Patch Tools (Plus roofs and ramps)

Patch modeling is a way of building 3D shapes by defining smooth surface "patches" that are stitched together at their edges to cover a complex form. Each patch is controlled by a grid of points you can push and pull to sculpt the surface, similar to how a tent is shaped by its poles. It's commonly used because it produces very smooth, mathematically precise curves that are easy to edit.

The Patch tools allow you to set a Z value for each control point on a geometry.

Patch modeling is useful for designing smooth, free-form surfaces like curved roofs, podium decks, and sculpted landforms that don't fit standard flat or pitched geometry. Think barrel vaults, saddle roofs, canopies, or sloped green roofs — shapes where a few control points can define a precise, architect-quality form useful for massing and area calculations.

Use the command line to draw patch, or add the Patch Mode and Patch Offsets properties to a selected geometry.

Select the Patch Mode:

Open the patch offsets by clicking the "Edit #" button

A mini menu opens, with a number spinner for each control point.

Input a value for each point. The point being edited is highlighted in blue on the map canvas.

To return all points to the ground plane, click "zero all"

Loft is a special mode, similar to patch, except a central spine controls the shape by offsetting the spine to a set height.

Create a simple pitched roof.

Select geometry (note, rectilinear shapes work best)

Select Loft from More Tools or "Make Roof" from Command Line.

Adjust the height in properties

Adjust the ridge location on the canvas

Ramp, similar to Loft, is a special mode that places a spine at a height at one end of a geometry.

Create a simple ramp.

Open Command Line

Search "ramp" and select "Draw Ramp"

Click to draw a rectangle.

Adjust the height in the properties palette.