Cell Size Adaptivity](docId\:UpBQxWWLjaafbScteZwEd) Enables better conformity to smaller features in the design space by allowing smaller cell sizes on the surface. *Accessed via Strut Lattice* ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636196/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/combine.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Combine" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Combine](docId\:tSKaFppSuI9_X5xWyNu7K) Merges separate parts (individual STL mesh files) into one mesh file for printing. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636192/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/decimate.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Decimate" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Decimate](docId\:v_ZZJZ5HeJ2YC-La4dPk9) Simplifies surface mesh complexity by reducing the number of vertices and triangles. Recommended for meshes >50MB. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/Difference.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Difference" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Difference](docId\:JuhvzNbNICb8p1WyciPnm) Removes the overlapping areas of one or more models from one specified model. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636192/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/edit-strut-lattice_custom_lattice.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Edit Strut Lattice" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Edit Strut Lattice](docId:5lIpVKkLMW4AdtrleeGaG) Deletes, modifies, or adds individual struts. *Accessed via generated strut lattice mesh menu* ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636192/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/extract-patch_surface_fill.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Extract Patch" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Extract Patch](docId\:x7Oz62EQ1tqD2OXHY5ujD) Extracts a surface patch from a part to use in applicable tools & features. *Accessed via related operations* ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636199/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/strut-lattice.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Feature Edges" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Feature Edges](docId\:efUJ_MzbAimttVmCsb7V9) Applies an additional strut to defined edges. *Accessed via Strut Lattice* ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636196/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/hex.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Hex Mesh" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Hex Mesh](docId:2s1MLNX3Yfvzt6F5Rge5h) Creates a hexahedron mesh for the lattice's 3-dimensional scaffold. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/Intersection.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Intersection" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Intersection](docId\:JuhvzNbNICb8p1WyciPnm) Creates a new model that is the overlapping area of two or more models. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717696272/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/lattice-search.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Lattice Search" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Lattice Search](docId\:LlWKO8SuVfs2j3cEjz6YR) Finds unit cells to meet the performance and aesthetic criteria for your designs in Design Engine's metamaterials library. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636195/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/offset.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Offset" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Offset](docId:5VOJDsScE3JSUfQR1Wl_Z) Offsets the surface of a boundary mesh (design space) directly in the software at a specified distance. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636199/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/strut-lattice.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Point Cloud" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Point Cloud](docId\:uvxYrt8Rzi2lqv6s-OuGc) Translates CSV point data into lattice parameters. *Accessed via Strut Lattice* ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636195/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/remesh.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Remesh" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Remesh](docId\:v4RVWkWedoB2G-nQfpvAs) Outputs a new mesh with more regular triangles. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636194/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/rotate_orient.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Rotate" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Rotate](docId\:sQ0wdRYkJXRRSwpQ_kNyz) Rotates the input mesh (design space) to assist in getting the results you want from other tools & features. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636194/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/scale.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Scale" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Scale](docId\:dSaWelg3sNgwFSkwae-1L) Scales the input mesh (design space) to assist in getting the results you want from other tools & features. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636199/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/solidify.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Sides per Strut" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Sides per Strut](docId\:IFzIE8IlFQ8rW8lVxx9qm) Controls the number of facets comprising the cross section of a strut for a rounder aesthetic than the default of 6 sides. *Accessed via Solidify* ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636199/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/solidify.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Solidify" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Solidify](docId\:pCwFrPen5GnTNB9INmFIB) Converts a strut lattice to a printable STL mesh. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636199/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/strut-lattice.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Strut Lattice" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Strut Lattice](docId\:IDhmaxmVU97UzzIHV0Pdk) Creates a strut lattice as a collection of lines and nodes per specified parameters. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636199/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/strut-lattice.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Surafce Isotropy" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Surface Isotropy](docId\:KmFVMEZlPFajUcdya-etQ) Provides more pattern uniformity across the surface of the lattice. *Accessed via Strut Lattice* ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636199/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/strut-lattice.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Surface Tolerance" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Surface Tolerance](docId\:Q4i9ZSwazXVE-WDQxkKP9) Provides fine tuning of the lattice pattern on the surface. *Accessed via Strut Lattice* ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636199/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/strut-lattice.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Symmetry" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Symmetry](docId\:xGFWSu4xHaMedcbyPuFnf) Allows choice of symmetry around a selected XYZ axis or plane. *Accessed via Strut Lattice* ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636198/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/texture.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Texture" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Texture](docId\:kZYsdZ5GGoWa_aJxP-az2) Applies noise or pattern texture to a part's surface. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636193/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/thickness.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Thickness" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Thickness](docId:_TCpiWy80_Ss1HXVrjWxq) Analyzes your design space and provides thickness measurements across the surface of a boundary mesh. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636193/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/translate_layout.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Translate" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Translate](docId\:Wm3GnN9ImUPHhb6i_A_nP) Moves the input mesh (design space) along XYZ world coordinates. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/union.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Union" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Union](docId\:JuhvzNbNICb8p1WyciPnm) Merges the overlapping areas of two or more models into a single model. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636193/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/trim.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Trim" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Trim](docId\:uydTCMwoLksw6rwSV2yHA) Removes all material outside the specified boundary mesh. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1717636199/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Tools-Features/strut-lattice.png" size="20" width="100" height="100" position="center" alt="Zones" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Zones](docId\:eFk8RIevt0JGCmQHe2IFV) Applies different lattice parameters across multiple zones within your lattice. *Accessed via Strut Lattice* ::: ::::