Boolean operations in Snaptrude allow you to manipulate space volumes—helping you refine spatial layouts, develop conceptual massing, and improve the realism of your models. Whether you’re combining rooms into an open-plan office or carving out atriums, Boolean tools unlock powerful ways to shape your design.
Overview of Boolean Operations
Snaptrude offers five types of Boolean operations:
Union – Combine two or more spaces into a single volume.
Difference – Subtract one space from another.
Trim – Cut a space using another overlapping space.
Split – Divide a space or volume into parts.
Intersect – Create a new shape from the overlapping volume of two spaces.
Each operation is primarily used with space-type objects, and properties (like department, labels, etc.) may not be retained after certain operations.
1. Union
Combine multiple program spaces (e.g., several offices) into a large open-plan space. Or create a massing block from scattered space elements. (Note that the final label will be taken from the largest space or department in the selection.)
Select all the spaces you want to convert to a single block and select the 'Union' option from the object properties panel.
Particularly useful to get an overall footprint of the spaces
2. Difference
To create recessed entrances or voids in volumes.
Select all the spaces you want voids created from, then click on the 'Difference' option under Boolean from the object properties panel
Note that the selection order matters—the space you want to subtract from should be selected first.
3. Trim
Carve out spaces or departments from overlapping ones to create recessed areas within larger volumes.
For Eg.: Use Trim to create corridors/lobbies for circulation. Or use to cut out core spaces
Note: Always select the space you want to cut from first.
4. Split
Divide buildings vertically into separate parts to create nested rooms or subzones.
Properties are currently not retained for the new space created post-split.
For instance, split landscape zones with walkways or building envelopes.
5. Intersect
Use to isolate the overlapping portion of two spaces. Properties will not be retained for the new space created.
Only works with space-type objects.
Additional Notes
Duplicate spaces before using Boolean tools—this lets you preserve original data.
For better results in design studies, use 3D view to visualize the impact of Boolean operations.
Some operations may not retain metadata such as labels, departments, or tags. Reassign them manually after using the tool if needed.