REVOLVE command in AutoCAD - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The REVOLVE command in AutoCAD helps you create 3D shapes by spinning a 2D profile around an axis. This is useful when you want to make objects like bottles, vases, or wheels from flat drawings.

When you have a flat shape and want to create a round 3D object like a cup or a pipe.

When designing mechanical parts that are symmetrical around a center line, such as gears or pulleys.

When you want to quickly turn a 2D outline into a 3D solid without drawing every detail.

When modeling objects like lampshades or bowls that have a circular shape.

When you need to create a smooth curved surface by rotating a profile.

Steps

Step 1: Type REVOLVE and press Enter

- Command line

AutoCAD prompts you to select the object to revolve

💡 Make sure your 2D profile is a closed shape for a solid result

Step 2: Select the 2D profile you want to revolve

- Drawing area

AutoCAD highlights the selected profile and asks for the axis start point

Step 3: Click to specify the start point of the axis

- Drawing area

AutoCAD prompts for the end point of the axis

Step 4: Click to specify the end point of the axis

- Drawing area

AutoCAD asks for the angle of revolution

Step 5: Type 360 and press Enter

- Command line

AutoCAD creates a full 3D solid by revolving the profile around the axis

Before vs After

Before

A flat 2D closed profile like a half-circle on the drawing area

After

A smooth 3D solid object shaped like a sphere or cylinder created by revolving the profile

Settings Reference

Angle of revolution

📍 Command line prompt during REVOLVE

Controls how far the profile spins around the axis to form the 3D shape

Default: 360

Axis start point

📍 Drawing area during REVOLVE

Defines where the revolving axis begins

Default: User defined

Axis end point

📍 Drawing area during REVOLVE

Defines where the revolving axis ends

Default: User defined

Common Mistakes

Selecting an open 2D profile

The REVOLVE command requires a closed profile to create a solid; open profiles create surfaces or errors

Ensure the 2D profile is fully closed before using REVOLVE

Setting the axis points incorrectly

If the axis is not aligned properly, the shape will be distorted or not revolve as expected

Carefully pick the start and end points of the axis along the intended line of revolution

Entering an angle less than 360 without realizing

This creates a partial revolve, which might not be the desired full 3D shape

Use 360 degrees for a full revolve unless a partial shape is needed

Summary

The REVOLVE command turns a 2D profile into a 3D solid by spinning it around an axis.

You must select a closed 2D shape and define the axis start and end points.

Use a 360-degree angle for a full 3D object unless a partial revolve is needed.

Practice

1.

What does the REVOLVE command do in AutoCAD?

easy

A. It changes the color of a 2D shape.

B. It copies objects to multiple locations.

C. It creates a 3D object by spinning a 2D shape around an axis.

D. It flattens 3D objects into 2D drawings.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of REVOLVE

   The REVOLVE command spins a 2D shape around an axis to create a 3D object.

2. Step 2: Compare options

   "It creates a 3D object by spinning a 2D shape around an axis." is the only description that matches REVOLVE; others describe unrelated actions.

3. Final Answer:

   It creates a 3D object by spinning a 2D shape around an axis. -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   REVOLVE = 3D spin [OK]

Hint: REVOLVE spins 2D shapes into 3D objects [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing REVOLVE with COPY command
• Thinking REVOLVE changes colors
• Assuming REVOLVE flattens objects

2.

Which of the following is the correct basic syntax to start the REVOLVE command in AutoCAD?

easy

A. Type REVOLVE3D and press Enter.

B. Type REVOLVE and press Enter.

C. Type REVOLV and press Enter.

D. Type REV and press Enter.

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall the exact command name

   The correct command to start revolve is REVOLVE.

2. Step 2: Check options for exact match

   Only "Type REVOLVE and press Enter." matches the exact command name; others are incorrect or incomplete.

3. Final Answer:

   Type REVOLVE and press Enter. -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Command name = REVOLVE [OK]

Hint: Type full command REVOLVE to avoid errors [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Typing incomplete command names
• Adding extra characters to command
• Using abbreviations not recognized

3.

Given a 2D semicircle with radius 5 units, if you use the REVOLVE command to spin it 360 degrees around its straight edge, what 3D shape will you get?

medium

A. A sphere with radius 5 units.

B. A cylinder with height 5 units.

C. A cone with base radius 5 units.

D. A torus (donut shape).

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the shape and axis

   Revolving a semicircle around its straight edge spins the curve fully, creating a sphere.

2. Step 2: Match shape to options

   A full revolution of a semicircle creates a sphere, not cylinder, cone, or torus.

3. Final Answer:

   A sphere with radius 5 units. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Semicircle revolve 360° = Sphere [OK]

Hint: Revolve semicircle fully = sphere [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing cylinder with sphere
• Thinking partial revolve creates cone
• Assuming torus needs semicircle

4.

What is wrong with this use of the REVOLVE command?
REVOLVE a 2D line around an axis to create a 3D object.

medium

A. You must specify the angle as 180 degrees or less.

B. The axis must be a circle, not a line.

C. REVOLVE only works on closed 2D shapes.

D. A single line cannot be revolved to create a solid 3D object.

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze the shape type

   A single 2D line has no area, so revolving it creates only a surface, not a solid.

2. Step 2: Check axis and angle requirements

   The axis can be any line; REVOLVE works on open or closed shapes; angle can be any value.

3. Final Answer:

   A single line cannot be revolved to create a solid 3D object. -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Line revolve ≠ solid [OK]

Hint: Revolve needs area, not just a line [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking axis must be circle
• Believing REVOLVE needs closed shapes only
• Assuming angle limit is 180 degrees

5.

You want to create a vase shape by revolving a 2D profile. The profile is an open curve with a base line and a curved outline. Which steps should you follow to get a smooth 3D vase using the REVOLVE command?

hard

A. Select the open profile, specify the base line as axis, and revolve 360 degrees.

B. Close the profile shape, select it, specify any axis, and revolve 180 degrees.

C. Select only the curved outline, specify the base line as axis, and revolve 90 degrees.

D. Use the base line as axis, revolve 360 degrees, then extrude the shape.

Solution

1. Step 1: Prepare the profile and axis

   Use the open profile including base line; base line is the axis for revolve.

2. Step 2: Apply revolve with full rotation

   Revolve 360 degrees around base line to create smooth vase shape.

3. Final Answer:

   Select the open profile, specify the base line as axis, and revolve 360 degrees. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Open profile + base line axis + 360° revolve = vase [OK]

Hint: Revolve open profile 360° around base line for vase [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Not using full 360 degrees revolve
• Revolving only curved outline without base line
• Trying to extrude after revolve unnecessarily