Menu path
Modify Roof > Dormer > Insert Along Hip
What it does
The Insert Along Hip function allows you to create dormers positioned at specific locations along hip roof lines. This tool gives you precise control over dormer placement by setting distances from the eave and hip apex, making it ideal for creating symmetrical dormer arrangements or placing dormers at exact positions required by your design.
This approach is similar to the Mod-Roof > Flying-Gable command but specifically designed for creating gables that intersect with hip lines rather than the main roof structure.
How to use it
Navigate to Modify Roof > Dormer > Insert Along Hip
Click the Insert Along Hip button
When prompted, click on the hip line where you want to place the dormer
Enter the distance from the eave to the face of the dormer gable - this controls how far up the hip the dormer will be positioned
Enter the distance from the top of the hip to the ridge intersection with the dormer - this controls the dormer's height and ridge position
Click OK to confirm your measurements
The Dormer Defaults dialog box will appear, allowing you to adjust additional dormer parameters
Make any required changes to the dormer settings in the dialog box
Click OK to create the dormer
🧾 Understanding the measurements
Distance from eave to dormer face: This measurement determines how far along the hip line (measured from the eave) the dormer will be positioned. A shorter distance places the dormer closer to the eave, while a longer distance moves it up toward the hip apex.
Distance from hip top to ridge intersection: This measurement controls where the dormer's ridge line intersects with the hip line, effectively determining the dormer's height and proportions.
🔧 Dormer Defaults dialog
Once you've set the initial positioning measurements, the Dormer Defaults dialog box provides additional options for customising your dormer. Any changes made in this dialog assume that the ridge apex of the dormer remains in its fixed position based on your initial measurements.
💡 When to use Insert Along Hip
Use this function when you need to:
Create dormers at specific measured positions along hip lines
Ensure precise dormer placement for architectural drawings
Create multiple dormers with consistent spacing along hip roof sections
Place dormers where hip lines meet other roof planes
⚠️ Important notes
The fixing parameters in the Dormer Defaults dialog work differently after using Insert Along Hip - they assume the ridge apex position is fixed based on your initial distance measurements. This ensures your precisely positioned dormer maintains its intended location.