Regular Polygon
Draw equilateral polygons. Click to set the center, move to set the size, click to finish.
Regular PolygonThe Regular Polygon tool draws equal-sided, equal-angled shapes from a center point outward. Set between 3 and 64 sides to create anything from a triangle to a near-circle. The tool sidebar lets you type exact values for the center position, radius, and side count, while the canvas updates in real time as you draw. Use it for gazebo and pavilion footprints, formal garden bed layouts, decorative paving motifs, and any other design element that calls for perfect geometric symmetry.
Activate the Regular Polygon tool
Select the Regular Polygon tool from the left toolbar in the 2D editor — it shows a hexagon icon. The tool sidebar opens on the right, displaying the Center, Radius, and Sides fields. The default is a 6-sided hexagon with inscribed mode enabled.
Set the side count before drawing
Type a number into the Sides field in the sidebar to choose how many sides your polygon will have. The minimum is 3 (triangle) and the maximum is 64. Setting this before you click the canvas means your first click immediately draws the shape you want.
Place the center point
Click once on the canvas to place the center of the polygon. If snap is enabled, the center will snap to nearby entity corners, midpoints, or the grid. You can also type exact X and Y coordinates into the Center field in the sidebar for precise placement.
Set the size and rotation
Move the cursor away from the center — the polygon previews in real time, growing or rotating as you move. The distance from center to cursor sets the Radius (the distance from center to a vertex). Move the cursor in a straight line outward to keep the polygon level, or angle it to rotate the shape. You can also type a value directly into the Radius field.
Adjust sides on the fly with + and -
While the polygon is in preview (after placing the center but before completing), press + to add a side or - to remove one. This is faster than returning to the sidebar when you want to compare different side counts. The shape updates immediately with each keypress.
Complete or cancel the shape
Click a second time to confirm and place the polygon on the canvas, or press Escape to cancel without creating anything. Alternatively, drag from the center and release in one continuous motion — drag-release works the same as click-click.
Toggle inscribed mode
Check or uncheck the Inscribed (vertices touch radius circle) option in the sidebar to switch between two sizing conventions. With inscribed mode on, the polygon's corners land exactly on the radius circle. With it off (circumscribed), the midpoints of the sides land on the circle instead, making the shape slightly larger for the same radius value.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| + | Increase number of sides |
| - | Decrease number of sides |
| Escape | Cancel drawing |
Hexagons (6 sides) and octagons (8 sides) are the classic shapes for gazebo and pavilion foundations. Draw the polygon first to lock in the footprint, then use the Hardscape wizard to convert it into a full 3D structure.
Hexagonal pavers tile perfectly in a honeycomb pattern with no gaps. Draw a single hexagon at the exact paver size, then use the Array (Rectangular) or Array (Radial) tool to repeat it across the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between inscribed and circumscribed mode?
Inscribed means the polygon's vertices (corners) sit exactly on the radius circle — the circle passes through the points. Circumscribed means the polygon's edges are tangent to the radius circle — the circle passes through the midpoints of the sides. For the same radius value, circumscribed mode produces a slightly larger polygon. Use inscribed when you want the outer corners to hit a precise boundary, and circumscribed when you want the flat sides to align with a boundary.
How do I change the number of sides after I have already placed the shape?
The + and - shortcut keys only work while you are actively drawing (between the first click and the second). Once the shape is placed, select it with the Select tool and use the Path Edit tool to modify individual vertices, or delete it and redraw with the correct side count.
Why is my polygon rotated at an unexpected angle?
The rotation is determined by the direction you move the cursor after placing the center — the first vertex points toward the cursor. Move the cursor straight up, down, left, or right for a neatly aligned shape. If you need a specific rotation angle after placement, select the shape and use the Rotate tool or type an angle in the inspector.
Can I type in the exact radius value instead of dragging?
Yes. After placing the center point on the canvas, type the desired radius directly into the Radius field in the sidebar. The canvas preview updates immediately. Then click on the canvas to confirm the shape, or press Enter if the field is focused.
What is the maximum and minimum number of sides?
The Sides field accepts values from 3 (equilateral triangle) to 64. With 64 sides, the polygon is visually indistinguishable from a circle and works well as a high-fidelity circular placeholder before switching to the Circle tool.