When creating a dormer using the dormer tool, the Dormer defaults dialog displays, letting you configure the dormer parameters before insertion.
This article covers the parameters available for Gable and Hip dormers specifically.
🧾 Dialog Display Modes
The Dormer dialog has two display modes:
Full display - Shows all parameters
Simple display - Hides less commonly used functions
Use the [More] and [Less] buttons to toggle between modes. This provides a cleaner interface for first-time users while keeping advanced options available when needed.
Note: the graphic helps you understand what each setting changes on the dormer to be inserted.
More:
Less:
🔧 Dormer Configuration Parameters
Parameter | Description |
Type of Dormer | The style of the dormer: |
Pitch | The pitch of the dormer planes |
Distance to Dormer Centre/Distance to Edge | Toggle between measuring distance along the eave to the center line/ridge of the dormer, OR distance to the eave edge of the dormer (with width measuring from this edge) |
Setback from Eave | The distance from the eave to the face of the dormer |
Dormer Width | The width of the opening in the roof for the dormer |
Side Length/Height Above Eave | Toggle between the length of the straight projection of the dormer, OR height of Dormer Gutter (to fix dormer by relative height to the eave line) |
🔧 Gable Dormer Specific Settings
Parameter | Description |
Front Overhang | The overhang of the gable end |
Side Overhang | The eave overhang on the sides |
Gap Width | The width of the gap created from the face of the gable to the eave (or distance from eave based on Gap Offset) |
Gap Offset to Eave Gap | The distance from the eave to the gap |
Side Style | The style for the eaves of the gable dormer: "Both horizontal" (default), "Project left", "Project right", or "Project both" |
🔧 Material and Display Options
Parameter | Description |
Dormer Material | The material category to apply to dormer planes: Metal, Tile, Shingle, Low Slope etc. |
Eave Type | Select the eave type: Fascia and Gutter, Gutter Only, Fascia Only, or None |
Draw Side Walls? | Yes: draws front and sides of the dormer. No: sides not drawn (useful when dormer projects past eave line) |
🔧 Hip Insertion Options
Parameter | Description |
Insert at Apex | Insert at apex of hips or at a position along a hip |
Insert along Hip | Insert a dormer along a hip like a flying gable |
At Apex:
Along Hip:
🔧 Preview Function
Use the Preview button to preview the dormer insertion before committing to insert it. This allows you to check the appearance and positioning before finalising the dormer placement.
💡 Typical Hip Dormer Example
A typical hip dormer creates a projecting window structure with sloped sides that match the main roof pitch, providing natural light while maintaining the roof's aesthetic continuity.
You would use this approach to create gables on hips much like the Modify Roof > Flying-Gable command.