# How To Import a 2D Shape for a 3D Cutout

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/how-to-import-a-2d-shape-for-a-3d-cutout/25842>\
**Category:** Modeling Questions\
**Created:** [May 16, 2023, 6:34am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/how-to-import-a-2d-shape-for-a-3d-cutout/25842 "2023-05-16T06:34:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![gstanden](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/87869e/32.png) [@gstanden](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/gstanden)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2023, 6:34am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/how-to-import-a-2d-shape-for-a-3d-cutout/25842/1 "2023-05-16T06:34:19Z")

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I have a cross-sectional 2D shape that I need to trace from an actual object and then import into Shapr3D so that I can cut a cross section in a Shapr3D cylinder that is the same size as this custom 2D cross-section. I attached the relevant section from the basic Shapr3D tutorial to illustrate what I need to do. In this case, my cutout needs to be based on an actual cutout to match a real surface that is not a simple rectangle but actually has rounded corners so I need to trace or scan that surface, then import it into Shapr3D then use it to cut into my cylinder. Thanks! Gil

 ![cross-sections](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/6/7/67717bf790767adb232f6a22a8d51e1a1b0839f9.jpeg)

[https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new](https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new)

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**Author:** ![KPeter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/kpeter/32/7644_2.png) [@KPeter](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/KPeter)\
**Post date:** [May 17, 2023, 7:13am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/how-to-import-a-2d-shape-for-a-3d-cutout/25842/2 "2023-05-17T07:13:51Z")

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One solution is to import the picture to the modeling space and create a sketch using it as a reference. In that case, if you have the shape in a 2D vector format, just import it as a DXF or DWG file to Shapr3D and you are ready to go!