In this article we’ll show you:
Which components can be split and what the restrictions are
How to prepare a component and display it in isolation
How to set and save a cut
How to align the cut precisely (axes, angle, distance, point selection)
How to edit or delete cuts
Video: Splitting objects [translated with AI]
Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction & preparing the component
0:46 – Setting and aligning a cut
2:00 – Alignment options (axis, angle, distance, point selection)
5:20 – Naming, saving & planning split components
6:13 – Restriction: Completed components
7:09 – Editing or deleting a cut
Step-by-step guide
1. Prerequisites: Which Components Can Be Split?
Components can be split as long as they are not completed. This includes unscheduled, already scheduled, or delayed components.
Important: Completed components can no longer be split. In an older version of specter, any component with an existing status could not be split at all – this has since been expanded. The restriction now applies only to completed components.
Overview of splitability by status:
Status | Splittable? |
Unscheduled | ✅ Yes |
Scheduled | ✅ Yes |
Delayed | ✅ Yes |
Completed | ❌ No |
2. Preparing the Component
To set the cut precisely, it's recommended to isolate the component and optionally show the axes.
Isolating the component:
Select the component in the model.
Right-click → Show selected objects only.
This lets you focus on the component in context, making it easier to orient yourself.
Showing axes (optional):
Click the Axes function in the toolbar below the model.
Choose whether the axes should be displayed above or below the component.
3. Setting a Cut
Open the Split function in the toolbar below the model.
Left-click on the desired position on the component.
Arrows will appear (left, right, top, bottom) to reposition the cut.
Align the cut precisely – the available alignment options are described in the next section.
Give the cut a name and save it.
The component is now divided into multiple sections, each of which can be selected and planned independently.
Any existing cuts are shown in an overview panel in the top right.
4. Aligning the Cut Precisely
After setting the cut, several alignment options are available in the right-hand panel:
Split at Axis
Activate the Split at axis function in the right panel.
The axes in the model become clickable.
Click directly on the desired axis – the cut snaps exactly to that position.
Adjusting the Cut Angle
Manually: Enter the desired angle as a number (e.g.
90for a 90° cut) and confirm with Enter.Via rotation: Rotate the cut visually using the rotation tool – useful when you can't specify the exact angle numerically but can align it visually.
90° button: A dedicated button allows for a quick 90° rotation.
Horizontal / Vertical: Two buttons let you align the cut directly horizontally or vertically without entering an angle manually.
Distance from Reference Point
If you don't want to snap to an axis but need to maintain a defined distance from a specific point:
Set a reference point (e.g. on an axis).
Enter the desired distance in meters.
The cut will be aligned relative to the reference point accordingly.
Point Selection (Start and End Point)
For non-linear components or highly individual cuts:
Define a start point.
Define an end point.
The cut will be aligned along these two points – useful for trapezoidal shapes or when you want to start directly at a specific edge.
5. Editing or Deleting a Cut
If you want to adjust or remove a cut after saving:
Open the Split function again.
Select the cut in the overview panel (top right).
Use the edit function to reposition the cut or adjust the angle.
Or delete the cut entirely.
Note: Editing or deleting a cut is only possible as long as the affected component has not yet been completed.
Summary
The Split function allows you to flexibly divide components into smaller sections – even after they have already been scheduled. The extended alignment options (axes, angle, distance, point selection) give you precise control over every cut. Completed components are the only exception and can no longer be split.