Switch Between 2D and 3D
Some analysis types in deFlex can run in either two-dimensional or three-dimensional mode. A dimension toggle in the primary bar lets you switch between them.
Where to find it
The dimension toggle is a button in the primary bar (the top toolbar of the scene editor). It sits between the scene type label and the undo/redo buttons. The button displays the current mode -- 2D or 3D -- in bold text.
Click the button to open a small dropdown with two options. A check mark indicates the active mode. Select the other option to switch.
Supported analysis types
The dimension toggle appears only for analysis types that support both modes:
| Analysis type | 2D / 3D |
|---|---|
| Compliant Mechanism | Both |
| Decoupled Flexure | Both |
| Flexure | No toggle (single mode only) |
If you do not see the toggle, your scene's analysis type does not support dimension switching.
What changes when you switch
Switching dimensions updates the scene immediately (optimistic update):
- Viewport and solver configuration -- the editor switches to the viewport and solver settings appropriate for the selected dimensionality.
- Analysis type -- for Compliant Mechanism scenes, the analysis type switches between the 2D and 3D compliant mechanism formulations.
- Fixed sides default -- the fixed-sides parameter resets to the default for the target dimensionality. In 2D mode the default is "Left & Right". In 3D mode it defaults to none, since 3D boundary conditions are configured differently.
If the switch fails (e.g., due to a network error), all changes are reverted automatically and an error toast appears.
Read-only scenes
The dimension toggle is visible but disabled when viewing a scene you do not own (shared or community scenes). You can see the current mode but cannot change it.
Related pages
- Create a Scene -- choosing your analysis type and initial dimensionality.
- Undo and Redo