# Allow variables to control move operations

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/allow-variables-to-control-move-operations/38135>\
**Category:** Feature requests\
**Created:** [May 27, 2025, 11:28am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/allow-variables-to-control-move-operations/38135 "2025-05-27T11:28:05Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 7\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![BatteriesIncluded](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@BatteriesIncluded](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/BatteriesIncluded)\
**Post date:** [May 27, 2025, 11:28am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/allow-variables-to-control-move-operations/38135/1 "2025-05-27T11:28:05Z")

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**The problem that this feature will solve:**  
Let me arrange objects whose size is defined by variables. Currently a move requires a simple number as a distance, variables cannot be used.

I am trying to align an object generated by a linear pattern (repeat count and separation controlled by variables) with a tool to cut off excess material. The move required to center my generated pattern back around the origin needs a distance that depends on the two variables that control the linear pattern.

I am sure there are many other applications for wanting to control moves with variables now the size of objects are controllable in this way.

**Brief description of the outcomes that you expect from this feature:**  
Moves become an operation that can be controlled by variables.

**What can’t you achieve without this feature?**  
Work consistently on the origin. I suspect there may be a work around involving constructing the cutting tool out at some paramaterisable point in 3d space.

_Is this a workflow blocker for you? Is this why you can’t use Shapr3D for work? Is this slowing you down?_  
The workaround will add complexity in dimensioning vs working symmetrically around the origin.

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**Author:** ![GroMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/4491bb/32.png) [@GroMark](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/GroMark)\
**Post date:** [May 27, 2025, 2:01pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/allow-variables-to-control-move-operations/38135/2 "2025-05-27T14:01:49Z")

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Yep, absolutely needed, and to be honest, I don‘t see the point as to why not make this

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**Author:** ![jean-philippe2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/jean-philippe2/32/27353_2.png) [@jean-philippe2](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/jean-philippe2)\
**Post date:** [May 27, 2025, 4:39pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/allow-variables-to-control-move-operations/38135/3 "2025-05-27T16:39:04Z")

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Hi,  
Currently, Shapr3d does not take into account variables with the Pattern (Linear or Circular) tool.  
To make up for this lack, I use another technique.  
1• I create the base with the Linear Pattern tool  
2• Bake the Pattern (delete the little square)  
3• Create a variable for the the size of shapes  
4• Create a variable for the space between shapes  
5• Option : Use these shapes along a path

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![GroMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/4491bb/32.png) [@GroMark](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/GroMark)\
**Post date:** [May 27, 2025, 4:49pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/allow-variables-to-control-move-operations/38135/4 "2025-05-27T16:49:22Z")

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Hi,

Seems like a good way to make up for the lack of this option, although I do not perfectly understand it. Would you mind creating a video of it?

Thanks!

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**Author:** ![jean-philippe2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/jean-philippe2/32/27353_2.png) [@jean-philippe2](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/jean-philippe2)\
**Post date:** [May 27, 2025, 5:06pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/allow-variables-to-control-move-operations/38135/5 "2025-05-27T17:06:53Z")

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Yes  
Here a screenshot with explanations.

 ![forum](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/8/8/889cc8846c3417a4728de582c3e7a5075dbff1e4.jpeg)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jean-philippe2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/jean-philippe2/32/27353_2.png) [@jean-philippe2](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/jean-philippe2)\
**Post date:** [May 27, 2025, 5:28pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/allow-variables-to-control-move-operations/38135/6 "2025-05-27T17:28:28Z")

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If you are interested in this kind of work, you can access to my files in the Team created for this purpose.  
I only need your email address to invite you. It’s open to all and it’s free of course.  
But be careful, Shapr3d Help says this:  
_The free Contributor role is only available with a company email address._  
Thanks !

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![kabocha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f04885/32.png) [@kabocha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/kabocha)\
**Post date:** [May 27, 2025, 5:43pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/allow-variables-to-control-move-operations/38135/7 "2025-05-27T17:43:11Z")

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This is actually a simple feature request, using constraints can over complicate things for that simple request.

[![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/e/9/e963b6e50a1542a75261a4d207c7bd0bd17ef7a1.jpeg "Equation Support For Move-Copy Bodies in SOLIDWORKS 2023") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7MrzCDRc2o)