Any way of "subtracting" graphics rather than adding?

[randmor]

The BeetleBlocks methods for doing graphics all seem to be additive. I was wondering if there were any subtractive functions that we could use to, say eat a circular (or square) hole into a "side wall" of a box drawing so we could later place components like LEDs, switches and connectors through these holes in the side wall of the printed box? Any suggestions?

Other software like TinkerCAD has the idea of "solids" and "holes". Perhaps some color could
be designated as a "hole" and in the drawing appear clear and in the .STL file be non-existent.

[ericrosenbaum]

Hi- we have a way of subtracting geometry that is basically hidden because it is experimental (i.e. runs slowly, and has bugs), but you are welcome to try it!

Just make a cube, cuboid or sphere with a negative size (such as "cube -5"), and it will cut away shapes it intersects with. Only some shapes can be cut in this way.

Good luck!

[welfringer]

Hi, thank you for this post, it came in handy

So let me +1 the @randmor's request!
Hopefully this will get it improved and made into a full feature
- It would be great if this could be used with any shape, in particular tubes and text.
- And it would be nice if it could punch holes into everything!

But I'll take the existing experimental version, thank you, it's very useful already!